Soil Science Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Description Summary Under general supervision of the Conservationist, provide educational programs in subject matter areas relating to dairy, livestock, crop production, farm business management, and rural leadership development. Designs, delivers, and evaluates research-based agricultural and natural resource educational programming and services aligned with identified primary programmatic focus areas. Performs related duties as required.

Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. The Soil Health Specialist/Agricultural Educator position's primary programmatic focus will include: Crop production and management, including cropping systems, agriculture technology, integrated pest management, alternative crops, soil health, nutrient, and manure management.

Promotion and evaluation of soil health conservation practices that sequester carbon/reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water quality, such as cover crops and no-till practices. Agricultural economics, agricultural entrepreneurism, farm sustainability, and agricultural risk management Farm financial/business management Dairy production and management Non-dairy livestock production and management Land use and environmental issues Horticulture, tree and plant disease Develop programs to provide information, education, and technical assistance to landowners regarding the use of conservation tillage systems and nutrient management practices. Conduct on-site visits with landowners to determine current cropping practices and provide technical assistance and guidance in adopting conservation and nutrient management practices.

Develop cost-share agreements with landowners for nutrient management and other conservation practices. Ensures financial and administrative procedures are completed; maintains cost of agreements, amendments, cost-share calculations, funding /grant proposals, and project and cost certifications. Coordinating and distributing periodic agricultural newsletters, brochures, and flyers utilizing a variety of methods including websites and social media.

Responsible for coordinating and administering informational and educational programs/training. Utilizes knowledge of local community and partners to identify needs and deliver relevant programming and services. Evaluates and report on programming effectiveness.

Provide educational support for local agricultural, gardening, and conservation groups. Develops and assists agricultural and conservation groups with on-farm environmental and agronomic research. Deliver program services through farm visits, workshops, pasture walks, facility tours, or other appropriate methods.

Create a work plan that identifies local audiences and describes primary programmatic focus needs and steps that will be implemented to address those focus needs. Maintains a variety of complex electronic and paper records and reports. It is unlikely an employee will perform all the duties listed, nor is the list exhaustive in the sense it covers all the duties an employee may be required to perform.

The examples are merely indicative, not restrictive. Supervisory Responsibilities This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Typical Qualifications Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Education and/or Experience Bachelor's degree in agriculture, agriculture education, agronomy, soil science, animal science, dairy science, natural resources, or related field; master's degree preferred.

One (1) to two (2) years related technical work experience in natural resources, conservation, or agriculture or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Language Skills Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical data and information, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and maps. Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing; and effectively present information, and respond to questions from department personnel, employees of the County, landowners, local government officials, and the general public.

Ability to communicate effectively using a variety of methods and technology. Ability to assemble, copy, record, and transcribe data and information. Mathematical Skills Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data. Ability to classify, compare, compute, tabulate, categorize, differentiate, measure and/or sort data.

Reasoning Ability Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Computer Skills To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of internet, spreadsheet, word processing, Snap-Plus nutrient management software, and ArcGIS mapping software.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Valid Wisconsin Driver's License, with access to a dependable automobile and carrying at least the minimum automobile insurance coverage. Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred. Other Skills and Abilities Ability to work with minimal supervision.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with agencies, citizens, community-based services, co-workers, and organizations. Ability to determine and understand the various programs, agencies, and partners related to the purpose of this position. Knowledge of conservation practices and agricultural practices include but not limited to cover crop species, planting, management, and termination.

Knowledge of proper planting techniques, no-till planter set-up, and planter calibration. Demonstrated success in developing, delivering, and evaluating educational programs. Demonstrated skills in interpreting, utilizing, and applying evidence-based information and research findings.

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, or hear and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.

The employee is frequently required to walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Regularly tours sites outside of the office. Field inspections may include climbing and working on slippery ground which requires good balance.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions.

The employee may occasionally encounter individuals that may be under emotional stress. The noise level in the inside work environment is usually quiet but may be loud in the outside work environment.