Agriculture and Natural Resource Specialist-165121

The Agriculture and Natural Resource Specialist at Adams County will develop programs for agritourism, sustainable agriculture, and local food systems. Responsibilities include implementing the District Plan for Historic Splendid Valley, managing projects, securing funding, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The role involves facilitating meetings, advising on action items, and promoting local food initiatives. This position is based in Boston, MA and reports to the Parks, Open Space and Cultural Arts Department.
The Agriculture and Natural Resource Specialist will be responsible for developing a program to provide support for agritourism, innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, and local food systems throughout Adams County. The Agriculture and Natural Resource Specialist will also be responsible for implementing The District Plan, developed by the City of Brighton and Adams County, focusing on Historic Splendid Valley. The goals of this plan are to preserve agricultural land and heritage, encourage local food production, and promote agritourism.
The District Plan may be viewed online:https://www.adcogov.org/districtplan
The District Plan video may be viewed online:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4CoOFeeia8
This position will serve as an Adams County employee housed in the Parks, Open Space and Cultural Arts Department (POSCA) and reports to POSCA’s Manager of Planning, Design and Construction.
Responsibilities:Develop and implement programs supporting agritourism, sustainable agriculture, and local food systems throughout Adams County.
Implement the District Plan for Historic Splendid Valley, focusing on agricultural land preservation, local food production, and agritourism promotion.
Manage and coordinate projects related to agriculture, sustainability, and strategic planning initiatives.
Secure grant funding, manage marketing, and support promotional activities for The District Plan.
Collaborate with appropriate Adams County Departments, Colorado State University Extension Office, the City of Brighton, and other partners to implement the goals and objectives of the District Plan.
Serve as the point of contact for communication between the District Plan Commission, Adams County, the City of Brighton, and other local municipalities and partners including boards and commissions such as Planning Commissions, Boards of Adjustments, the Board of County Commissioners, and City Councils.
Facilitate District Plan Commission meetings, manage agendas, and ensure timely implementation of approved recommendations.
Advise the County, City, District Plan Commission, and partners on District plan action items, conduct research, and present findings as necessary.
Work with consultants to develop site plans, master plans, land inventories, and management plans.
Provide development review for projects proposed within the District Plan area.
Research and secure funding for program administration and related projects through grants.
Be knowledgeable regarding properties within the plan boundaries and surrounding area.
Build relationships with property owners and support land conservation efforts, agritourism, and other initiatives in line with the District Plan.
Identify developers and other stakeholders to help achieve the vision of The District Plan.
Promote local food systems, develop networks for local production/distribution, and address food safety education needs.
Initiate a program cultivating new farmers through farming education, business education, and opportunities for land access (a farmer training program).
Encourage and support collaboration between local farmers and business owners.
Develop and implement innovative farming and water conservation practices within the District Plan area and countywide.
Explore the opportunities for farm to school program and/or onsite school gardens.
Engage the community in local food events and promote local foods.
Manage the Department’s Conservation Easements, both those held by the Department for other organizations and easements on Department properties where others hold the easement.
Additional duties as requested.
Minimum Requirements:Experience or knowledge of farming, food systems, land preservation, water conservation, economic development, land use, innovative methods, and sustainability.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration, budget preparation, grant writing, and city and regional planning.
Familiarity with relevant federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
Strong communication and negotiation skills to resolve issues effectively.
Ability to identify and analyze problems, develop alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department and division staff, other departments, and others, such as vendors, developers, and the public.
Ability to work effectively under stress and maintain confidentiality.
Experience:4 years progressively responsible experience in parks, agriculture, natural resources, or a closely related field.
Education & Training:
A bachelor’s degree in Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance/Economics, Sustainability, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Education, Horticulture, Natural Resources or a related field.
Related experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
License or Certificate:Possession of or the ability to obtain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.
Background Check:Must pass a criminal background check.#J-18808-Ljbffr