Forage Systems Specialist

Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma•Hugo, OK

8h•Onsite

About The Position

A Forage Systems Specialist oversees the conservation of the forage systems used by the Choctaw Nation Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs. This role involves working in the field to evaluate the condition and applied use of the land and natural resources. Key duties include collecting, analyzing, and communicating data, and performing site assessments to ensure grazing management complies with strategic and operational goals. The specialist will report to the Senior Director of Agriculture and Land Mgmt.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Rangeland Ecology, Rangeland Pasture Management, Natural Resources Agriculture Systems Soil Science or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Collaboration with diverse groups, including ranch assistants, county staff, agricultural tenants, and public officials.
Expertise in forage management for livestock, wildlife, and plant communities.
Knowledge of native and introduced grazing land management and grassland restoration.
Familiarity with native plants and invasive weeds of Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation Reservation Area.
Commitment to ongoing learning in forage systems and habitat management.
Budgeting and cost analysis for project implementation.
Collaborate with Agriculture and Natural Resource Programs using sound management practices.
Adaptability to new technology and approaches in forage management.
Two(2) years’ experience

Responsibilities

Collect data necessary to analyze soil fertility, make recommendations as needed.
Work with Ranch personnel to develop holistic grazing management plans.
Assist Tribal Conservation District Planner in scheduling Natural Resource Conservation Services EQIP projects and Tribal Conservation District Commission Projects.
Assemble, evaluate, and interpret data relating to forage characteristics (quality and yields), composition changes, and predictions of performance relevant according to key operational objectives.
Collect data and monitor results to determine if management plans are meeting strategic and operational goals.
Make recommendations on best forage management practices.
Monitor the lands for invasive weeds and help develop and implement an annual Noxious Weed Proposal.
Gathering and maintaining information such as grazing, hay, fertility records, pesticide use records, GIS and topographical mapping etc.
Perform other duties as may be assigned.