Conservation Specialist

NEW Solutions • Bath, NY

12h • Onsite

About The Position

This non-federal, temporary enrollment opportunity is offered through the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program, a cooperative agreement funded by USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct technical support to farmers and landowners, helping implement conservation practices and supporting NRCS field-office capacity. The role is intended to free NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States and at least 55 years old, as stated for the program. The position is based in Bath and is budgeted for 30 hours per week at $21.50 per hour. Enrollment is temporary and at will; the opportunity does not guarantee employment for a definite period. On-the-job training and other annual training will be provided. Travel to field sites and occasionally to meetings is required; government vehicles will be provided as necessary and subject to availability. The enrollee may drive on public and private roads during daylight and occasionally after dark. NRCS will provide construction-safety training and monitor compliance with safety requirements. Required safety gear includes a hard hat, leather work shoes or equivalent, safety goggles or glasses, rubber boots, and a fluorescent orange traffic safety vest. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience in agriculture or natural resources, including implementation of conservation practices and knowledge of Farm Bill Programs, or a BA/BS degree in business management, natural resources, or a related field.
• Valid state driver's license.
• Experience with Windows, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Minimum age 55, as stated for this opportunity.
• Able to operate a motor vehicle on public and private roads during daylight and occasionally after dark.
• Meet applicable construction-safety requirements and use required safety gear; training will be provided.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with ArcGIS ArcPro (preferred).
• Familiarity with Conservation Desktop (as needed).

Responsibilities

• Assist the district conservationist in providing customers with technical assistance, engineering surveys, and Farm Bill Program delivery.
• Prepare basic conservation plans, compile information, and prepare maps to address natural resource concerns.
• Follow up with landowners on conservation plans to encourage and arrange proper maintenance of established conservation practices and schedule planned practices (40%).
• Assist with engineering surveys, designs, and layout of best management practices (30%).
• Conduct status reviews of planned practices (20%).
• Complete other annual trainings as assigned. (The listed duty percentages for follow-up, engineering assistance, and status reviews total 90%.)

Benefits

• Accrued vacation and sick leave.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Paid health insurance premium for positions budgeted at 60 or more hours per pay period; this position is budgeted at 30 hours per week, and eligibility is not specified.
• Optional vision and dental insurance for positions budgeted at 35 or more hours per pay period; this position is budgeted at 30 hours per week, and eligibility is not specified.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level