Conservation Planner

Job Title: Conservation Planner II
Location: Richfield, Utah

Job Description:
This position involves designing and implementing natural resource conservation projects in collaboration with landowners and local partners. You will guide landowners and local cooperators in securing funding for conservation improvement projects and may specialize in specific conservation programs. Responsibilities include training and directing entry-level staff. You will work closely with Federal Agencies, Conservation Districts, State Agencies, local landowners, and various stakeholders to plan and execute conservation projects that protect our natural resources and support agriculture. A key priority is preserving Utah's natural resources by promoting proper use, management, restoration, and protection. This role offers an opportunity to build a career in conservation and make a significant impact on the environment.

The Agency:
If you would like more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please

Responsibilities

• Learn from federal and state agencies the process of planning and preparing a project to be implemented on the ground.
• Write conservation plans for Conservation Districts and NRCS.
• Contribute as a member of an elite team of conservation specialists that understand how to work with the land and water to utilize the resources available.
• Build relationships with local land owners and agencies to better plan projects that support production agriculture.
• Implementation of soil and water conservation projects.
• Perform education and outreach on a variety of natural resource issues and solutions.
• Provides technical assistance to landowners in developing and revising conservation plans.
• Coordinates and/or acts as a liaison between agency or work unit and other agencies, work units, organizations, suppliers, etc. to implement best practices and stewardship measures to improve conservation efficiency, and resource effectiveness.
• Writes and reviews grants, contracts, agreements, Agriculture Resource Development Loans (ARDL), Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program(AgVIP).
• Work with Agriculture Water Optimization Program applicants.
• Coordinates with other agencies, local governments, and interested groups by attending meetings, making presentations, and providing technical assistance.
• Analyzes, summarizes, and reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and makes recommendations. Provides technical assistance at conservation improvement sites.
• Organizes and plans Education and Outreach events on natural resource issues and solutions.

Qualifications

• An understanding of natural resource issues, grant writing, water management and agricultural practices.
• Excel with interpersonal communication and team member contributions.
• The ability to understand the needs of local producers and work with them to find solutions to natural resource concerns.

• Preference may be given to local candidates and those with college degrees in agriculture or environmental sciences. All are encouraged to apply.

Supplemental Information

• Best qualified individuals for this job will have general knowledge and skills related to Agronomy, Soil Science, Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering, or other natural resource management skills and abilities.
• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g. working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc
• The work may require overnight travel.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle by being licensed as a driver by the division under this chapter.
• Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities.