Conservation Planner II

The State of Utah is hiring a Conservation Planner II to work in Roosevelt, Utah. The role involves designing and implementing soil and water conservation projects, collaborating with federal agencies, local landowners, and stakeholders. Key responsibilities include providing technical assistance, developing conservation plans, and securing funding for programs. This position requires a commitment to Utah's agriculture and natural resource conservation, with opportunities to specialize in specific conservation programs.
Job Title: Conservation Planner II
Location: Roosevelt, Utah

Job Description:
We are looking for a passionate and driven individual to join our team at the Department of Agriculture and Food. If you possess a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to Utah agriculture and natural resource conservation, this position is for you.

As a key member of our team, you will design and support the implementation of vital soil and water conservation projects for landowners and local partners. Your expertise will be crucial in identifying funding opportunities and offering technical assistance to ensure project success. You may also have the opportunity to specialize in specific conservation programs.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will work closely with Federal Agencies, Conservation Districts, State Agencies, local landowners, and various stakeholders to plan and execute conservation projects that directly impact our natural resources and agricultural communities. This includes assisting producers with applications for programs such as the Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program, Water Optimization Program, Soil Health Program, and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.

Your primary objective will be to promote the proper use, management, restoration, and protection of Utah's natural resources. If you are eager to make a tangible difference and build a fulfilling career in conservation, we encourage you to apply.

The Agency:
If you would like more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.
• Learn from federal and state agencies the process of planning and preparing a project to be implemented on the ground.
• Meet with and assist producers with completing applications and contracts for Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program, Water Optimization Program, Soil Health Program and Natural Resources Conservation Service programs.
• Develop conservation plans for Conservation Districts and NRCS and private landowners.
• Contribute as a member of an elite team of conservation specialists that understand how to work with the land and water to utilize the resources available.
• Build relationships with local landowners and agencies to better plan projects that support production agriculture. Implement natural resources and agricultural conservation projects.
• Provides technical assistance to landowners in developing and revising conservation plans.
• Coordinates and/or acts as a liaison between agency or work unit and other agencies, work units, organizations, suppliers, etc. to implement best practices and stewardship measures to improve conservation efficiency, and resource effectiveness.
• Writes and reviews grants, contracts, agreements for: Agriculture Resource Development Loans (ARDL), Agriculture Voluntary Incentive Program (AgVIP), Watershed Management Plans, Invasive Species Mitigation Projects and Agriculture Water Optimization Program applicants.
• Coordinates with other agencies, local governments, and interested groups by attending meetings, making presentations, and by providing technical assistance.
• Analyzes, summarizes, and reviews data; reports findings, interprets results and makes recommendations. Provides technical assistance at conservation improvement sites.
• Organizes and plan Outreach events to educate Public about UDAF and NRCS programs.
• Write conservation plans for Conservation Districts and NRCS.

Technical/Subject Matter Expertise:
• An understanding of natural resource issues, grant writing, water management, and agriculture practices.
• Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of applications and programming.

Personal Attributes/Work Ethic:
• Have a high degree of self-motivation and work with minimal supervision.

Interpersonal/Team Skills:
• Excel with interpersonal communication and team member contributions.

Creative/Problem-Solving Skills:
• The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
• Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Customer Service:
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Communication:
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Preference may be given to local candidates and those with college degrees in agriculture or environmental sciences. All are encouraged to apply.
• Best qualified individuals for this job will have general knowledge and skills related to Agronomy, Soil Science, Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering, or other natural resource management skills and abilities.
• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g. working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc
• The work may require overnight travel.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle by being licensed as a driver by the division under this chapter.
• Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities.

Why You Should Join Our Team:

At the Department of Agriculture and Food, we work to promote the healthy growth of Utah’s agriculture industry. We offer a great work-life balance, including an excellent benets package and paid time off.