Berkshire Conservation District Soil Conservationist/No-Till Program Coordinator
Employment Status: Contractual
Location: Berkshire County, MA
Compensation: $22.00/hour, average 20 hours/week
The Berkshire Conservation District helps farmers, landowners and land managers improve and protect their natural resources. In cooperation with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), we offer assistance through education and outreach. The District has been serving the Berkshires since 1946 as one of more than 3,000 state-mandated agencies across the country that support local agriculture and environmental sustainability.
Job Duties and Responsibilities:
The Soil Conservationist/No-Till Program Coordinator (Coordinator) position works for the Berkshire Conservation District (the District) to meet their goals of protecting soil and water quality through education and technical assistance. The Coordinator works closely with the District Administrator and Board of Supervisors and is responsible for implementing the District’s Soil Health Initiative. The Coordinator assists landowners, including working farms, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations to promote and implement sound conservation practices that protect soil and water quality.
Associated tasks include:
- Assist farmers and landowners in identifying and addressing opportunities for Healthy Soils Best Management Practices including cover crops, no-till and soil testing;
- Develop a robust outreach campaign for marketing and increasing rentals for the District’s No-Till rental program, including, but not limited to, displays, field days, public events, articles for newsletters and other news media contacts;
- Manage subsidies offered for No-Till rentals and soil testing;
- Collect, process and interpret soil tests for farmers, gardeners and homeowners;
- Provide Healthy Soils education overview for farmers, landowners, municipalities and non-governmental organizations through workshops, webinars, site visits, and participation in conferences and farmers markets;
- Engage and cooperate with communities and non-governmental organizations involved in conservation activities to expand and improve effectiveness of District activities and to create long-term partnerships;
- Attend monthly Supervisor meetings (in-person or through Zoom);
- Maintain detailed records of work accomplishments and financials for reports;
- Perform other program related duties and activities, as assigned;
- Provide assistance to deliver programs and services that are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. Maintain a positive regard for civil rights in all interactions with clients and others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Degree or professional experience in soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education;
- Ability to produce and share work products using computers and Microsoft Office applications;
- General knowledge of State & Federal agricultural conservation programs, including tillage practices;
- Ability to work well with others from a variety of backgrounds, individually and in groups;
- Skilled in organizational and administrative tasks;
- Skilled in both oral and written communication;
- A valid driver’s license and a working motor vehicle for use during performance of duties is required. Coordinator will be reimbursed on a mileage basis;
Applications accepted until 5pm February 24, 2023.
To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to: berkshireconservationdistrict@gmail.com
or mail to:
Berkshire Conservation District, 78 Center St., Suite 102, Pittsfield, MA 01201.