Soil Health Planner

Job Title:

Soil Health Planner

FT / PT Status – Full-time
Salary – $23.49 - $37.86
Remote Work / In-Office – In-office
Final date to receive applications – 8-14-26

Job Description

Help preserve,improve, and protect Utah agriculture for future generations. Working directly with farmers, ranchers, landowners, federal agencies, and partner organizations, this role provides technical assistance and develops comprehensive conservation plans focused on improving soil health, agricultural production, and protecting the state's soil, water, and air resources.

This position works in close collaboration with partner agencies—such as the USDA-NRCS, Utah Division of Water Quality, local soil and water conservation districts, Utah State University, and local watershed groups—on joint projects, regulatory framework 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…