Certified Conservation Planner

Location: DelAtlantic Conservation District, Mays Landing, NJ

Classification: Full-time

Qualifications:

NRCS Level 3 Certified Conservation Planner status (Certified Crop Advisor or NRCS Level 2 Conservation Planner status will be considered) Submit proof of certification and Job Approval Authority

Graduate of an accredited college with a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Natural Sciences, Resource Management, Environmental Studies or related areas of study.

A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required

Job Description:

This position is located at the DelAtlantic Conservation District (DACD) Office. DelAtlantic Conservation District works in cooperation with the New Jersey State Agriculture Development Committee (SADC) to provide technical and financial assistance to preserved farm landowners to encourage the implementation of conservation practices designed to address natural resource issues. The Planner is responsible for customer communication, conservation planning, program contracting, outreach and technical assistance under the direction of the Senior Ag. Conservationist.

Major duties include:

• Independently completes Resource Concern evaluations according to NRCS and SADC standards
• Independently develops Resource Management System (RMS) level Conservation Plans for preserved farms in accordance with NRCS and SADC standards
• Independently document and certify conservation practices for which Job Approval Authority is held
• Learn and understand SADC policies regulating financial assistance programs
• Assist other staff who lack Conservation Planner Certification
• Determines need and site location, survey and designs, stakes out and supervises installation of contracted conservation practices
• Communicate with team members, farmers, and private landowners in person, over the phone and through written communication
• Make initial contact with landowners and provide technical assistance in the layout, installation, and maintenance of conservation practices called for in plans and contracts
• Calculates soil loss and provides soil loss data for computation of water quality benefits. Reports number and acres of land benefited from planning and application of conservation practices.
• Applies a working knowledge of soil and water quality planning and designing to explain its purpose and intent, to answer questions, and to explain benefits of improved land use and water quality.
• Follows up in writing and by field visit on conservation practices, with landowners to encourage and arrange for proper maintenance and to schedule application of additional practices called for in contracts. Records the kind of technical assistance needed and when it is scheduled or when contact should be made to develop firm schedule. Notes changes in practice installation dates, items to be added or deleted, changes in farming operations, etc. Documents that all items previously applied are being properly maintained using accountability tools.
• Maintains records and assists in the preparation of reports on work planned and accomplished.
• Achieves/Maintains NRCS Level 3 Conservation Planner Certification by completing continuing education requirements
• Continue to earn Job Approval Authority for additional practices
• Offer input to Senior Ag. Conservationist for future program opportunities
• Serves as an incidental motor vehicle operator. This requires the operation of a motor vehicle on both public and private roads during daylight hours and occasionally after dark. A valid New Jersey driver’s license is required.
• Actively supports and participates in the safety and health program activities as required. Complies with all appropriate safety and health rules and regulations in the performance of assigned tasks.
• Actively supports the Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights Program and assures the delivery of agency programs and services are carried out in accordance with policy and procedures without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, or physical or mental handicap.
• Complies with and adheres to all Federal and State policies and policies of the DelAtlantic Soil Conservation District. The specialist will be supervised by the Senior Ag. Conservationist and the District Manager.
• Requires being able to work outdoors in most weather conditions and to be able to walk over uneven, soft, and/or wet ground. Occasionally lifting/moving equipment or materials up to 50lbs may be required.
• Other duties as assigned by Senior Ag. Conservationist and/or the DACD District Manager.