Position Summary

The Conservation Specialist position is focused on helping to conserve natural resources on private and public land in Gladwin County. The Conservation Specialist is a key member of the Gladwin Conservation District’s conservation planning team.  

The Conservation Specialist provides technical assistance and education to both private landowners and public entities for the successful development and installation of conservation practices to conserve natural resources. The specialist evaluates natural resources (soil, water, animal, plant, and wildlife) and assists in conservation planning with specifications for conservation actions. The specialist serves as an information gateway to landowners, connecting them to the right resources for their needs.  Wildlife habitat conservation planning needs may also be addressed by this position.

The Conservation Specialist also works in the community and partners with district staff to provide environmental education to local schools, agencies, partners, and the public. 

Work is accomplished independently from, but may be coordinated with, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and using NRCS resources, technical standards, and specifications where appropriate.

Partial funding for this position comes from an EGLE Watershed Council Grant and the Conservation Specialist will be expected to meet requirements that pertain to the position within this grant. Work will often involve collaboration with other partner organizations.

Job Description

This position works both in the field and in the District office to:

• Develop plans to address natural resource needs such as managing water, preventing erosion, controlling sediment loss, improving wildlife habitat, managing stormwater, reducing pesticide and fertilizers usage, controlling/eradicating invasive species, and any other natural resource needs deemed appropriate.
• Conduct site visits with landowners, observe and record site conditions, capture the concerns expressed by these landowners, and provide science-backed solutions.
• Write grants and utilize other funding opportunities for water quality and conservation initiatives within the Cedar River Watershed.
• Identify priority points of nonpoint source pollution in Cedar River Watershed through surveying and inventorying, including conducting streambank erosion inventories utilizing EGLE approved methods.
• Coordinating with local government agencies and district partners on Cedar River Watershed issues and solution planning.
• Leading Cedar River Steering Committee meetings, prioritizing work in the watershed (utilizing the Cedar River Watershed Management Plan), and strategic planning with partners to accomplish work.
• Assist in local projects that promote outdoor recreation in Gladwin County.
• Provide technical information and support to local conservation efforts by teaching workshops, meeting with community groups and organizations, and presenting information to citizens.
• Partner with district staff to provide environmental education to local schools, agencies, partners, and the public.
• Assist in the Gladwin Conservation District Annual Spring and Fall Tree Sale
• The Conservation Specialist may, from time to time, help train and/or supervise technicians, volunteers, interns, or contractors as needed or assigned.

Field work will include working in and around such locations as rivers, streams and ponds; properties with dense vegetation or woodlands; and other areas with steep, slippery, muddy, rocky, or other hazardous terrain. The ability to navigate rough terrain and to work and drive in a variety of weather conditions is essential.

This position may require work outdoors related to workshops, tours, field days, and other District-sponsored programs and events. These events may occur during inclement weather.  

The Conservation Specialist will be required to travel to conferences, workshops, training sessions, and attend daytime and evening meetings that may be away from the office. Travel may occur outside the normal workday; these events may require overnight stays and may be as long as one week.  

The specialist shall perform all duties in a prudent and sensible manner, following established protocols that ensure safety.  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Maintain working knowledge of conservation practices applicable to farm and rural properties and have a strong understanding of local, state, and federal programs that can assist private landowners in addressing natural resource concerns on their property.

2. Demonstrate the ability to install, or direct installation of, conservation practices.  

3. Knowledge pertaining to the assistance of landowners in selecting conservation practices that comply with land use/zoning restrictions on land and water use for specific parcels.  

4. Strong project management skills; field and data management skills; the ability to work independently and as part of a team; and the ability to clearly communicate with District staff and project partners.

5. Ability to participate in meetings with District Staff, Board of Directors, and other partnering agency staff to coordinate work and prioritize where technical assistance will be provided.  

6. Ability to collaborate with other agencies/organizations to implement the District’s conservation objectives and strategies, and communicate with federal, state, and local agency personnel involved in similar work to coordinate work and avoid duplication.

7. Possess a working knowledge of all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and the ability to provide service without discrimination according to District policies.  

8. Willingness to participate in meetings with landowners or operators and agencies with jurisdiction over proposed activities to provide information and assist in resolving issues.  

9. Ability to assist in the development of annual reports, fact sheets, newsletters, fliers, guidebooks, podcasts and videos, etc. that promote and explain the District’s conservation objectives and strategies.

10. Skill in acting as District liaison or representative at meetings as directed by the Executive Director.  

11. Possess strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.

12. Demonstrate the ability to work independently, with flexibility and adaptability to provide technical leadership and responsibilities across a variety of land uses.  

13. Education or experience in natural resources outreach that includes working one-on-one, in group settings and/or public speaking is beneficial.  

14. Use a district computer for information entry and retrieval, correspondence, development of data spreadsheets, graphs, and maps, and conservation practice design is required. Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Working knowledge of ArcView and/or ArcGIS is helpful.  

15. Work effectively with people from other cultures.  

16. Possess high level of professionalism and the ability to provide superior customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in an agricultural or natural resources-based field of study AND two years of directly related conservation planning experience; OR,
• Five years of directly related conservation planning experience; OR,
• Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
• Proficiency using personal computer applications and programs is a must.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Sufficient mobility and ability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the physical functions of the job, in the office or in the field (see “Job Conditions” below).
• The ability to operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours, after dark, and during inclement weather. To carry out these assigned duties, a valid driver's license is required.

Job Conditions

This position works in the field and in the District office, and will include significant time working at a desk; using a computer; standing at a table; and using office equipment. Work will often occur outdoors related to site visits, workshops, and other District programs and events. These events may occur during inclement weather. The Conservation Specialist must be able to bend and lift at least 40 pounds.  

This position requires some travel to conferences, workshops, and events, as well as daytime and evening meetings outside the office.

General Information

The Gladwin County Conservation District is a local government entity, governed by an elected board of directors and supported through real property taxes, grants, and tree sales. District employees provide technical assistance and outreach to residents of Gladwin County to help them appropriately and responsibly use our renewable natural resources, including soil and water.   This position has been identified as a safety/security sensitive position. Therefore, the District requires satisfactory results for the following: degree verification, and investigation of criminal background, employment history, and driving record.

Compensation

This full-time, non-exempt position is classified by the District as a Conservation Specialist. The pay range is a salary of $40,000.00-$50,000.00, commensurate with experience, 401a retirement contribution up to 6%, paid vacation and sick days, mileage reimbursement when personal vehicle is used, parental leave (eligibility conditions apply).

Application Deadline

Application and associated materials must be received by the District by the close of business on September 30, 2025 at 4:30 pm. However, position will be filled ASAP based on qualifying applications received.

How to Apply

Please send a resume, cover letter, and college transcripts to Tristan Hewitt at Tristan.Hewitt@macd.org , or mail to 750 M-18, Gladwin, MI 48624.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gladwin Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against employees or job applicants on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation or sexual identity, age, national origin, height, weight, handicap or disability, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable state or federal laws.

Disclaimer

The District retains the right to modify compensation, benefits, and job duties for this position at any time.

Job Type

Full-time

Work Location  

In-person