Agronomist in Madison, WI

The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department (LWRD) – Land Conservation Division (LCD) is recruiting for an Agronomist. The current vacancy is a full-time (1.0 FTE) project position acting as the Demonstration Farm Network Project Manager. The eligible list created from this recruitment may be utilized to fill other vacancies that occur within the next six (6) months.

DEFINITION – Under general supervision of the County Conservationist, responsible for the professional implementation of voluntary and regulatory programs, projects, and best management practices to address nutrient management, soil health, water quality and quantity, and other agronomic activities by providing planning assistance and technical services to landowners and agricultural producers in the application of conservation practices to meet federal, state, and local requirements and regulations as well as function as a lead worker in the Land Conservation

Division (LCD) of the Land & Water Resources Department (LWRD) for Dane County. Work duties are characterized by leadership responsibilities for training and advising LCD staff as well as providing specialized expertise in agronomy, nutrient management planning, and implementation involving the promotion and implementation of nutrient management, soil health practices, and other cropland management activities; providing technical assistance to landowners and producers in the implementation of nutrient management, agronomy, and implements of husbandry; compliance and enforcement of applicable agricultural performance standards and prohibitions as well as county ordinance requirements for manure management; administration of landowner contracts and cost-share funding for applicable projects; development and implementation of educational and outreach programming, tracking and reporting of nutrient management efforts for work planning, grants and reports; and other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES – Administer the county’s nutrient management program including farmer training, cost-share funding, plan development, implementation, tracking, and reporting. Contact landowners and operators to review nutrient management, soil health, and other cropland management activities for their property. Perform inspections and status reviews associated with nutrient management plan implementation and document compliance with applicable permits, regulations, and program requirements. Respond to and investigate complaints regarding applicable soil and water ordinances and regulations. Initiate proper compliance or enforcement actions. Provide on- going leadership and specialized expertise to LCD staff including training of new employees and resolution of work issues. Work with staff in achieving work load priorities, conservation implementation and compliance constructively and consistently. Contribute in policy development including division guidance and procedures to improve and maintain workflow efficiencies and ensure implementation consistency. Ensure all division staff are trained and aware of division policies, procedures and guidance. Provide specialized expertise in specific soil and water conservation programming (i.e. nutrient management planning, demonstration farm network, farmer education, soil health, etc.) in order to provide up-to-date training, guidance and recommendations to staff, managers, elected officials and the public. Review applications and issue permits in accordance with county ordinance and department policies. Conduct planning, inspection and documentation of conservation practices. Develop and prepare plans in accordance with applicable technical specifications and standards. Conduct periodic verification of operation and maintenance of practices through the life expectancy of the practice in accordance with applicable technical specifications and standards. Track and administer cost- share contracts for timely implementation of conservation practices. Assist landowners and operators with the cost-share application process, contracting, bidding, implementation, documentation and payment for practices under contract. Assist with applying for and administration of grants. Prepare and present educational materials and programs regarding conservation activities in the county to audiences ranging from individual operators and landowners to small groups to public meetings with large audiences. Provide liaison role with external agencies as necessary. Communicate progress and concerns to the County Conservationist. Assist in identifying annual and long term work planning, division priorities, policy recommendations, educational needs and guidance development. Keep daily records of activities, maintain records as assigned and prepare reports and documents. Utilize applicable data management systems and spatial software. Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE – Any combination of education, training, and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in soil science, agronomy, natural resources, or related field and five (5) years of direct experience in the professional application of nutrient management planning and soil health practices. Experience in agricultural cropping systems and implements of husbandry common to Dane County is desired.

CREDENTIALS – Must possess at least one (1) of the following certifications prior to applying:

Certified Professional Crop Consultant (CPCC) from the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) from the American Society of Agronomy

Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) from the Soil Science Society of America

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS – Possession of, or eligibility to obtain, a driver’s license with a good driving record and access to personal transportation or equivalent. Ability to hitch and tow trailers is preferred.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORK REQUIREMENTS – Expected to work in the office as well as in year-round outdoor conditions. Must be able to traverse a wide variety of field conditions (i.e. wet, muddy terrain; steep slopes, livestock operations; construction sites; stream corridors) and carry equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES – Demonstrated knowledge of nutrient management, agronomic practices, soil health, cropping systems, and implements of husbandry. Demonstrated knowledge of local, state and federal soil and water conservation programs and regulations. Demonstrated knowledge of computer software including database management systems and spatial software. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of individuals, public and private agencies. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and provide training to staff, landowners, elected officials, partner agencies and organizations, and general public. Ability to work independently and as a member of a team, use computers in the office or in the field, and prepare concise and effective documents and reports. Ability to train staff in the technical aspects of their responsibilities and address concerns that may develop between staff, landowners, contractors or the general public. Ability to manage accounts, track implementation progress, develop work plans and maintain reports. Ability to prioritize, manage workload and project management.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37.13 – $47.51 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 5×8
• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Madison, WI 53718