The High Desert Conservation District is only accepting applications through Indeed. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references.

START DATE: Preferred start is June, 2024

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by May 31, 2024 to receive full consideration.

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

The High Desert Conservation District (HDCD), a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, provides natural resources technical assistance to private landowners in Montezuma County. Our mission is to Plant Seeds of Inspiration to Promote Conscious Stewardship of our Natural Resources. We provide educational, financial, and technical assistance to meet these conservation goals. HDCD programming and staff are overseen by a volunteer Board of Supervisors.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The District Conservation Technician will work with HDCD and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) staff in natural resource project planning and implementation. This position will have a strong emphasis on soil health practices, site visits, planning, survey, design and workshop presentations for private landowners, but will also address other natural resource areas, including erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, forestry needs, and grazing management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Conduct technical assistance outreach and education to the various financial assistance programs available by the District and NRCS. Work with producers and landowners to make recommendations and facilitate applications for financial assistance through USDA Farm Bill programs (EQIP, CSP, AMA).
• Determines survey needs, conducts field surveys and plots data to create topographic maps, profiles and cross sections to be used in the design of conservation practices. Provides quality control services including layout and construction checks in order to ensure adherence to technical standards. Explains construction details to service center personnel, landowners and contractors.
• Evaluate and interpret soils in order to understand soil resources and how they contribute to agricultural production, natural resources, and implementation of soil health practices. Duties include testing soil conditions and developing conservation plans to address issues such as soil erosion, land conservation, nutrient management and inefficient water use.
• Participate in frequent trainings from the USDA NRCS State Office toward becoming a certified conservation planner; Participate in assigned training to learn the principles and skills necessary to identify and address resource concerns on agricultural land and develop conservation plans.
• Responsible for managing sales of weed barrier, rental of district equipment, and other products that may be offered by High Desert Conservation District. Responsible for routine maintenance of rental equipment.

Other Natural Resource Planning

• Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to identify and address resource concerns, including: erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, soil health, and grazing management.
• Work with landowners/producers to develop individualized conservation and management plans. This includes reviewing and/or developing designs, conducting field surveys, providing quality control services, and other related activities.
• Provide resources to landowners for financial assistance programs through the NRCS and HDCD.

Relationship to NRCS

Because of HDCD’s partnership with NRCS on this position, many aspects of the work described above occur within the context of NRCS planning processes and funding programs. Therefore, this position will also:

• Regularly communicate and attend relevant meetings with NRCS employees
• Complete conservation planning courses and trainings through NRCS
• Follow NRCS planning processes and fill out documentation to identify natural resource concerns, develop conservation plans and practices, conduct surveys for NEPA compliance, and assist landowners in applying for NRCS funding
• Utilize NRCS software such as Conservation Desktop and Protracts

These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the HDCD and NRCS.

NECESSARY SKILLS

Soft Skills

• Possess a genuine interest in the conservation of natural resources
• Work collaboratively with people and be a team player
• Highly organized and efficiently manage time, tasks, projects, computer files, etc.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
• Flexible to perform a variety of duties and adaptable to changing situations
• Excellent communication, both verbal and written
• Ability to build relationships with a diversity of individuals and community groups
• Problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and customer service skills
• Maintain a positive attitude, enjoy working with people, respect and tolerate different viewpoints and personalities
• Committed to safety, quality, and professionalism
• Assures that programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or physical or mental handicap.
• Discretion in maintaining confidentiality of business records

Hard Skills

• Possess a working knowledge of general ecological principles, resource management techniques, Southwestern Colorado ecosystems, and soils and soil health in the Western United States
• Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical information related to natural resources and the environment
• Technical writing – write effectively and efficiently on topics pertaining to natural resources
• Ability to develop and deliver visual presentations for a variety of groups
• Efficient in basic computer use, and able to learn new technology and software

Required Job Functions

• Work safely outdoors, alone and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions to complete required fieldwork; walk and hike over steep, uneven terrain all day; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in rural settings on- and off-road and willing to learn how to operate/maintain the seed drill and other equipment
• Employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for fieldwork during all seasons

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to pass a criminal background check
• Strong preference for a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering; or OR Five (5) years of professional experience in a field that includes working with soil health management, including owning or operating a farm or ranch
• Proficient in the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience working outdoors doing the duties described above
• Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
• Experience in the areas of regular or routine maintenance for Soil HealthEquipment including but not limited to: no-till drills, cover crop roller crimper, manure spreader and wood chipper.
• Able to work weekend or evening hours (after 6pm) 3-5 times per year

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience operating and maintaining equipment including: no-till seed drill, cover crop roller crimper, manure spreader, wood chipper
• Experience working with private landowners
• Experience working with NRCS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $47,300.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• CDL (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Cortez, CO 81321 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Cortez, CO 81321: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person