Job Title: District Conservation Technician
Organization: Mesa Conservation District
Location: Hybrid: Office Location - Grand Junction, CO
Job Type: Part-time, Entry-Level
Salary and Benefits: The position offers a competitive pay rate of $20 per hour. Benefits include paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Additionally, we provide access to health, dental, and vision insurance options, a retirement plan, and FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance).
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to mesaconservationdistrict@gmail.com. Application review Dec 16th, and the position will remain open until filled.
About Us:
The Mesa Conservation District (MCD), works in partnership with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to promote sustainable land and water use practices that protect and enhance our natural resources. Together, we intend to deliver conservation solutions that help agricultural producers and landowners to safeguard natural resources, support thriving agricultural communities, and build resilience against environmental challenges. Our organizations' visions align in pursuing a future of clean and abundant water, healthy soils, resilient landscapes, and sustainable agricultural systems that benefit both people and the environment, while also fostering a resilient community where natural resources are sustainably managed, balancing conservation with economic growth.
Position Overview:
MCD is seeking a motivated District Conservation Technician (DCT) to support conservation planning, on-the-ground practice implementation, and technical assistance for landowners and agricultural producers. This part-time role primarily focuses on advancing local conservation initiatives, with approximately 80% of the DCT’s time dedicated to implementing Farm Bill programs, NRCS Conservation Technical Assistance, and the NRCS 9-step conservation planning process. The remaining 20% will involve other technical work aligned with MCD’s mission to deliver impactful conservation programs, foster community partnerships, and leverage funding to support sustainable resource management.
Key Responsibilities:
o Support the planning and implementation of conservation practices on private lands, including EQIP, CSP, and other NRCS initiatives.
o Conduct on-the-ground technical assessments to ensure compliance with NRCS standards.
o Utilize software such as ProTracts, Web Soil Survey (WSS), ArcGIS, NRI (Natural Resources Inventory) Data Mart, Conservation Desktop (CD), Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool (CART), Toolkit for Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC), and/or others
o Assist in the design and execution of conservation projects, including assisting with the preparation of preliminary and final project designs.
o Provide follow-up support for ongoing projects to ensure proper completion.
o Participate in and support landowner and producer workshops, conservation events, and district meetings.
o Prepare educational materials, including informational newsletter articles, and assist in delivering technical workshops.
o Aid in developing grant applications with technical details and assist in reporting requirements for funded projects.
o Work closely with NRCS staff, including engineers and conservationists, to address local conservation needs.
o Assist with the implementation of the MCD programs, including the Colorado Soil Health Program and Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator Program.
Qualifications:
Required:
● Bachelor’s degree or nearing completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience in environmental science, natural resources, agronomy, crop science, or a related field.
● Strong technical knowledge of conservation practices, including NRCS standards.
● Excellent writing skills, including technical writing and the ability to communicate compellingly with diverse audiences.
● Ability to conduct fieldwork, including physical tasks such as site assessments.
● Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
● Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Preferred:
● Familiarity with Farm Bill conservation programs.
● Experience with grant-funded projects or conservation planning.
● Knowledge of regional conservation challenges, such as soil health, water management, and forestry.
Why Join Us: By joining Mesa Conservation District, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the environment and contribute to sustainable resource management in our community. The District Conservation Technician position offers a dynamic work environment, a collaborative team, and the chance to build connections with local landowners and conservation partners.