Farm Bill Implementation Specialist

The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts (MACD) represents the thirteen conservation districts of the Commonwealth, stretching from the tip of Cape Cod in the east to the purple mountains of the Berkshires in the west. 

Districts are led by dedicated local citizens charged with protecting our most precious natural resources. For more than half a century, districts have saved wildlife, stopped soil erosion, restored habitats, improved water quality, reversed pollution, enriched the environment, all the while increasing productivity and ensuring sustainable viability of our lands, forests, waters and coastal ecosystems.

Position Description

The MACD is seeking qualified candidates for an innovative new position responsible for supporting key Farm Bill programs offered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Massachusetts.

The selected applicant for the Farm Bill Implementation Specialist position will identify and assist potential customers with forestry and wildlife interests, helping them navigate the NRCS process to plan and implement approved “best management practices” on their properties. This position reports directly to the MACD Executive Director.

• Employment:    Full-time, Salary, Exempt
• Salary Range:    $40,000 – $50,000/yr, based on education and experience
• Hours:                40 hours/week, Mon-Fri, flexible
• Location:           Remote-based, no office provided
• Posting Date:    May 10, 2022                              
• Closing Date:    May 27, 2022 or when position filled

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Work with customers with forestry and wildlife interests and help them apply to NRCS programs – particularly the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Once funded, help those customers secure contractors, permits, and any other assistance that will lead to timely implementation by providing support to those customers.
• Provide similar technical assistance for implementation of existing NRCS contracts.
• This work will involve collecting applications and other eligibility paperwork, facilitating needed permits, and conducting other follow-up status check-ins needed to make sure progress continues or address any delays with the NRCS planner assigned to the contract. This assistance is intended to continue from the beginning of the project to completion.
• Keep the local NRCS Field Office and other relevant agencies informed of activities and all potential applicants that they are working with so the applications can be processed in a timely manner and any needed contract modifications can be addressed.
• Provide technical assistance to Wetland Reserve Easement (WRE) landowners/contract holders with wetland restoration permitting requirements as required by state and federal regulations to help with program restoration or implementation. The Farm Bill Implementation Specialist will work directly with NRCS state easement program staff in this process.
• Other program-related duties and activities as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in forestry and/or wildlife-related field, including relevant background environmental education
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in conservation-related activities, including outreach and technical assistance, particularly focused on forest and wildlife-related resource concerns
• Experience with NRCS and other state and federal agricultural conservation programs, including implementation of NRCS practices
• Must be comfortable interacting directly with forest owners, farmers, and other landowners
• Good communicator (verbal and written), with strong interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated with ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks under minimal supervision
• Computer competency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams
• Able to work from your own remote office
• Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License and vehicle for in-state travel as needed

To Apply

Interested parties should click "Apply" below to email a Letter of Interest and resume to the MACD Executive Director by 5:00pm, Friday, May 27, 2022.