Nutrient Management Specialist I-Ii-Iii (Wvda/Nrcs Parternship Position)

WV Department of Agriculture•Lewisburg, WV

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a partnership position between the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). The role involves assisting agricultural producers in developing and implementing Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) to ensure environmental protection and efficient resource use. The position is structured across three levels (I, II, and III), with increasing levels of responsibility, independence, and supervisory duties. A significant portion of the work is field-based, requiring interaction with farmers, data collection, and application of technical knowledge. There is also an educational component for both employees and the public.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources management, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or related natural resources fields.
Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 3,000 acres annually after first year of training (NMS Level 1).
Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws, rules, and regulations as they might apply to, or affect, agriculture.
General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
Effective time management skills.
Ability to obtain Nutrient Management Certification (NMS Level 1).
Ability to locate and travel to mapped locations.
Ability to work with spreadsheets and mapping software.
Ability to develop detailed reports.
Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and effectively carry out complex oral and written directions.
Ability to handle public, media, legislative, and regulatory inquiries.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees, and the public.
Ability to follow farm bio-security protocols.
Ability to walk long distances and physically lift and maneuver 40 lbs.
Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 7,000 acres annually after first year of training (NMS Level 2).
Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 5,000 acres annually after first year of training (NMS Level 3).
Extensive knowledge of Nutrient Management Planning (NMS Level 3).
One year of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields (NMS Level 1 preferred).
Three years of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields (NMS Level 2).
Five years of full-time paid employment in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields (NMS Level 3).
Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is required prior to employment (NMS Level 2 & 3).
Valid driver’s license is required.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is preferred but not required prior to employment (NMS Level 1).

Responsibilities

Assist with development of site Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) in West Virginia.
Work with agricultural producers, collecting soil and manure samples.
Train in developing Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
Independently develop site-specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia.
Work toward gaining extra certifications such as Master Gardener, Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Certified Forage and Grassland Professional (CFGP).
Act as lead in development of site-specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia.
Work extensively with the West Virginia Nutrient Management Program Coordinator in management of the Nutrient Management Program (involvement in State Committees, subcommittees, training, recertification).
Supervise Nutrient Management Specialists and offsite employees.
Focus on an educational component for employees and the general public.
Work one-on-one with farmers in the details of implementation of their Nutrient Management Plan.
Implement their Nutrient Management Plan.
Collect soil and manure samples.
Assist with NMP updates and record keeping requirements.
Assist agricultural producers with fertilizer and liming recommendations.
Assist with tracking, verifying, and reporting agricultural BMPs.
Assist agricultural producers with CAFO and other environmental issues.
Assist WVDA with response to animal disease outbreaks.
Assist in public education and outreach.
Assist in reporting WVDA related activities.
Assist in preparation of reports, publications, and news releases.
Maintain producer confidentiality.
Show competence in RUSLE2, P-Index, and multiple types of plan writing software.
Inform producers of conservation programs that complement Nutrient Management (i.e., lime, cover crop, invasives, frost seeding, etc.).
Assist agricultural operations with calibration of farm equipment.
Help manage the direction of WVDA’s Nutrient Management Program.