Project Coordinator, Cherokee Soil & Water Conservation District - Cherokee

Vacancy Announcement

Position Title: Project Coordinator, Water Quality Initiative

Location: Cherokee, Iowa (Cherokee County)

Status: Fulltime position

The primary objective of this project is to work with cattle producers to adopt forage-based conservation practices that will reduce nutrient and soil losses across the landscape. The Project Coordinator will educate cattle producers about conservation practices and programs and evaluate compatible alternatives for the operation. A strong understanding of the cattle industry is preferred. The Project Coordinator will develop print, broadcast, and internet media items. Some small group public speaking will be required but the ideal candidate will possess strong one-on-one communication skills. Must be self-directed as minimal direction will be offered by an Advisory Committee. The Project Coordinator will frequently provide oral updates to the District Board on project progress. The Project Coordinator will also facilitate meetings, trainings, and outreach efforts as well as coordinate and manage projects to completion.

• 2 or 4 year degree in agriculture-related field and/or some experience with livestock conservation or agricultural practices preferred.
• Experience working with diverse partners, both internal and external, preferred.
• Experience working with the agricultural community.
• Ambition and determination toward meeting an established goal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Must be able to utilize resources available to them in an effective manner.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to make presentations, and excellent public speaking skills.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, & Experiences

• BS in Agribusiness, Ag Education, Ag Economics, Production Agriculture, or Agronomy.
• Familiarity with the principles of nutrient management and agricultural practices.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation and agriculture.
• Demonstrated experience in sales, marketing, and message development/delivery.
• Experience with Cover Crops, and developing Nutrient Management plans.
• Ability to think in an analytical systematic approach to negotiate support for conservation efforts.
• Background in Agriculture.

Submit resume, cover letter, list of references, and transcript (if applicable) to

Cherokee County SWCD

314 Lake Street

Cherokee, IA 51012

or by email to tracy.rasmussen@ia.nacdnet.net by 4:30pm, Friday, March 31, 2023.

• The Project Coordinator will manage, coordinate, and implement the objectives of the water quality project for Cherokee, Woodbury, and Ida County SWCD’s, non-project activities, conservation planning, application of Best Management Practices (BMP), information and education, and other related activities essential to the SWCD and NRCS under general supervision by the Cherokee County SWCD and day-to-day coordination by the NRCS District Conservationist.
• Initiate and conduct significant promotional outreach efforts to local municipalities, rural landowners and producers, government agencies, other local units of government, and various interest groups as part of a shift in focus of the project.
• Conduct natural resource assessment and evaluation working one-on-one with landowners, as well as with groups, to facilitate adoption of BMP, and to develop and document conservation plans of decision makers using NRCS software tools.
• Implement BMPs including in-the-field engineering layout and surveys, designs, and checkout certification according to NRCS standards.
• Initiate and conduct informational meetings with local advisors and cooperators, field demonstrations and workshops, write newsletter and local media articles, utilize social media as appropriate, and recognize active participants in order to promote resource conservation through the project.
• Use current technology tools, such as GIS, as well as traditional and newer techniques to identify resource needs, monitor water quality conditions, and identify innovative solutions.
• Provides administrative support to the SWCD in organizing, documenting, and submitting progress reports and funding needs, managing project budget and funding, conducting annual project reviews in order to communicate project accomplishments with partners, and complete annual plans of operations.
• Continue to evaluate past accomplishments and prioritize future water quality project activities, involving advisory board members/SWCD commissioners, and seek input from other community and agency partners in order to improve water quality, soil health, and the land as an interconnected ecological system.
• Work as a team member of the local office on activities essential to the SWCD and NRCS including conservation planning, application of practices, and information/education in order to promote the project as part of resource conservation efforts throughout the county and as identified in the SWCD and NRCS Business and Strategic Plans.
• Practice continuous self development in learning and knowledge of innovative and traditional application techniques of water quality and resource conservation practices.
• Conduct all work and business with respect toward others in a non-discriminatory and appropriate manner.
• Will work and maintain strong partnership with the Ida County SWCD and Woodbury County SWCD and fellow Project Coordinators in order to meet the goals of the three counties.