Position Summary:

This job posting is for an Environmental Field Technician for the Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District, whose primary focus will include the USDA, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), specifically assisting in Conservation Planning & Implementation project plans as well as the USDA NRCS Outreach Project, which serves to inform eligible producers about the federal funding opportunities available through USDA NRCS. The ideal candidate will be passionate about natural resources, flourish in a fast-paced and varied environment, and driven to deliver excellent customer service to participating landowners.
Workload may include assisting in the servicing and implementation of contracts with existing clients, assisting new clients with applications, and advertising programs to agricultural producers and the general public.

Applicants should have exceptional communication skills, enjoy working outdoors in various weather conditions, and must be open to learning new skills, receiving specific direction and able to work as an individual and as part of a team. Applicants should be comfortable communicating by both telephone and email. Extensive training will be provided to the selected applicant.

Selected individual will be required to complete a thorough federal contractor background check process and achieve Level 2 clearance.

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 Eastern, Northern and Southern parts of the state, and these Districts work intimately and cooperatively on statewide projects. Eastern is also a 501c3 organization. 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 is 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.

Responsibilities:

• Inform agricultural producers about the funding and assistance opportunities offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS).
• Provide one-on-one assistance to land managers applying for USDA NRCS programs, including property visits and assistance with federal paperwork.
• Provide technical assistance to landowners regarding their land’s natural resources.
• Assist the RI USDA NRCS field office by conducting conservation planning, certification, and implementation tasks in the office and in the field.
• Participate in outreach events such as farm tours, information sessions, and public events.
• Assist with other ERICD programs on an as-needed basis.
• Communicate with supervisors, partners, NRCS customers, and the general public by email, phone, and Microsoft Teams.
• Work collaboratively with coworkers and supervisors to ensure timely and professional service is delivered to all customers and potential customers.
• Participate actively in all required team meetings and trainings; seek other training opportunities as appropriate.
• Attend outreach events.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on farms or knowledge of agricultural operations.
• Experience in field settings.
• Expertise or experience working with pollinators or managing pollinator habitat.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office suite of products.
• Master’s degree preferred.

Educational Requirement(s):

A Bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants should have a background in environmental sciences (including agriculture, plant and soil science, natural resources, conservation, and/or field biology). Applicants who do not meet the educational requirements but still believe they could succeed in this position may be considered; please explain in your cover letter what makes you a good fit.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the ability to work outside in all weather conditions, walk through fields and forests over uneven ground, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. A $100 stipend for work boots will be provided.

Scope of Work

Actual work schedule may be negotiable, with 40 hours of work/week; daytime hours required, along with occasional evening and weekend availability. Regular work times & hours will be determined at start of employment. Mileage will be compensated at federal rates for field work. Some remote work is possible with supervisory approval. Valid driver’s license, a good driving record and reliable transportation a must.

Location of work:

Base location: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 60 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Field visits will be required throughout the state. Mileage will be reimbursed to/from site visit locations.

Supervisory Relationships: This position will report to the ERICD District Manager in partnership with the USDA NRCS District Conservationist for Eastern RI. Work assignments will be determined in partnership with both parties. Performance appraisal of this employee and decisions regarding salary and other compensation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment are the responsibility of the District Manager and Board of Directors, following the Conservation District Policy Handbook.

Compensation: Pay starts at $25.00/per hour, commensurate with experience. A $300/month QSEHRA health benefit is offered from date of hire. Paid time off (holiday, vacation and sick) and access to a Simple IRA with 3% employer match are available after a 90-day probationary period.

Position Status: Full time position. Grant funding has been secured for one year. Employment beyond one year is contingent upon additional grant funding. This is an at-will position.