Soil Health Specialist/Agricultural Edu.

Job Requirements

The Soil Health Specialist/Agricultural Educator position’s primary programmatic focus will include:

• Crop production and management, including cropping systems, agriculture technology, integrated pest management, alternative crops, soil health, nutrient, and manure management.
• Promotion and evaluation of soil health conservation practices that sequester carbon/reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water quality, such as cover crops and no-till practices.
• Agricultural economics, agricultural entrepreneurism, farm sustainability, and agricultural risk management.
• Farm financial/business management.
• Dairy production and management.
• Non-dairy livestock production and management.
• Land use and environmental issues.
• Horticulture, tree and plant disease.
• Develop programs to provide information, education, and technical assistance to landowners regarding the use of conservation tillage systems and nutrient management practices.
• Conduct on-site visits with landowners to determine current cropping practices and provide technical assistance and guidance in adopting conservation and nutrient management practices.
• Develop cost-share agreements with landowners for nutrient management and other conservation practices.
• Ensures financial and administrative procedures are completed; maintains cost of agreements, amendments, cost-share calculations, funding /grant proposals, and project and cost certifications.
• Coordinate and distribute periodic agricultural newsletters, brochures, and flyers utilizing a variety of methods including websites and social media.
• Responsible for coordinating and administering informational and educational programs/training.
• Utilizes knowledge of local community and partners to identify needs and deliver relevant programming and services.
• Evaluates and report on programming effectiveness.
• Provide educational support for local agricultural, gardening, and conservation groups.
• Develops and assists agricultural and conservation groups with on-farm environmental and agronomic research.
• Deliver program services through farm visits, workshops, pasture walks, facility tours, or other appropriate methods.
• Create a work plan that identifies local audiences and describes primary programmatic focus needs and steps that will be implemented to address those focus needs.
• Maintain a variety of complex electronic and paper records and reports.

Other Experience and Qualifications

Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, citizens, community-based services, co-workers, and organizations.

Ability to determine and understand the various programs, agencies, and partners related to the purpose of this position.

Knowledge of conservation practices and agricultural practices include but not limited to cover crop species, planting, management, and termination.

Knowledge of proper planting techniques, no-till planter set-up, and planter calibration.

Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs.

Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings.

Application Instructions

To apply, complete required online application. Applications accepted until position filled.