Senior Agricultural Specialist

Location: River Resource Center, 10 Maple Avenue, Asbury, NJ 08802
Reports to: Executive Director
Status: Full-time, regular, exempt (37.5-hour week)
Hybrid scheduling: Combination of in‐person, field, and remote days

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled

Position Description: The Senior Agricultural Specialist will work collaboratively with a growing North Jersey RC&D Team in implementing soil health, water quality, and climate conservation initiatives with farmers and landowners in Northern New Jersey (Hunterdon, Warren, Sussex, Morris, Somerset and Union counties). The position will focus on advancing practice implementation and research with livestock farmers and delivering technical expertise across the agricultural community. Focus of technical assistance will include the North Jersey RC&D Ag-Assist Cost-Share Program and a USDA-NRCS Climate Smart Commodity Grant focused on regenerative, grass-fed beef producers.    

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Major Responsibilities:                

• Coordinate, develop, and implement agricultural conservation projects, in consultation with other Senior Agricultural Specialist;

• Ensure high-quality project designs and field based research;

• Manage project-specific communications, including farmer and landowner communication, preparation of project reports, and metrics reporting;

• Serve as a liaison to farmers, landowners, and other conservation organizations on agricultural issues related to land and water stewardship, soil health, climate resilience, and the protection of natural resources;

• Assist in developing new grant funding proposals; and

• Support and participate in RC&D education and outreach activities and events.

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Qualifications, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in scientific field (Agricultural, Engineering, Environmental, or related field);

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a conservation or agricultural role;

• Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of responsibilities while collaborating with RC&D team on innovative programming in a dynamic work environment;

• Familiarity with agricultural conservation programs, knowledge of USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs preferred;

• Currently credentialed or able to obtain any of the following credentials highly desired: Licensed Engineer, Conservation Planner Status, Certified Nutrient Management Planner, Certified Crop Advisor, Agronomist;

• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality;

• Demonstrated experience utilizing judgment in planning field-based restoration or conservation projects and familiarity with conservation concepts and techniques;

• Experience developing or administering grants for conservation and restoration projects preferred;

• Knowledge and passion for sustainable agriculture and climate-smart practices (notill, cover crop, livestock incorporation, grazing);

• Excellent communication skills;

• Strong computer skills, working knowledge of ArcGIS or Satellite Imagery programs preferred;

• Must be able to work outside in varied weather conditions and move across diverse and uneven terrain;

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, willingness to travel in the service area is needed.

 

Compensation and Benefits:      

• Salary: $60,000-$80,000 annually

• Excellent benefits, including vacation, sick leave, family medical, retirement;

• Applicant will be expected to independently drive to farms and project sites, mileage and related expenses are reimbursable;

• Flexible and hybrid scheduling (mix of in-person and remote days).

 

To Apply: Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and resume to North Jersey RC&D at jobs@northjerseyrcd.org. Please indicate the Position in the subject line.

 

About North Jersey RC&D:

North Jersey RC&D is a 501c(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to meeting community needs through conservation. North Jersey RC&D works closely with farmers and partners on climate-smart, soil-health, and water quality conservation practice implementation. We manage multiple nationally-competitive grant awards, in addition to, state grants and foundation funding. North Jersey RC&D is known regionally for on-the-ground technical and financial assistance to a wide-range of farmers.

 

We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. North Jersey RC&D is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, and other protected characteristics. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.