Soil Health & Conservation Technician

Benton Soil & Water Conservation District; Foley (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Benton Soil & Water Conservation District seeks a Sustainable Farming Technician to provide technical assistance and outreach to landowners, farmers, and producers for sustainable farming and soil health practices.

Responsibilities include assessing land conditions, developing site-specific conservation plans, designing BMPs, and managing program documentation and community education initiatives to support conservation goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in agricultural science field or related natural resources field required.
• Associate's degree plus Certified Crop Advisor certificate may substitute for a bachelor's degree.
• Certified Conservation Planner certificate and other certifications may be required.
• Possessing a valid Minnesota Class D driver's license is essential.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Serve as local team advisor for the Benton County sustainable farming initiative.
• Develop partnerships with farmers and agribusiness leaders.
• Create strategies to integrate soil health practices and address barriers.
• Coordinate outreach activities such as soil health team meetings and field days.
• Conduct soil health assessments and develop conservation recommendations.
• Assist with administering and reporting for state and federal programs.
• Assist with conservation planning and installation of conservation projects.
• Prepare annual reports aligning fieldwork with data requirements.
• Support grant management and education/outreach initiatives.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Agricultural knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in agricultural science or natural resources

Associate's degree + Certified Crop Advisor (or capable within 5 years)

Certified Conservation Planner certificate

Minnesota Class D driver's license

Tools

ArcGIS

Microsoft PowerPoint

Outlook

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Benton Soil & Water Conservation District seeks a Sustainable Farming Technician to provide technical assistance and outreach to landowners, farmers, and producers for sustainable farming and soil health practices.

Responsibilities include assessing land conditions, developing site-specific conservation plans, designing BMPs, and managing program documentation and community education initiatives to support conservation goals.