Farm Bill Specialist

North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts

This job advertisement will be used to fill the 2 vacant Farm Bill Specialist positions, to be based out of multiple NRCS Conservation Team Areas. Positions located in but not limited to location preference.

Bowbells and Williston.

Description:

• Full-time positions available
• 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 8:00-4:30
• $24.04 per hour starting ($50,000 per year)
• Health insurance, retirement, paid federal holidays, vacation leave, sick leave.
• The Farm Bill Specialist(s) will work in a joint capacity with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the ND Association of Soil Conservation Districts (NDASCD), and its partners to promote, accelerate enrollment, coordinate, and implement the voluntary conservation provisions of the Federal Farm Bill, and other related state and local wildlife conservation programs.

Overview:

• This is a full-time, hourly position with benefits funded by the ND NRCS and NDASCD.
• The Farm Bill Specialist will work in NRCS offices to promote USDA conservation programs and provide both programmatic and biological technical assistance to private landowners interested in enrolling in these programs.
• The position is funded up to September 2027 but is expected to be longer term subject to appropriations.
• The incumbent will be an employee of the NDASCD and will receive supervision from the Association with daily instruction provided by the local USDA-NRCS staff. Successful applicant will receive required training from USDA, and participating organizations on priority conservation programs.

Duties:

• Provide programmatic and biological technical assistance for USDA conservation programs to private landowners, governmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
• Work closely with county USDA staff to ensure that USDA conservation programs are implemented on private land in a manner that maximizes the soil, water, waterfowl, and other wildlife benefits of the programs.
• Promote and encourage private landowners to participate in USDA conservation programs and conservation programs from other conservation organizations.
• Assist USDA and private landowners with applications, contracts, mapping, and other documentation required for participation in USDA conservation programs.
• Conduct site visits to determine eligibility for USDA conservation programs.
• Assist USDA with required monitoring of lands enrolled in USDA conservation programs to maximize conservation benefits.
• Assist with other duties, as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with landowners and partner agencies (verbally and written).
• Ability to work independently with little supervision and with diverse clientele while maintaining flexibility.
• Knowledge of agriculture, grassland management, wildlife, and wetlands and can utilize various habitat management tools in the development of management plans.
• Knowledge of conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, & local entities. In addition, knowledge of how these programs are implemented in an agricultural landscape is desired.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; some use of personal vehicle required (mileage reimbursement provided). Travel to outside counties as needed.
• Able to obtain USDA Federal Security Clearance.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Must be able to work on uneven terrain (field conditions).
• Computer experience preferred.
• Occasional overnight travel.

Minimum Education and Experience (Preferred but not required):

• 4-yr. Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture/agronomy, natural resources, zoology, wildlife management, range management or a closely related field.
• Any combination of education, experience and training that enables the applicant to possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Will substitute experience in related field requirements based on years of employment.