Agriculture Conservation Planner

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

AGRICULTURE CONSERVATION PLANNER
AUGUST 2026 POSTING

LOCATION: Frederick T. Mott Conservation Center Closing Date: When Filled
1679 S. Dupont Highway Salary: Commensurate to Experience

Dover, DE

This is not a merit position. This is a position with the Kent Conservation District.

The Kent Conservation District (KCD), a governmental subdivision of the State of Delaware, is seeking applicants for the
full-time position of Agriculture Conservation Planner responsible for performing technical/specialized work in educating
landowners on nutrient management, the need for effective crop management systems, identifying natural resource
concerns, and recommending best management practices (BMP). The incumbent assists with carrying out a coordinated
program of natural resource conservation between KCD and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural
Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS). The position is located at the home of the Kent Conservation District;
Frederick T. Mott Conservation Center, 1679 S. DuPont Highway, Dover, Delaware.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Makes initial contact with landowners regarding KCD and USDA-NRCS programs. Works closely with the

landowner and advises them on the installation and maintenance of highly tailored conservation systems.
Conducts a field-by-field review of the farm with the landowners. Advises on mixtures and similar considerations,
in keeping with the soil types and conditions of the land. Promote soil health and soil health management
practices.

• Performs Basic Soil Fertility Tests (BSF) and PreSidedress Nitrogen Tests (PSNT) for county farmers. The

incumbent takes soil samples, processes the tests, and reports the results to the landowner most of the time
within 24 hours.

• Selects standard designs and adapts the designs to fit the conditions present on the land. Assists in laying out

engineering practices and advises landowners and contractors during construction. Recommends acceptance to
the USDA-NRCS District Conservationist on all types of conservation practices including cost-sharing.

• Assists the landowner in developing plant nutrient management plans. The incumbent takes soil and manure

samples for analysis, interprets results, uses computer programs to determine fertilizer and manure applications
rates for various cropping systems based on realistic yield goals. Prepares materials for each producer for
cultural resource evaluations, wetland determinations, etc.

• Computer knowledge and software knowledge used for nutrient management and conservation planning is a

requirement. GIS program knowledge is also required.

• Educates agricultural producers and landowners on the various financial assistance programs available by the

District and NRCS. Programs include District conservation cost-share, EQIP, CSP, CRP, CREP, etc. Knowledge
of all these programs is required.

• Assists with KCD cost-share sign-up periods by meeting with the applicant, takes applications, and informing the

landowner of program rules and guidelines. This also includes the inspection of cover crops after planting and
destruction of the crop.

• Complete status reviews at the request of the USDA-NRCS District Conservationist.
• Maintains records and files with emphasis on documentation.
• Maintains accurate, clear, and comprehensive log of all phases of work.
• Attend meetings of the Kent Conservation District Board of Supervisors, interagency groups, public meetings, etc.

DESIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• BS in agriculture, environmental science, natural resources, or related field.

o Commensurate experience in any of these curricula will be considered.

• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, databases, and ArcGIS a plus.
• Willingness to become an ASA Certified Crop Advisor is preferred.
  

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Delaware Nutrient Management Certification must be obtained within one year.
• Possession of a valid Delaware Driver's License (not suspended, revoked, or cancelled, or disqualified from

BENEFITS
The Kent Conservation District offers a comprehensive benefit package including: 40.0 hour work week, paid vacation,
sick, and holiday days starting the first year. Pension and health insurance are also included in the benefits package.

TO APPLY, PLEASE EMAIL BOTH YOUR RESUME AND KCD APPLICATION (PDF or MSWORD) IN CONFIDENCE
TO: (The KCD Application may also be downloaded from the KCD Employment Opportunities website)
Alisa.Bentley@delaware.gov

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Kent Conservation District
Alisa Bentley, Administrative Coordinator
1679 S. Dupont Highway
Dover, DE 19901

Phone: 302-608-5370