NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST I-II-III (WVDA/NRCS PARTERNSHIP POSITION)

About the role

The Nutrient Management Specialist I – II – III (WVDA/NRCS Partnership Position) is based in Lewisburg, WV at the USDA Service Center. This position reports to the Nutrient Management Specialist III and does not involve supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Assists with development of site-specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia.
• Collects soil and manure samples.
• Aids in the development of Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
• Aids agricultural producers with fertilizer and liming recommendations.
• Aids in tracking, verifying, and reporting agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Aids in addressing CAFO and other environmental issues.
• Aids in responding to animal disease outbreaks.
• Aids in public education and outreach efforts.
• Aids in preparing reports, publications, and news releases.
• Maintains producer confidentiality.
• Develops Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
• Writes Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 7,000 acres annually after first year of training.
• Helps manage the direction of the West Virginia Nutrient Management Program.

Requirements

• NMS Level 1: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources management, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or related natural resources fields required. One year of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields preferred. Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is preferred but not required prior to employment.
• NMS Level 2: Three years of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields. Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is required prior to employment in this position.
• NMS Level 3: Five years of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields. Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is required prior to employment in this position.