Berrien County Conservation District
Position Details
Berrien County Conservation District is hiring a MAEAP Technician to carry out the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). The MAEAP Technician is responsible for delivering on-farm technical assistance in Berrien County, MI. Technical assistance includes conducting farm-specific risk assessments, coordinating local, state, and federal agency resources to help farmers reduce environmental risks; and assisting farmers in making progress toward MAEAP verification. The MAEAP Technician is also responsible for collaborating with Conservation District staff to promote MAEAP and educate diverse audiences on the importance of sustainable agriculture.
WORKING LOCATION AND CONDITIONS
The position is based in Berrien Springs, Michigan. This location has a diverse variety of agriculture including row crops, fruit, vegetables, grapes, hops, and livestock. Work time is split between office work and field visits on farms. The Conservation District office is co-located with NRCS. The MAEAP Technician will frequently be on farms, which may involve traversing uneven terrain, wetlands or working around livestock in a wide range of weather conditions. The MAEAP Technician may occasionally be in the vicinity of agriculture crews using hand tools, power equipment, and harvest machinery.
Job Status: Hourly, full-time, grant funded.
Compensation: $21-23/hour
Benefits: Paid federal holidays, vacation and sick leave. $100 allowance per month along with $35 cell phone reimbursement. Group insurance available for purchase.
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm. Occasional evenings or weekend days
Location: Berrien Springs, MI
Start Date: 10-1-2024
Closing Date: Until filled.
Position Duties:
Coordinate all aspects of MAEAP in Berrien County and be fully familiar with, and adhere to, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grant agreement and guidelines for conducting the program at a local level.
Promote and conduct on-farm risk assessments for farmstead, cropping, livestock, and forest wetlands and habitat Systems. Assist landowners in developing emergency management plans for their farmsteads and action plans to address any environmental risks identified.
Conduct an on-farm field day that highlights MAEAP and qualifies for MAEAP Educational Credit. The educational event should highlight the program, address potential agricultural risks, and introduce sustainable farming practices to reduce risk to the environment.
Assist producers in responding to Right to Farm complaints, to bring them into conformance with Michigan’s Generally Accepted Agriculture Management Practices (GAAMPS).
Maintain accurate records in an online database as well as on paper.
Work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) to provide the technical assistance necessary for producers to access Farm Bill cost-share funds.
Collaborate with Conservation District staff and external partners to promote MAEAP and educate diverse audiences on the importance of resource protection in Berrien County.
Promote other stewardship practices and program aspects through displays and booths, newsletter articles, group presentations, demonstrations, public service announcements, news releases, radio programs, social media, and other means.
Provide timely monthly reports and updates to MDARD and the Conservation District’s Board of Directors.
Promote and conduct water screening events and assist producers with water sampling.
Support and participate in Conservation District programs and activities as needed.
Perform other essential activities as required by the MDARD grant agreement or as assigned by the Conservation District Manager.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s of Science in agriculture, natural resource management or a related field.
A minimum of two years of experience in agriculture, natural resource or other conservation fieldwork.
Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices is preferred.
Experience collaborating on, developing, and delivering agriculture education programs to a variety of audiences in diverse settings.
Excellent work ethic
Able to work both independently without direct supervision and as part of a team
Excellent organizational, time management, written and verbal communication skills.
Exhibit excellent social and interpersonal skills; relates effectively to diverse clientele and groups
Proficient use of PC and Microsoft Office Suite
Working knowledge of databases and computer networks preferred
Working knowledge of ArcMap preferred
Able and willing to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift and handle mateerials up to 50 pounds without assistance.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
Able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends
Must be able to pass a Federal Background Security Check.
Must have a reliable vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate.
STANDARDS OF PERFORMACE
Success is measured by the degree to which:
MDARD grant requirements are met, including training, reporting, goal setting and achievement and on-farm assistance
Written reports are complete and on time and database records are maintained to high quality
Program promotional materials or articles are of high quality and distributed in a timely manner
Public awareness of the MAEAP program increases along with awareness of the importance of sustainable agriculture practices.
The number of farms and forests engaged in MAEAP increases
Local and regional agricultural initiatives benefit from the contributions and leadership of the MAEAP Technician
To Apply:
Send cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and three professional references as a single PDF to Lisa Kuntz of Berrien County Conservation District, at lisa.kuntz@macd.org
with "Application – MAEAP Tech” in the subject line.
Please direct any questions to Lisa Kuntz at 269-471-9111 ext. 3.
Learn more about Berrien County Conservation District and projects at www.berriencd.org