Title: Conservation Planner

Job Location: New Hampshire statewide/remote 

 

The New Hampshire Association of Conservation Districts (NHACD) is a statewide non-profit organization founded in 1946 with the ethic of helping our partners provide voluntary conservation planning and technical assistance to landowners and stewards throughout the state. We are currently seeking a conservation planner to join our team to help clients protect the natural resources of their farms and forests.

 

The ideal candidate will have a background in natural resource work such as agriculture, forestry, or wildlife habitat, and an eagerness to learn. As a conservation planner, they will work closely with our partners in the state’s 10 conservation districts as well as state and federal agencies such as the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, to provide both technical and financial assistance to the stewards of the privately owned lands in the state.

The planner’s primary function will be to provide on-the-ground technical assistance to land owners and managers who wish to adopt practices that improve soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, and farm and forest viability. The planner will also assist clients in seeking funding through various NRCS programs and will help them manage their contracts with NRCS and connect them with additional financial and technical resources to accomplish their goals.

The work is a blend of outdoor fieldwork at clients’ locations and indoor work developing recommendations, NRCS contract development and oversight, and recording assistance that has been provided. It is seasonal to some extent, but field work and desk work both happen year-round.

The planner must thrive in a self-directed, self-managed team setting. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required. Attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture is key. 

 

Qualifications :

Applicants should have a working knowledge of agriculture and forestry in the Northeast. A bachelor’s degree in a natural resource or agriculture-related field is desired but may be replaced by life experience. Training in programs and systems will be provided, with the goal of the planner obtaining Certified Conservation Planner status within two years. (Training is provided at no cost to the applicant.)

 

Applicants must be comfortable with technology, including but not limited to laptop computers, digital cameras, global positioning system units, computer-based mapping, and collaboration software. Applicants must also possess great communication skills to successfully interact with a wide variety of clients, and partners, and make occasional presentations to the public.

Applicants must be able to travel in and out of state for farm visits and training. Must be able to navigate difficult terrain on farms and forestland on foot. Must be able to repeatedly lift weights of 50 pounds or more on occasion. Must possess a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.

Details :

The planner position is currently funded by an annual grant from the National Association of  Conservation Districts (NACD). Funding for the position is only guaranteed for one year; subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding, NHACD hopes to renew the employment contract.

 

The planner reports to the NHACD president or their designee. Performance evaluations are conducted by the NHACD executive committee, which consists of the officers of the Board of Directors.

This job is remote, meaning that the planner will work primarily from a home office or other location that they provide. The planner’s home office must be in or near New Hampshire to allow for frequent site visits with clients. Occasional visits to partner offices in New Hampshire will be required.

NHACD offers a starting salary of $55,000 to $60,000,000 per year; candidates with relevant advanced degrees or qualifications and experience may be considered for a higher rate. Benefits include paid time off, a monthly stipend for health expenses after the probationary period, mileage reimbursement at the federal rate, worker's compensation, and parental/family medical leave. Performance reviews occur at 90 days and annually, with the opportunity for annual merit and longevity salary increases.   A part-time position may be considered, but full-time is preferred.

The proposed starting date is February 15 to March 1 but is negotiable for the right candidate. Applications will be accepted until January  5, or until the position is filled.

 

To apply: Send a cover letter and resume to careers@nhacd.net 

Application packages without cover letters will not be considered.