POSITION: Technical Assistance Provider II (TAP II) – Climate Smart/Regenerative Agriculture

STATUS: Full-Time / Benefited / Hourly / Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

DEPARTMENT: Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS)

LOCATION: 35 Main Street, Chico, CA

RECRUITMENT ID: 430

RESIDENCY: Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e., H-1B Visas).

GENERAL PURPOSE: The Center for Regenerative Agriculture and Resilient Systems (CRARS) advances the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture across California’s diverse production systems. Through state- and federally funded programs, our technical assistance provider (TAP) team partners directly with producers to design and implement conservation strategies that improve soil health, enhance farm viability, and ensure compliance with program requirements.

The TAP II is a field-based position responsible for delivering high-quality technical assistance and conservation planning throughout Northern California. This role is intended for an experienced conservation or crop advising professional and integrates on-farm advising, partner collaboration, and program implementation. A primary focus of the position is the development of Soil Health Management Plans (SHMPs) aligned with NRCS and state program standards.

This position plays a critical role in advancing regenerative agriculture and soil health initiatives by providing technical assistance, supporting outreach efforts, collecting and managing field data, and assisting with grant administration. The TAP II works with a diverse range of agricultural operations, from small-scale farms to large commercial operations and rangelands.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and implement SHMPs and related conservation plans in compliance with federal (NRCS) and state (CDFA) program requirements.
• Conduct on-farm assessments (soil, vegetation, infrastructure, and management) and provide direct high-quality technical assistance to producers.
• Communicate effectively with landowners and agricultural operators through site visits, meetings, phone calls, email, and written correspondence.
• Obtain and maintain certification as an NRCS Technical Service Provider (TSP).
• Coordinate with NRCS, CDFA, Resource Conservation Districts, and other partner organizations to support producer enrollment, conservation planning, and program delivery.
• Plan and support workshops, field days, trainings, and other outreach events.
• Provide technical expertise in soil health, nutrient management, carbon farm planning, integrated pest management, or other relevant areas.
• Support producers in the successful implementation of conservation practices.
• Verify and report on conservation practice implementation and outcomes in accordance with program requirements.
• Collect, manage, and organize producer data to ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Support grant reporting and compliance documentation.
• Oversee the use, maintenance, and safe operation of field equipment; assist with practice implementation (e.g., no-till drilling, cover cropping).
• Collect soil samples and prepare soil analysis reports in accordance with program requirements.
• Represent the organization at meetings, workshops, and site visits, as directed.
• Attend weekly meetings, including CRARS all-staff meetings and TAP team meetings.
• Participate in required program-specific meetings with NRCS, CDFA, and partner organizations.
• Support the CRARS Regenerative Agriculture TAP Course Series as needed (e.g., course coordination, grading, content development, and field activities).
• Mentor junior staff and interns.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, soil science, natural resources, agroecology, environmental science, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of regenerative agriculture and soil health principles, with the ability to communicate them effectively to diverse audiences.
• Experience in conservation planning and agricultural systems.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including direct experience working with producers or land managers.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently in a field-based environment.
• NRCS TSP certification (SHMP or related), or willingness to obtain it.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Reliable personal vehicle for travel to field sites and farms (mileage reimbursed).
• Ability to work independently in varying outdoor and field-based conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CCA or PCA certification strongly preferred.
• Experience developing SHMPs, Carbon Farm Plans, or similar conservation plans.
• Familiarity with NRCS and CDFA conservation programs and practice standards.
• Mechanical aptitude and comfort with equipment operation and maintenance.
• Hands-on experience operating agricultural equipment (e.g., tractors, no-till drills, roller crimpers), or strong willingness to learn.
• Proficiency with Geographic Information System tools (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).
• Experience with state and federal agricultural programs and cross-agency coordination.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and implement conservation practices with producers.
• Strong relationship management and one-on-one communication skills.
• Proficiency in data collection, management, and compliance reporting.
• Experience training or facilitating adult learners.
• Strong written communication skills, including grant writing and reporting.
• Excellent organizational skills, with strong attention to detail across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Technical expertise in one or more focus areas (e.g., soil health, nutrient management, carbon farm planning, IPM).
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills in dynamic, field-based environments.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS: This position involves a combination of office and field-based work in agricultural settings. Essential functions include, but are not limited to:

• Traveling to field sites and partner locations as needed.
• Performing work in outdoor environments under varying weather and terrain conditions.
• Navigating uneven ground during site visits on working agricultural lands.
• Operating a computer for extended periods (approximately 20+ hours per week).
• Safely operating a motor vehicle to access rural and remote project sites.
• Handling field equipment and materials, which may involve lifting and carrying items weighing up to approximately 40 lbs.
• Performing physical activities such as standing, walking, bending, and kneeling for extended periods during fieldwork.

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Candidate must be in possession of valid driver's license and automobile liability insurance. Participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (driving record) is required. The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.

BENEFITS:

Benefits for employees working 30 hours or more per week include employer paid life insurance ($50,000) and long-term disability; options for health, dental, and vision insurance; FSA; paid holidays including 1 personal holiday; vacation accrual (initially 10 days/year); sick leave (up to 12 days/year); employer contributions to a 403(b) retirement plan (up to 8%).