Job Description

• Salary Range:   $40,000 – $50,000/yr, based on education and experience
• Hours:                40 hours/week, Mon-Fri, flexible
• Location:           Remote-based, no office provided
• Posting Date:    May 10, 2022
• Closing Date:    May 27, 2022 or when position filled

Position Description:  The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) is seeking qualified candidates for an innovative new position responsible for supporting key Farm Bill programs offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Massachusetts. The selected applicant will identify and assist potential customers with forestry and wildlife interests, helping them navigate the NRCS process to plan and implement approved “best management practices” on their properties. This position reports directly to the MACD Executive Director.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with customers with forestry and wildlife interests and help them apply to NRCS programs – particularly the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Once funded, help those customers secure contractors, permits, and any other assistance that will lead to timely implementation by providing support to those customers.
• Provide similar technical assistance for implementation of existing NRCS contracts.
• This work will involve collecting applications and other eligibility paperwork, facilitating needed permits, and conducting other follow-up status check-ins needed to make sure progress continues or address any delays with the NRCS planner assigned to the contract. This assistance is intended to continue from the beginning of the project to completion.
• Keep the local NRCS Field Office and other relevant agencies informed of activities and all potential applicants that they are working with so the applications can be processed in a timely manner and any needed contract modifications can be addressed.
• Provide technical assistance to Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) landowners/contract holders with wetland restoration permitting requirements as required by state and federal regulations to help with program restoration or implementation. The Farm Bill Implementation Specialist will work directly with NRCS state easement program staff in this process.
• Other program-related duties and activities as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in forestry and/or wildlife-related field, including relevant background environmental education
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in conservation-related activities, including outreach and technical assistance, particularly focused on forest and wildlife-related resource concerns
• Experience with NRCS and other state and federal agricultural conservation programs, including implementation of NRCS practices
• Must be comfortable interacting directly with forest owners, farmers, and other landowners
• Good communicator (verbal and written), with strong interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision
• Computer competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams
• Able to work from your own remote office
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and vehicle for in-state travel as needed

How to Apply

Job Categories: Conservation. Job Types: Full-Time. Job Tags: conservation, farm bill, implementation, and NRCS. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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