This is a non-exempt, at-will position that reports to the District Manager.

Background: Bennington County Conservation District was established in 1946 to assist land users in natural resource conservation. The District collaborates with partner organizations, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to provide technical expertise and funding for conservation and restoration projects. Details about the District’s current programs and priorities can be found at bccdvt.org. This position is grant funded and guaranteed for a minimum of two years with strong likelihood of renewal.

Position Summary: Under the supervision of the District Manager and within the policies of the District Board of Supervisors, the Conservation Planner works alongside NRCS staff to help farmers and landowners plan and install conservation practices through Farm Bill programs such as EQIP, CSP, and RCPP. Focus areas include soil health, nutrient and grazing management, water quality, riparian habitat, forest health, and other practices aligned with District conservation goals.

Wages & Benefits: $25.00-$32.00 per hour, depending on qualifications. Benefits include a health insurance stipend, paid vacation and sick leave, federal holidays, and a 401(k) retirement plan.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in agronomy, soil science, natural resource management, forestry, or a related field.
• Ability to pass a federal background check and obtain USDA credentials (LincPass) to work in USDA offices and systems. Employment will be contingent on successfully passing the USDA background check.

Preferred Qualifications:

• NRCS Level 1 Conservation Planner designation.
• Knowledge of Vermont agriculture, forestry, wildlife, and conservation practices.
• Previous practical experience in implementing agricultural, forestry, and/or conservation practices.
• Familiarity with NRCS programs, conservation practice standards, and planning tools such as Conservation Desktop, CART, Vermont Natural Resource Atlas, and Web Soil Survey.
• Knowledge of soils, agronomy, nutrient and grazing management, and agricultural conservation practices.
• Knowledge of Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs) and state water quality programs.
• Proficiency with GIS mapping and Microsoft Office.
• Experience with Northeast native and introduced flora and fauna.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with close attention to detail.
• Ability to listen deeply to land users’ goals, explain complex issues clearly, and motivate people to adopt conservation practices.

Essential Job Functions:

Technical Assistance

1. Work with producers, landowners, and NRCS staff to develop conservation plans following the NRCS nine-step planning process and Field Office Technical Guide standards.
2. Conduct site visits to inventory resource concerns, and complete assessments and planning records in Conservation Desktop and CART.
3. Help producers apply for NRCS programs, and assist NRCS staff with application ranking, contract development, and certifying completed practices for payment.
4. Design, lay out, and check installation of conservation practices to NRCS standards, within the job approval authority granted by NRCS.
5. Monitor installed practices, assist with contract status reviews, and support successful establishment of practices such as woody riparian buffers.
6. Help land users secure required permits and complementary state and private funding.

 Outreach & Education

1. Conduct outreach on NRCS programs and application deadlines, including to beginning, veteran, and other historically underserved producers.
2. Coordinate workshops, field days, and local working group meetings that inform NRCS priorities in Bennington County.
3. Contribute program updates, fact sheets, and articles to District communications.

Administrative

1. Document technical assistance, track time for NRCS-funded work, and prepare progress reports.
2. Protect the confidentiality of producer information as required by Section 1619 of the 2008 Farm Bill.
3. Attend monthly District Board meetings, NRCS field office meetings, and other meetings as needed, including occasional evenings or weekends.
4. Complete required NRCS and USDA training.
5. Provide administrative support to the District as needed.

 Working Conditions:

•  Work is performed in office and field settings, including time alongside NRCS field office staff. Field work takes place on farms and forest land in variable terrain and all weather conditions.
• Must build effective, respectful working relationships with Supervisors, coworkers, partners, agencies, and landowners.
• Must collaboratively plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and have or be able to obtain a Vermont driver’s license.
• Occasional lifting of heavy objects.

 Desired Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

We do not expect any single candidate to possess all the qualifications listed. We will train you and we expect you to learn in the role. We are looking for team members who round out our current skill base and interested in a long term career. If this is you, we encourage you to apply.

 Initial application reviews begin November 9, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Indeed: https://www.indeed.com/job/conservation-planner-5790e5c44d5f3804

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications, a resume, and a completed job application, preferably combined into a single PDF, to Michael.fernandez@bccdvt.org

Initial application reviews begin November 30, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.