Regenerative Agriculture Technician

Job Status: Hourly, full-time, grant funded.

Term: Approximately 6 months, through December 2026. Potential to extend dependent on applicant’s ability to manage projects and BCCD successfully obtaining a new 3 year grant cycle.

Compensation: $24-26/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, with hours also at Cassopolis, MI.

Start Date: Immediately

Closing Date: Until filled

Position Duties:

  • Provide on-site technical advice to private landowners for the implementation of conservation practices. Work closely and maintain a good working relationship with other resource management professionals, both public and private, in support of a holistic approach to the management of natural resources, building local partnerships to achieve land management goals.

  • Assist the District Conservationist (DC) with monitoring progress of contract implementation, reviews, processing contracs, and general correspondence.

  • Learn program rules and regulations concerning administration of applications and contracting procedures for each Farm Bill program under NRCS responsibility.

  • Organize and promote peer-to-peer learning among farmers to incentivize implementation of regenerative agricultural practices through workshops, seminars and farm field days.

  • Compile current research on regenerative agriculture and holistic management to utilize in outreach events as outlined above and market or promote implementation of said activities on private lands.

  • Track grant deliverables and client interactions accurately using PLET model, Conservation Desktop, Excel or similar programs; report progress via monthly staff reports, annual grant program reports.

  • Support Conservation District programs and assist with office walk-in clients, answering telephones, general office up-keep, major events such as tree sale, annual meeting and other duties as assigned by the BCCD Manager.

  • Promote District events, Farm Bill programs and general conservation education through

  • website, newsletters, other media, demonstrations and workshops.

  • Prepare and provide presentations to groups on soil and water conservation topics, as

  • requested.

  • Work cohesively with NRCS and assist clients with utilizing Farm Bill programs including, as needed, application processing, contract development and administration, application ranking and document preparation for program selections

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s of Science in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management or a related field.

  • A minimum of two years of experience in agriculture, field biology, or other conservation fieldwork.

  • Self-directed, creative problem solver with a sense of humor and ability to connect with landowners.

  • Excellent computer skills and ability to navigate on shared computer network and Google Drive workspaces, utilizing specialized planning programs (GIS-based), modeling software.

  • Possess technical knowledge of natural resource management as applicable to private lands and farms.

  • Excellent organizational, time management, written and verbal communication skills.

  • Able to work efficiently in and outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain; able to lift 50 pounds.

  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

  • Occasional travel for trainings and meetings is required, including overnight.

  • Must be able to pass a Federal Background Security Check.

  • Must have a reliable vehicle. Mileage is reimbursed at the federal rate.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Familiarity with agricultural operations and the ability to quickly learn Farm Bill programs.  Able to utilize pertinent scientific research and disseminate that information to appropriate audiences.

  • Experience collaborating on, developing, and delivering conservation education programs to a variety of audiences in diverse settings.

  • Experience writing grants and related grant reporting or ability to learn quickly.

To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and three professional references as a single PDF to Lisa Kuntz, Manager of Berrien County Conservation District, at lisa.kuntz@macd.org with "Application – Reg Ag Tech” in the subject line.

Please direct any questions to Lisa Kuntz, Manager, at 269-471-9111 ext. 3.