Resource Specialist 13 - Regenerative Agriculture Specialist

The Resource Specialist 13 - Regenerative Agriculture Specialist position involves managing the Working Lands Climate Corps project, developing training programs, and guiding veterans in regenerative agriculture. Responsibilities include collaborating with farmers and staff to meet strategic goals. Candidates should have a relevant bachelor's degree and experience in resource management. The role offers flexible work options and a supportive team culture focused on diversity and professional development.
About the position

This position functions as the statewide specialist for Regenerative Agriculture complex projects with primary responsibility for the development, management, and growth of the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) project in partnership with the Michigan Veteran Affairs Agency (MVAA), Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFA), and others, at the VFW National Home site in Eaton Rapids. The WLCC project will include developing work projects, executing programming and training related to the projects, and guiding veterans to explore professional opportunities in regenerative agriculture. Additional special projects may include demonstration practices on farms, assisting farmers with field testing, or developing new programs in collaboration with the regenerative agriculture staff to help meet goals identified in the strategic plan. The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is comprised of four bureaus that use a customer-driven, solution-oriented approach to cultivate and expand new economic opportunities for the food and agricultural sector; safeguard the public's food supply; inspect and enforce sound animal health practices; control and eradicate plant pests and diseases threatening the $104.7 billion food and agriculture system; preserve the environment by which the farming community makes their living and feeds consumers; and protect consumers by enforcing laws relating to weights and measures. MDARD offers a positive work-life balance with optional hybrid work options and flexible work schedules. Department leaders support a great team culture and are committed to professional development. MDARD is committed to a department-wide diversity, equity, and inclusion program that builds upon our values and invests in our employees. We provide an inclusive culture through involvement and empowerment, where the inherent worth and dignity of all people are recognized.

Responsibilities
• Develop and manage the Working Lands Climate Corps (WLCC) project.
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• Execute programming and training related to regenerative agriculture projects.
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• Guide veterans in exploring professional opportunities in regenerative agriculture.
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• Assist farmers with field testing and demonstration practices on farms.
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• Collaborate with regenerative agriculture staff to develop new programs that meet strategic goals.

Requirements
• Possession of a bachelor's degree in a physical, biological, or natural resource science, resource management, resource planning, engineering or a related field.
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• Four years of professional experience in the protection, development, and maintenance of land, water, or natural resources, including two years equivalent to the experienced (P11) level in state service; or, one year equivalent to the senior (12) level in state service.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in project management related to agriculture or environmental science.
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• Knowledge of regenerative agriculture practices and principles.

Benefits
• Paid parental leave
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• Health savings account
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• Paid holidays
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• Disability insurance
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• Dental insurance
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• 401(k)
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• Flexible spending account
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• Vision insurance
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• 401(k) matching
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• Loan forgiveness
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• Flexible schedule