Job Title: Soil Health Planner
FT / PT Status - Full-time
Salary - $23.49 - $37.86
Remote Work / In-Office - In-office
Recruiter - Christa Rowland crowlan@utah.gov 801-538-4826
Application Deadline - 8-14-26
*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Job Description
Help preserve,improve, and protect Utah agriculture for future generations. Working directlywith farmers, ranchers, landowners, federal agencies, and partnerorganizations, this role provides technical assistance and developscomprehensive conservation plans focused on improving soil health, agriculturalproduction, and protecting the state's soil, water, and air resources.
This positionworks in close collaboration with partner agencies-such as the USDA-NRCS, UtahDivision of Water Quality, local soil and water conservation districts, UtahState University, and local watershed groups-on joint projects, regulatoryframework support (e.g., AgVIP), and shared conservation efforts.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide Technical Assistance: Guide landowners and partners on the 5 principles of soil health, nutrient management planning, regenerative agriculture practices, integrated pest management, and irrigation water management.
- Conduct Resource Inventories & Site Visits: Perform in-field soil health assessments, resource inventories, and site visits to working farms-including animal feeding operations and dairies-to evaluate natural resource concerns such as water quality.
- Develop Conservation Plans: Write holistic conservation plans, including soil health plans, nutrient management plans (including AgVIP support), irrigation water management plans, and integrated pest management plans.
- Build Relationships & Collaborate: Build trust and strong working relationships with agricultural producers, local conservation districts, and partner agencies (USDA-NRCS, DWQ, USU, local watershed groups) to expand adoption of soil health principles and drive joint initiatives.
- Drive Educational Outreach: Plan, organize, and execute outreach events, field days, and educational activities on state/federal conservation programs for producers, landowners, and conservation professionals.
Additional Duties:
- Write and review grants, contracts, agreements, and Agriculture Resource Development Loans (ARDL).
- Collect, analyze, and interpret project data (including soil and water testing results) to report findings and make project recommendations.
- Train planners, staff, and partners on soil health practices, nutrient management, and conservation principles.
- Provide staff support to the Soil Health Advisory Committee.
- Attend partner meetings, give presentations, and present at field days.
Qualifications
Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:
- Core Knowledge: Full understanding of the conservation planning process, the 5 principles of soil health, and the 4 principles of nutrient management.
- Agricultural Background: Proven experience working in agriculture or directly collaborating with farmers and ranchers.
- Technical Skills: Proficiency in GIS mapping, field monitoring tools, remote sensing, and drone technology.
- Self-Direction & Problem Solving: High level of motivation, ability to work independently, think strategically, and solve complex problems.
- Communication & Teamwork: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong ability to build trust with producers and work collaboratively in a team setting.
- Certifications / Preference: Certified Nutrient Management Planner (CNMP) status (or willingness to become certified).
- Experience as a Conservation Planner I or NRCS training/certifications is preferred. Local candidates with a background in agronomy or soil science are encouraged to apply.
Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:
- The best qualified individuals for this position will have obtained a bachelor's degree in agricultural science, agricultural education, agricultural engineering, agronomy, conservation, biology, environmental science, soil science, plant science, botany, horticulture, or another related field, or equivalent experience.
- Experience as a Conservation Planner I or Natural Resources Conservation Service training/certifications is preferred, but not required
Supplemental Information
- Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Conservation, Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering, Biology, Environmental Science, Plant Science, or a related natural resource field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Physical Requirements: Position requires physical exertion, including long periods of standing and walking over rough, rocky, or uneven terrain, as well as recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, and reaching.
- Working Conditions & Hazards: Fieldwork involves outdoor conditions in varied weather and potential risks requiring safety precautions/equipment (e.g., working around operating machinery, potential exposure to hazardous chemicals, or contagious livestock diseases).
- Travel & Licensing: Occasional overnight travel is required for conferences, meetings, or field events. A valid driver's license is required per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).
About the Role
Location - 1860 N 100 E Logan, Utah
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B
Why You Should Join Our Team
This is ahands-on, "boots on the ground" position working directly withfarmers and ranchers to make positive, lasting impacts on Utah's agriculturallandscape. We offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities to exploreyour professional interests, integrate new ideas into the state's soil healthprogram, and see your concepts turn into projects that directly benefit localproducers.
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
- Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
- Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
- Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
- Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.
The AgencyFor more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.
