The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking an Agricultural Program Conservation Planner to be responsible for the development of Whole Farm Plans (WFP), maintenance and monitoring of existing WFPs and the implementation of conservation practices within the West of Hudson (WoH) Catskill/Delaware Watershed region of the New York City drinking water supply.
Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in agronomy, environmental science, agriculture, natural resource management or related disciplines (i.e. biological sciences). Substitution of an Associate’s Degree in similar field of study and at least two years relevant field experience will be considered; Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Certified Nutrient Management Planner (CNMP) certification preferred. Applicants in the process of receiving this certification may be considered; NRCS Conservation Planner certification and CNMP experience highly considered; as well as additional requirements further detailed in position description.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain assigned WFP’s (new and revised) to support the WAC Watershed
- Agricultural Program work plan and yearly goals for WAC participants/landowners following established WAC/WAP policies, Guidelines and SOP’s.
- Follow the NYS AEM CNMP planning process for development of WAP prioritized WFP’s.
- Develop nonstructural Best Management Practice (BMP) procurement packages on farms such as pasture management plans, prescribed grazing plans and fencing systems.
- Educate landowners on their benefits and fully explain the requirements for their successful implementation, operation and maintenance requirements. Clearly explain design packages and procurement procedures to participants and coordinate project implementation with contractors and producers.
- Provide practical experience in the survey, design and construction inspection and oversight of agricultural Best Management Practices (BMP) including diversion ditches, waterways, crossings, subsurface drain lines, spring developments, barnyard, water exclusions and manure storages.
- Coordinate with Program participants and engineers to file application for necessary State, Local and Federal permits and obtain signatures as required for implementation of certain
- Best Management Practices (BMP’s) and track the permit review and issuance process.
- Develop, implement and maintain Conservation Plans with USDA partners as needed to include, stake out the CREP boundaries with landowners. GPS the CREP area for accurate acreage measurement. Calculate rental rate and PIP payment projection for landowner decision making.
- Assist in the maintenance and follow-up of CREP contracts as needed.
- Develop GIS maps using Arc View that denote fields, soil types, water resources and topography to include in management plans.
- Assist with innovative solutions and designs to solve water quality problems.
- Annual Status Reviews as assigned.
- Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
Salary: low to mid $50,000s. EOE. Review of applications will begin June 11, 2018.
To Apply:
Please send cover letter and resume to afaulkner@nycwatershed.org