District Conservation Technician

Job Title: District Conservation Technician
Organization: Mesa Conservation District
Location: Hybrid: Office Location - Grand Junction, CO
Job Type: Full-time (37.5 hours/week), Entry-Level
Salary and Benefits: The position offers a competitive pay rate of $21 per hour. Benefits include paid time off, sick leave, holiday pay, and opportunities for professional development. Additionally, we provide access to options for health, dental, and vision insurance, as well as FAMLI (Family and Medical Leave Insurance). This position is grant-funded and is contingent on yearly funding.

How to Apply:
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience to mesaconservationdistrict@gmail.com. Additionally, please provide examples of previous GIS mapping experience. Application review will begin on December 29th, and the position will remain open until filled.

About Us:

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 full-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:

  • Conduct on-the-ground technical assessments to ensure compliance with NRCS standards.

  • Support the planning and implementation of conservation practices on private lands, including EQIP, CSP, and other NRCS initiatives.

  • Assist in the design and execution of conservation projects, including preparing preliminary and final project designs and providing follow-up support to ensure proper completion.

  • Conduct site visits; collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative data; and perform landscape-level monitoring and assessments, including plant identification, habitat typing, and evaluating landscape and land-use composition.

  • Utilize software and tools such as ProTracts, Web Soil Survey, ArcGIS, Natural Resources Inventory, Data Mart, Conservation Desktop, Conservation Assessment Ranking Tool, and the Toolkit for Erosion and Sediment Control (and other relevant systems).

  • Participate in and support landowner and producer workshops, conservation events, and district meetings.

  • Prepare educational materials, including newsletter articles, and assist in delivering technical workshops.

  • Aid in developing grant applications by providing technical details and assisting with reporting requirements for funded projects.

  • Work closely with NRCS staff, including engineers and conservationists, to address local conservation needs.

  • Assist with the implementation of MCD programs, including the Noxious Weed Management Program, Microhabitat Program, and the Delta-Mesa Colorado Master Irrigator Program.

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resources, agronomy, crop science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

  • Strong technical knowledge of conservation practices, including NRCS standards.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in GIS mapping and related software, including ArcGIS.

  • Experience with Microsoft Suite, Google Workspace tools and functions, and web-based applications for creating effective and engaging content.

  • Excellent writing abilities, including technical and scientific writing, with the ability to communicate clearly and compellingly to diverse audiences.

  • Ability to conduct fieldwork, including physical tasks associated with site assessments.

  • Knowledge of Western Colorado plants and ability to conduct plant identification.

  • Strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, particularly when working with producers.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Preferred:

  • Familiarity with agricultural and conservation programs.

  • Experience with grant-funded projects or conservation planning.

  • Knowledge of regional conservation challenges, such as soil health, water management, and forestry.

  • Knowledge and/or experience of fire ecology, noxious weeds, and wildlife habitats of Western Colorado. 

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.