We are accepting applications through October 9 for the full time MAEAP Technician position.
Position Description
MAEAP Program Technician
Location: This position is located at:
Cass County Conservation District (CCCD),
1127 East State Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031
Application Deadline: October 9, 2020
Starting Date: November 1, 2020
POSITION OBJECTIVE: To oversee and implement all aspects of the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) in Cass County. This is a grant-funded position with intentions for annual grant renewal.
- This position will deliver the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program through on-farm technical assistance, using farm specific risk assessments, education, and conservation plan development. The Technician coordinates local, state, and federal agency resources to help clients implement practices that reduce identified environmental risks and progress toward MAEAP verification.
RELATIONSHIPS: The Technician is supervised by, and reports to, the CCCD Administrator. The Technician works with the CCCD Board and several partner organizations (i.e. Farm Bureau, Southwest Michigan College, DNR) in developing priorities for the program.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinates all aspects of the county’s MAEAP and is fully familiar with, and adheres to, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) grant agreement and guidelines for conducting the program at the local level.
- Provides timely reports and updates to the CCCD Board of Directors. Completes and submits regular reports to MDARD. Maintains and secures accurate administrative and financial records and a well-organized filing system for those records.
- Promotes Farm*A*Syst, Crop*A*Syst, Livestock*A*Syst, Forest, Wetlands & Habitats Systems *A*Syst, Clean Sweep, Greenhouse*A*Syst, best management practices to prevent soil erosion and protect water quality, invasive species awareness, and other stewardship practices through displays, newsletter articles, Facebook posts, group presentations, demonstrations, news releases and any other creative means.
- Conducts Farm*A*Syst, Crop*A*Syst, Livestock*A*Syst, FWH Systems *A*Syst and Greenhouse*A*Syst assessments. Works with MDARD to complete system verifications.
- Assists landowners in developing emergency management plans for their farmsteads. Promotes the use of emergency planning, and other activities identified by the local advisory Environmental Assurance Team. Attends Cass County Office Emergency Management Planning meetings.
- Coordinate annual field day and community water testing event as required by MDARD.
- Participates in occasional trainings and meetings which require overnight lodging.
OTHER FUNCTIONS:
- Assist with office and other programs as needed: Annual meeting, tree sale, newsletters, walk-in customers, answering telephones, special event booths, and anything else not specifically listed yet deemed appropriate for district or office work.
- Develop a weekly work schedule in consultation with the District Administrator.
- Assist and promote, through public relations, the district’s events.
- Conduct prepared presentations on soil and water conservation topics as requested.
- Prepare news articles of local interest and about general conservation subjects including notices of demonstrations and workshops.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: A minimum of a B.S. degree in agriculture, animal, crop, environmental, agronomy, natural resources management, dairy and/or soil science; or horticulture.
- Experience: A minimum of two years of experience in agricultural or natural resources fieldwork. Experience working with field crops, dairy and/or livestock preferred.
- Training in site planning, and/or nutrient, fuel and pest management desired.
- Ability to interpret print materials, soil/water testing results, and government policies for clients.
- Experience working with specialty crops, forest management, or on-farm food safety beneficial.
ABILITIES:
- Operate a standard PC workstation and effectively use Windows-based software.
- Excellent organizational, management, written and verbal communication skills.
- Exhibit excellent social and interpersonal skills.
- Work cooperatively with other district personnel and with other agencies.
- Must be able to work efficiently outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license.
- Must be able to pass a Federal Background Security Check.
COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Salary: $16.50 -$20.00/hour, dependent on qualifications.
Benefits Include: health insurance stipend, compensated annual and sick leave. Mileage reimbursement for business related use of personal vehicle.
Send cover letter, resume and list of 3 references to:
Cass County Conservation District
1127 E. State Street
Cassopolis, MI 49031
Attn: Korie Blyveis or email [email protected]
Cass County Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and provider
