Job Title:
Soil Health Technician
Small Scale/Urban Agriculture Emphasis
Job Description:
Soil Health Technicians are needed to assist with providing direct services to the public throughout South Dakota promoting improved soil health with small scale (urban agriculture) focus. The SH technician will directly promote, provide, and develop services that will support the five principles of soil health in an urban setting. The soil health technician must be self-motivated and able to work independently and as a member of a team.
Required skills and knowledge:
Consideration will be given for a combination of education and experience directly related to soil health principles. Strong communication skills with producers, partners, and coworkers are essential. An urban agricultural, specialty crop, or gardening background is preferred. In addition, he or she should be aware of the tools necessary for demonstrating (i.e. rainfall simulator) and measuring various soil health parameters with an emphasis on when and where these tools are applicable on a small scale/homestead setting. The technician also should be familiar in providing conservation practice alternatives to producers with emphasizing soil health parameters that change as practices are included or excluded from a management plan. The technician will provide a direct link to producers and/or landowners and their local conservation offices following conservation implementation. Duties will be combination of field work but include office work as needed. The technician must have a valid driver’s license.
Wages and Benefits:
This is a full-time 40 hour per week position. Grant funding for this position is currently available for three-years; additional funding is contingent on the success and accomplishments of the project per the assigned work plan. The positions will be based at an USDA Service Center in South Dakota. Wages are depending on experience and benefits include paid personal leave, retirement (IRA), single person health insurance, and supplemental insurances.
Applications accepted until October 20, 2023
Application:
For an employment application or questions, contact:
Cindy Zenk, SDSHC Coordinator
SD Soil Health Coalition
43968 139th Street
Webster, South Dakota 57274
605-280-4190
or
Angela Ehlers, Executive Director
South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts
PO Box 275
Pierre, South Dakota 57501 605-895-4099