Position Summary:

This job posting is for a Conservation Field Technician, whose primary focus will include the USDA Farm Bill, Conservation Planning & Implementation projects.

USDA Farm Bill, Conservation Planning & Implementation projects allow Districts to work directly with RI agricultural producers and woodlot owners to increase the installation and implementation of conservation best management practices. This includes conservation planning through field assessments and GIS evaluations, landowner conversations, contract development and plan management.

Applicants should have exceptional communication and writing skills, enjoy working outdoors throughout the entire year, and be able to work not only in a team setting, but also on their own while managing a self-monitored workload.

Educational Requirement(s):

Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Associate’s degree or equivalent experience may be acceptable. Applicants should have a strong background in environmental or agronomic sciences (including agriculture, plant and soil interactions, natural resources, conservation and/or field biology). The majority of tasks for this position rely on a basic understanding of soil properties, qualities and attributes. Preference may be given to applicants that illustrate this knowledge.

Applied experiences in field settings that include site assessments, planning or surveying is strongly preferred. Applicants must have a basic understanding of ArcGIS 10/ArcGIS Pro/Online. Computer literacy is a requirement and should include database management and word processing, including narrative and/or technical writing.

Scope of Work:

40 hours of work/week; daytime hours required, along with some weekend availability.  Regular working times & hours will be determined at start of employment.

Location of work:

The base location of work can be shared between the SRICD office located at 9 East Ave Unit F, Westerly, RI 02891 and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) field office at 60 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Some remote work is possible with supervisory approval. Field visits will be focused within Kent and Washington counties. Mileage will be reimbursed to/from site visit locations. Valid driver’s license, a good driving record and reliable transportation are a must.

Responsibilities:

• Field Tech will be expected to walk through woodlots and agricultural properties to observe and assess/evaluate natural resource concerns;
• Field Tech will respect natural resources, owners, and livestock;
• Field Tech will work to understand landowner goals / objectives for land use and utilize various tools to determine and plan appropriate conservation activities;
• Field Tech will be expected to utilize a GPS in the field, as well as produce necessary maps using ArcGIS systems;
• Field Tech will accept training on, and learn new software programs specific to assigned projects;
• Field Tech will be required to enter sensitive data into a federal database;
• Field Tech will work in cooperation with the District Manager, other technicians, and the Board of Directors;
• Field Tech will be expected to attend bimonthly employee meetings (2x/month) with the District Manager and USDA NRCS District Conservationists;
• Field Tech will be required to obtain a background check, and is required to obtain Level 2 Federal Clearance.
• Field Tech will be willing to provide any other duties necessary for the functioning and/or benefit of the Conservation Districts, i.e. representing the Districts at public events.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position is under the direct supervision of the District Manager, with workload status reported to the Project Manager. The position may also be supervised by the NRCS District Conservationist for coordination of daily work and client load when working with the NRCS Field Office.  

What are the Rhode Island Conservation Districts?

Rhode Island’s Conservation Districts are not for profit, quasi-public organizations that serve local communities, and work on various projects to ensure natural resource conservation and sustainability. Rhode Island has three Districts located in the Northern, Southern and Eastern parts of the state, and these Districts work intimately and cooperatively on statewide projects. Many of the projects that the Conservation Districts work on are in partnership with local governments, land trusts, conservation commissions, RI Department of Environmental Management and the US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Rhode Island’s Conservation Districts are governed by RI State Laws, and the work accomplished by the organizations are directed by locally elected boards of directors and associate directors. The mission of the Conservation Districts are to promote and achieve a healthy environment and sustainable use of natural resources for the people of the state of Rhode Island, now and for the future, by coordinating partners to provide technical, educational and financial resources.

Southern RI Conservation District is an equal-opportunity organization. Applicants of all racial, ethnic, religious, gender identities, disability, veteran, and marital statuses are strongly encouraged to apply.