Soil Conservationist

NEW Solutions • Deer Lodge, MT

1d

About The Position

The Soil Conservationist provides planning and technical support to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land users within the Deer Lodge Work Unit. The enrollee works side by side with NRCS staff to implement Farm Bill Programs and support NRCS field operations. The role helps producers plan and create documents addressing natural resource concerns and supports conservation practice implementation. This is a non-federal position offered through a partnership agreement and funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions; it is not an NRCS hiring action or federal employment. The enrollee is a participant in a grant program administered by NEW Solutions. Enrollment is temporary and at will, and the position does not guarantee employment for a definite period. Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States. The position is based in Deer Lodge, and the listed schedule is 30–40 hours per week. Overnight travel is mentioned, but no travel frequency is specified.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy; experience directly in soil conservation is also acceptable.
• Alternatively, a BA/BS degree in soil conservation or a related agricultural or natural resource discipline, such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering.
• For the degree pathway, studies must include 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science.
• Experience with Windows, MS Word, and MS Excel.
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Minimum age of 55.

Responsibilities

• Provide planning and technical support to farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land users within the Deer Lodge Work Unit footprint.
• Work alongside NRCS staff to implement Farm Bill Programs and support NRCS field operations.
• Work with producers to plan and create planning documents that address natural resource concerns.
• Collect field data, analyze data, create summary tables, and develop management plans for forested and grassland resources.
• Conduct outreach and education.
• Support NRCS field operations, producer follow-up, and project implementation.
• Use ProTracts, Conservation Desktop, and GIS if necessary.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time