Resource Conservationist

NEW Solutions • Fresno, CA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This non-federal position is offered through a partnership agreement and supports NRCS conservation work through the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program. The enrollee provides direct technical and professional assistance to farmers and landowners, helping implement conservation practices and supporting conservation planning and technical assistance at the Fresno Area Office. The role helps increase field-office capacity and free NRCS staff to address emergency and high-priority responses; it does not replace federal staff.

The Resource Conservationist supports delivery of NRCS Farm Bill conservation programs, particularly EQIP and CSP. The role requires practical knowledge of agricultural production, natural resource concerns in the local landscape, the NRCS conservation planning process, and NRCS Farm Bill programs. The enrollee should be able to carry out responsibilities with limited supervision and have local land-ownership knowledge and historical knowledge of NRCS programs in Fresno and surrounding counties. The position also supports training, mentoring, and quality assurance for conservation program delivery.

This opportunity is based in Fresno and is budgeted for 16 hours per week. Local travel is required, and a government vehicle should be available. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs is temporary and at-will; the position does not guarantee employment for a definite period. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. The role is not federal employment, and an ACES enrollee is a participant in a grant program administered by NEW Solutions.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in natural resources, agriculture, or a related field, or a bachelor's degree in agriculture or a related field.
• Valid state driver's license.
• NRCS Certified Conservation Planner.
• Experience with Windows, MS Word, and MS PowerPoint.
• Practical knowledge of agricultural production, landscape natural resource concerns, the NRCS conservation planning process, and NRCS Farm Bill programs.
• Ability to initiate and complete responsibilities with limited supervision.
• Knowledge of local land ownership and historical knowledge of NRCS programs in Fresno and surrounding counties.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Complete tasks under the direction of the NRCS ASTC-FO to implement EQIP and CSP, including resource data collection and analysis, decision-support documentation, conservation plan and contract development, status reviews of planned practices, organization of practice and enhancement certification documentation, and case-file management.
• Perform program delivery tasks across crop, pasture, forest, farmstead, and wildlife land uses, including complex projects involving multiple landowners, units of government, or NGOs and work across counties and watersheds in support of program initiatives.
• Advise, mentor, guide, and provide training for local supervisors and executive team members working on conservation program delivery.
• Assist with quality assurance reviews of EQIP and CSP program delivery at the Field Office level.
• Assist in providing training on EQIP and CSP program delivery to NRCS field staff.
• Complete mandatory NRCS training offered by NRCS staff.
• Provide technical assistance supporting delivery of NRCS Farm Bill conservation programs at the Fresno Area Office.

Benefits

• Accrued vacation and sick leave.
• Paid federal holidays.
• Optional vision and dental insurance for positions budgeted at 35 or more hours per pay period.
• Paid health insurance premium for positions budgeted at 60 or more hours per pay period; this position is budgeted at 16 hours per week.

What This Job Offers

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