Entry Level Conservation Data Science Jobs in Virginia

Nutrient Management Specialist
Job no: 5108882
Work type: Restricted Full-Time
Location: Chesapeake, Virginia, Hampton, Virginia, Norfolk, Virginia, Suffolk, Virginia, Surry, Virginia, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Categories: Applied Sciences and Natural Resources
Title: Nutrient Management Specialist
State Role Title: Environmental Specialist II
Hiring Range: $60,000 - $72,000
Pay Band: 5
Agency: Dept Conservation & Recreation
Location: MAIN STREET CENTRE
Agency Website: www.dcr.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state's lead conservation agency, providing access for outdoor recreation, strengthening communities' flood resilience, and protecting what Virginians care about: clean water, parks, natural habitat, and open spaces.
Serving a diverse commonwealth rich in nature and culture, DCR touches all Virginians' lives.
The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Nutrient Management Specialist to join our team in Suffolk, Virginia. In this role, you will support Virginia's Nutrient Management Program by working directly with agricultural operators, landowners, and partner agencies to reduce nonpoint source pollution and protect the Commonwealth's natural resources.
This position offers the opportunity to support vital environmental protection efforts while working closely with the agricultural community in southeastern Virginia. You will join a mission-driven team committed to safeguarding natural resources and advancing sustainable nutrient management practices statewide.
Key Responsibilities:

• Implement Virginia's Nutrient Management Program within an assigned service area.
• Prepare Certified Nutrient Management Plans for agricultural operations and other regulated sites.
• Conduct on-site surveys and evaluations to verify plan implementation and compliance.
• Review nutrient management plans for regulatory and incentive-based programs to ensure accuracy and adherence to program standards.
• Provide technical assistance, guidance, and support to landowners, producers, and agricultural operators on nutrient management practices.
• Assist with the development and delivery of educational programs and outreach efforts aimed at reducing nutrient runoff into ground and surface waters.
• Support DCR's broader nonpoint source pollution (NPS) reduction initiatives.

DCR offers paid leave; a minimum of 13 paid state holidays per year; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.
DCR's Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR's efforts to CONSERVE.
Minimum Qualifications

• Training and experience in Agronomy, Crop and Soil Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Dairy Science, or related areas, that provide the needed knowledge and abilities in those fields, or a combination of training and experience to provide the needed knowledge and abilities in those fields.
• Work experience which demonstrates ability to plan effectively and perform duties with minimum supervision.
• Must possess a previous work history and or the ability to communicate orally and in writing with diverse groups of people from varying economic/educational situations.
• Must possess strong written communication skills with a previous work history, which demonstrates experience reporting data and completing written reports.
• Previous work experience which demonstrates a knowledge of, and proficiency in using MS Office suite for word processing and creating presentations; compiling data to create and maintain spreadsheets and data databases, and or knowledge/use of other relevant software.
• VA Nutrient Management Certification (Acquire certification within 12 months of hire date)

Additional Considerations

• Experience as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner, develop Nutrient Management Plans written to meet Virginia Nutrient Management Training and Certification regulations (or equivalent within service area).

Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Applicants must submit an online application to be considered for this position. DCR does not accept applications, résumés, cover letters, or other materials in any format outside of the online system. Please ensure your online application and/or résumé are complete and accurately reflect your duties, skills, and relevant work experience.
A valid driver's license is required to operate a state vehicle or a personal vehicle while conducting official business on behalf of the agency.
DCR encourages applications from minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and those with experience with the National Park Service or the federal government. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO/AA/TT).
🌲 Explore Virginia State Parks - On Us!
As a DCR employee, you'll enjoy exclusive access to the natural beauty and outdoor experiences that make Virginia's State Parks extraordinary - with free admission, special discounts, and perks that turn every visit into something memorable.
Employee benefits include:

• Free parking and admission to all Virginia State Parks.
• Overnight stay discounts for DCR classified, retired, and wage staff (after six months of service):
  • Free camping outside the Memorial Day to Labor Day season for sites accommodating up to six people.
  • Free Sunday-Thursday camping (excluding the night before holidays) during the Memorial Day-Labor Day period.
  • 50% off cabins (up to three bedrooms) outside the Memorial Day-Labor Day season for up to 14 nights. Two-night minimum required. Bunkhouses, camping cabins, and yurts are included; one-night yurt stays receive a 25% discount.

Join us and make Virginia's great outdoors part of your life - it's one of the many ways we show our appreciation for the people who make DCR's mission possible!
Contact Information
Name: Human Resources
Phone: N/A
Email: HR@dcr.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 05 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 26 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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