ACCEPTING RESUMES UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED

APPLICATION REVIEW WILL BEGIN – AUGUST 1, 2024

PREVIOUS APPLICANTS NEED NOT APPLY.

 

POSITION TITLE:              LIVESTOCK RESOURCE SPECIALIST (GS7-1)

SALARY:                              $55,924 ANNUAL SALARY (HOURLY RATE OF $26.80)

POSITION TYPE:                FULL TIME EMPLOYMENT*

OFFICE LOCATION:         LA PLATA, MARYLAND

COVERAGE REGION:      SOUTHERN MARYLAND

START DATE:                     IMMEDIATELY

 

ABOUT US:

The Southern Maryland Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Board, Inc. is a nonprofit organization administering projects related to resource conservation, habitat restoration, forestry, agricultural preservation and wetland restoration. We were founded in 1971.

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The RC&D has entered into a Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund two Livestock Resource Specialists to assist with implementation of conservation programs and provisions included in the Farm Bill. This position will focus on promoting, designing, and implementing prescribed grazing plans and writing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) associated with livestock operations.  The Livestock Resource Specialist will work on farms with all types of livestock, including but not limited to: dairy, beef, horses, goats, hogs, and sheep. The Livestock Resource Specialist provides direct technical assistance to landowners and cooperators and works with project partners to accomplish goals and implement conservation practices. This is a 2-year term position providing direct, in-field support to external customers and NRCS field office staff. The Livestock Resource Specialist will coordinate directly with the NRCS Area Resource Conservationist on projects and activities.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) helps America’s farmers and ranchers conserve the Nation’s soil, water, air and other natural resources. We need people who want to apply their education and experience to make sure we all enjoy the benefits of productive soil, clean water, clean air, and abundant wildlife that come from a healthy environment.  “Helping People Help the Land”.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Provide outreach, conservation planning and technical assistance for grazing and livestock-related conservation projects through various Farm Bill conservation programs offered by NRCS and its partners. Work with landowners and cooperators to complete application packages for Farm Bill financial assistance.
  • Develop detailed grazing plans documenting the operations forage types and yields, and the producers expected management intensity and practices. Includes gathering data from the field and the producer to describe the operation, resource concerns, pasture condition scores, and producers’ goals and objectives.
  • Complete Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs) to document planning decisions and operation and maintenance on Animal Feeding Operations (AFOs).
  • Train field staff how to write grazing plans and CNMPs.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Contact and meet with landowners, producers, and conservation planners to discuss opportunities to manage pastures and farmsteads. Operations vary from intensive rotational grazing to total animal confinement.
  • The Livestock Resource Specialist will be expected to obtain NRCS job approval authority to design and certify grazing and livestock related conservation practices. Identify plants in crop, hay, and pasture areas.
  • Communicate with landowners, farmers, conservation planners, regulatory agencies, and contractors.
  • Identify Farm Bill funding activities and evaluate technical eligibility for enrollment in conservation programs for grazing, livestock, and manure management practices.
  • Develop technical specifications and designs for implementing prescribed grazing, forage plantings, and other livestock related conservation practices.
  • Assist with development of technical materials related to grazing land and animal feeding operations.
  • Uses NRCS conservation planning tool such as Conservation Desktop (CD) and Conservation Assessment and Ranking Tool (CART) to develop plans and maps.
  • Work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities, projects, and tasks.
  • Conduct field work, where physical exertion is required for activities, such as walking through dense vegetation, traversing streams, walking long distances through pastures and crop fields. Candidates must be willing to work in hot, cold, and wet field conditions, with exposure to insects, wildlife, and livestock.
  • Interpret remote sensing data (e.g. aerial photos, topographic maps), and apply this knowledge in the field to identify habitat, water, and topographic features.
  • The position will require regular non-overnight travel from La Plata, Maryland to field sites throughout Southern Maryland. A significant portion of the work will be on farms in Southern Maryland.
  • Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a natural resource discipline such as agronomy, agriculture, animal science, biology, livestock management, environmental science or a related field.

Or

The applicant must have a combination of education and relevant experience (in natural resources or agriculture) equivalent to a 4-year degree.

  • Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

In addition, the following are expected of applicants:

  • The ability to communicate orally and in writing about technical issues related to natural resources.
  • Proficiency in use of computers and applications, including software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Knowledge and/or experience with livestock operations.
  • Willingness to work outside in rough terrain and inclement weather.
  • The ability to work independently while effectively managing multiple priorities.
  • A clean criminal record verified by a standard background check with local, state, and national law enforcement agencies.  A security clearance is not a requirement.
  • The position will require occasional travel.
  • The candidate must have a valid state driver’s license.
  • Must be willing to relocate or commute to duty station in La Plata, Maryland.
  • The candidate must have U.S. citizenship.

TO APPLY FOR THIS POSITION:

Please email Resume, Cover Letter, unofficial transcripts, and 3 professional references to: somdrcd@somdrcd.org

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS INFORMATION:

Benefits:  Health Insurance, Federal Holidays, Sick & Annual leave accrual

Additional Benefits: these benefits are subject to change based on annual negotiations with the contract between NRCS and RC&D. Benefits will change from year to year, both in scope and amount. Contract employees will be provided with updates to their benefits as they occur. All requests for additional benefit charges or reimbursements must be approved by your direct supervisor and coordinated through RC&D.

  • Mileage: a certain amount of mileage reimbursement per contract employee may be allocated based on the federal mileage rate, when POV is more efficient, or GOV is unavailable. Current mileage allocation for 2024 is $1,038.11 per employee.
  • Training and Meetings: a certain amount of funding per employee may be allocated to attend training events and other meetings (ex: annual dinners and conferences). Funding may include registration fees and travel costs (per the employee handbook), depending on the amount of funding available.
  • Tuition Assistance: a certain amount of funding per employee may be allocated for tuition reimbursement (per guidelines in the employee handbook), provided it falls within the scope of their duties and is approved by their supervisor.
  • Supplies: a certain amount of funding per employee may be allocated to cover supplies or materials that are needed to perform their duties or provide a more comfortable and safe working environment (ex: masks, air purifier, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes).

The Southern Maryland RC&D is an equal opportunity employer. All programs and services of the Southern Maryland RC&D Board are offered on a non-discriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability or political belief.

(*) This is a position that is funded through a Grant Agreement with NRCS and is contingent upon funding.