Agricultural Environmental Specialist 1/2/3

The Agricultural Environmental Specialist position at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry focuses on conserving soil and water resources. Responsibilities include performing inspections, assessing environmental impacts, developing management plans, and providing support to Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The role requires collaboration with stakeholders and effective communication skills. A degree in a related field and experience in agricultural law compliance are required.
About the position

The Agricultural Environmental Specialist position at the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is a vital role focused on the conservation and management of soil and water resources in the state. This position is part of the Office of Soil and Water Conservation and is responsible for performing inspections and investigations related to various agricultural laws and regulations, including those governing entomology, horticulture, agronomy, pesticide use, and more. The specialist will assess the environmental impact of agricultural operations on natural resources and develop management plans to protect these resources. The role requires a strong understanding of state and federal conservation programs, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders, including USDA-NRCS, local conservation districts, and private landowners. The specialist will provide technical support and guidance to Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) and assist in the development of conservation programs and projects. This includes conducting field inspections, compliance checks, and resource inventories to ensure adherence to conservation practices. In addition to technical responsibilities, the position involves significant interaction with local conservation boards and the public, requiring effective communication and project management skills. The specialist will also be involved in educational outreach initiatives, promoting conservation education and best management practices among landowners and agricultural facility managers. The position is designed for individuals who are passionate about environmental conservation and have a strong background in agricultural sciences or related fields.

Responsibilities
• Perform inspections and investigations related to agricultural laws and regulations.
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• Assess the environmental impact of agricultural operations on soil, water, air, and other natural resources.
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• Develop and direct management plans to protect natural resources.
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• Provide advanced operational support to the Office of Soil & Water Conservation.
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• Work with various stakeholders to develop and administer coastal wetland revegetation and restoration programs.
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• Conduct field inspections and compliance checks of agricultural solid waste composters and processors.
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• Provide programmatic technical support to statewide Soil & Water Conservation Districts (SWCD).
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• Assist with SWCD capacity building and supervisor training duties.
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• Maintain and enhance environmental conservation education and outreach programs.
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• Develop Agricultural Solid Waste Management Program best management practice plans.

Requirements
• A baccalaureate degree with at least twenty-four semester hours in forestry, agricultural, biological, chemical, or environmental science, or an engineering field.
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• Experience in inspecting or enforcing compliance with agricultural laws, rules, or regulations may substitute for specialized coursework.
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• Experience in planning or implementing soil, water, or wetland conservation practices may substitute for specialized coursework.

Nice-to-haves
• Ability to serve the needs of customers and stakeholders effectively.
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• Active learning skills to acquire necessary knowledge and skills for performance improvement.
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• Ability to conduct and manage meetings effectively.
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• Networking skills to develop and maintain professional relationships.
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• Problem-solving skills to discover solutions to challenges.
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• Creative thinking skills to generate innovative ideas and approaches.
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• Ability to train others and facilitate knowledge acquisition.

Benefits
• Special Entrance Rate (SER) for each level of the Career Progression Group.
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• Opportunities for professional development and training.
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• Participation in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.