Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) Technician
Job Description
Job Description
POSITION SUMMARY
The Lapeer Conservation District (LCD) is seeking to hire a full-time (40 hours per week) Conservation Technical Assistance (CTAP) Technician. The CTAP Technician will be employed by the Lapeer Conservation District, serving Lapeer and Macomb Counties, and housed in the Lapeer County USDA Field Office. The focus of this position is to assist interested producers in the mitigation of agricultural pollution risks on farms of all sizes and commodities. The CTAP Technician will implement the goals and missions of MDARD’s Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) and the Regenerative Agriculture Program through on-farm technical assistance. The CTAP Technician is responsible for implementing all aspects of the CTAP grant agreement including working with producers through all phases of the MAEAP verification process, implementing the principles and goals of the Regenerative Agriculture Program, and promoting these programs through community outreach and educational events. The ideal candidate will be experienced with agriculture professionals and familiar with agricultural and environmental best practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
● Coordinate all aspects of the CTAP in Lapeer and Macomb Counties and be fully familiar with, and adhere to, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) CTAP grant agreement.
● Deliver on-farm technical assistance using the MAEAP farm assessment tools to address environmental risks specific to cropping, farmstead, livestock, and/or forest, wetland and habitat (FWH)
● Work with producers and landowners through all phases of the MAEAP verification process including Phase 1 education, on-farm risk assessments, the development and implementation of action plans, creating custom conservation plans, distributing cost-share funds to ensure the adoption of low-risk practices, and scheduling verification visits.
● Enter program data into the CTAP application in a timely and accurate manner. This data includes Tier I information, leads, field visits, technical assistance, action plans, farm inventories, events, etc.
● Conduct Regenerative Agriculture Program goals and promote the principles of regenerative agriculture through on-farm technical assistance including soil health assessments, soil testing, and farmer surveys.
● Work closely with the regional MAEAP Verifier, MAEAP Coordinator, Regenerative Agriculture Field Coordinator, and LCD Staff and Board to ensure collaboration on the creation and implementation of program and employee goals.
● Attend CTAP training and professional development opportunities as outlined by the CTAP grant and Employee Development Plan.
● Promote CTAP, Clean Sweep, and other stewardship practices with presentations, displays at events, social media, and articles for newsletters and local newspapers.
● Coordinate with local, state, and federal agency resources to promote CTAP and educate diverse audiences on the importance of sustainable agriculture within Lapeer and Macomb Counties.
● Provide assistance, as appropriate, to individuals with verified Right to Farm complaints. ● Work closely with local Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) staff to understand and help implement processes available to landowners through Farm Bill programs.
● Provide monthly reports to MDARD and the Boards of Lapeer and Macomb Conservation Districts.
OTHER FUNCTIONS
Assist the Conservation District with programs such as the annual meeting, tree sales, outreach events and office duties such as greeting walk-in customers, answering phones, general office upkeep, and other duties as assigned by the Lapeer Conservation District Manager or Board.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The primary workplace is in a typical office setting at the Lapeer Conservation District in Lapeer, Michigan (housed within the Lapeer County USDA Field Office) with the possibility of working from home (with approval). The CTAP Technician will frequently visit farms which may involve traversing uneven, muddy, or other difficult terrain in a wide range of weather conditions. The typical work schedule is M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm, but events and client schedules may require flexibility, including the need to work some evenings and weekends.
EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, AND EXPERIENCE
● Bachelor’s Degree in an Agriculture, Environmental, or Natural Resource management program is required.
● Two or more years of experience in Agriculture, Environmental, or Natural Resources is strongly preferred.
● Knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and agricultural practices is preferred.
● Experience collaborating, developing, and delivering agriculture education programs to a variety of audiences in diverse settings is very beneficial.
● Must maintain a valid driver’s license and pass a Federal Background Security Check.
COMPENSATION
Wages will be commensurate with education and experience and range from $19 to $20.50 per hour with potential to increase based on continued training and certifications. Current benefits include 11 paid federal holidays, 156 hours paid time off (PTO) per year, paid training (with approval) and health insurance is offered after 60 days along with an up to $5,000 per year health care benefit.
TO APPLY
Interested applicants must submit: a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts, and a list of references (all documents MUST BE IN PDF FORM and file name must include applicants name) to: katie.laur@macd.org or mail to: Katie Laur, District Manager, Lapeer Conservation District, 700 S. Main St. Suite 120-C Lapeer, MI 48446. Official transcripts may be requested at the interview.
Application deadline: April 4, 2025
Preferred Start Date: May 1, 2025 (contingent on federal background check)