Soil Health & Conservation Field Specialist

Benton-Soil-and-Water-Conservation-Distric; Foley (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sustainable Farming Technician at Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance and outreach to landowners, farmers, and agricultural producers to promote sustainable farming and soil health practices. You will assess land conditions, develop site-specific conservation plans, and assist with designing and installing BMPs.

You will also administer federal, state, and local conservation programs, ensure project compliance, manage grant documentation, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in agricultural science or natural resources with agriculture experience.
• Associate’s degree plus Certified Crop Advisor; option to substitute for a bachelor’s degree within five years.
• Equivalent education/experience as deemed by District Manager.
• Certified Conservation Planner certificate and any required trainings.
• Minnesota Class D driver’s license required due to mobile field work.
• Excellent oral and written communication; comfortable presenting publicly.
• Proficiency in Excel and Word; knowledge of ArcGIS; PowerPoint and Outlook required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as local team advisor for the Benton County sustainable farming initiative and develop partnerships.
• Identify barriers to soil health practices and integrate soil health strategies.
• Coordinate outreach activities, field days, and farm trials with diverse stakeholders.
• Assist with conservation planning, designs, and installation of BMPs to improve soil health.
• Support Minnesota Agriculture Water Quality Certification program and related grants.
• Contribute to education/outreach initiatives and the District Tree Program.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences or natural resources

Associate’s degree plus Certified Crop Advisor certificate (within five years)

Certified Conservation Planner certificate

Minnesota Class D driver's license or higher

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

ArcGIS

Microsoft PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Sustainable Farming Technician at Benton County Soil and Water Conservation District provides technical assistance and outreach to landowners, farmers, and agricultural producers to promote sustainable farming and soil health practices. You will assess land conditions, develop site-specific conservation plans, and assist with designing and installing BMPs.

You will also administer federal, state, and local conservation programs, ensure project compliance, manage grant documentation, and