Location: Lenawee County, Adrian, Michigan
Application Deadline: August 7, 2026
Starting Date: TBD

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), remote position serving the entirety of the Michigan portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) (including Lenawee County, and portions of Hillsdale, Monroe, and Washtenaw Counties). This position is funded through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) through March 2029, with the goal of obtaining continuing funding before that date.

The Lenawee Conservation District is a local unit of state government, assisting landowners with the conservation and management of their natural resources.

Position Objective:
The purpose of this position is to accelerate the voluntary adoption of conservation practices as part of a sustainable system in the WLEB through new and existing approaches, tools, and programs.

The Resource Specialist provides program outreach and technical assistance to private landowners in order to implement conservation practices funded through any Federal, State, Local, or private source available to help reduce sediment and nutrient loss in the WLEB.

This position will be required to work collaboratively with multiple State and Federal departments, and will be an employee of the Lenawee Conservation District.

Essential Duties:

Assist in planning and implementation of recommended agricultural best management practices (BMPs) as part of a sustainable system within the WLEB

• Proactively seek landowner participation in a sustainable system of resource management in the WLEB
• Work directly with landowners on planning and implementation of a system of practices that will reduce on-farm sediment as well as soluble and particulate nutrient loss from cropland fields, while recognizing value added practices such as carbon sequestration. Practices include:
  • Drainage water management, structures for water control, filter strips, blind inlets, and saturated and harvestable buffers
  • Soil erosion practices such as grass waterways, grade stabilization structures, water and sediment control basins
  • Agronomic practices such as cover crops, residue management practices, conservation rotations, nutrient management planning, addressing phosphorus and nitrogen management (4R’s)
• Lead the survey and design of engineered conservation practices, coordinate practice installation, and assure quality standards
• Develop a working knowledge of available conservation programs and provide support with Conservation Plan development, program applications, and practice implementation as directed by the District Manager
  • Maintain clear, accurate, and up to date records
  • Submit regular quarterly summaries
  • Participate in all required training sessions
  • Attend monthly board meetings when directed by the District Manager and provide a monthly report to the District Board Members
  • Assist with coordination of outreach and education activities
  • Participate in local field days
  • Assist with additional Lenawee Conservation District programs as necessary
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering, soil conservation or a related agricultural, environmental, or natural resources discipline such as agronomy, soil science, or forestry is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• A minimum of two years of experience in a natural resources or agricultural fieldwork position is preferred.
• Knowledge of installation and maintenance of conservation measures on public or privately-owned land
• Experience in interpreting aerial photos, soils, and lidar maps
• Field experience using tape measures, hand level, and surveying with grade rods is preferred
• Training in soil health, and conservation practices which improve soil health is preferred
• Experience in working with drainage water management, grass filter strips/buffers, grass waterways, water and sediment control basins, no-till management, and phosphorus management is preferred. Familiarity with NRCS practice standards is a plus.
• Excellent computer skills
• Exceptional organizational, time management, and written/verbal communication skills
• Ability to work cooperatively with other staff/entities
• Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions and terrain
• Ability to lift materials up to 50lbs
• Maintain a valid Michigan driver’s license with a safe driving record
• Have reliable personal vehicle. Mileage is compensated at the current Federal mileage rate
• Must pass a federal background check
• Preference for candidates who live in the WLEB

Compensation:

• Starting wage for this position is $28/hour commensurate with education and experience
• Potential for increase midway through grant period
• Mileage for personal vehicle use is reimbursed at the current federal mileage rate
• The District matches retirement contributions at the 3% level
• Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance coverage
• District covers $400/month for health insurance benefits available through the District (currently Blue Care Network of Michigan)
• NRCS holiday schedule (paid)
• Paid vacation/sick leave
• Work computer provided by the District

Working Conditions:

The Resource Specialist position is supervised by the District Manager of the Lenawee Conservation District.

• Annual completion of a work agreement and annual performance evaluations are required.
• Position is expected to work remotely, with occasional staff meetings at the Lenawee Conservation District office in Adrian, MI. Work hours are 8:00am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday, though this may vary slightly depending on meeting and construction schedules.
• Regular travel to farm locations within Michigan’s portion of the Western Lake Erie Basin, occasional travel to other out-of-county locations, and attendance at training events with overnight stays is required.