Farm Production and Conservation Field Technician

Position: Farm Production and Conservation Field Technician FT/PT
Position Details

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Position Information

Position Title
Farm Production and Conservation Field Technician FT/PT

Status
Full Time

Job Summary

The Farm Production and Conservation Field Technician is responsible for supporting the planning, implementation, and evaluation of farm production and conservation activities focused on soil carbon sequestration, soil fertility management, forage production, and sustainable sheep and goat production systems. This position provides field-based technical support, assists with data collection and program delivery, and works collaboratively with producers, stakeholders, and project personnel to promote research-based agricultural best management practices.

The Field Technician serves as a key member of the animal science and forages team and supports outreach, demonstrations, and educational programming to address producer needs and strengthen environmental and production outcomes.

Essential Job Duties

• Support the implementation of farm production and conservation pilot projects related to soil carbon sequestration, soil fertility, forage management, and small ruminant production systems.
• Assist with the planning, coordination, and delivery of research-based educational programs, workshops, field days, and on-farm demonstrations for producers and stakeholders.
• Conduct on-farm visits to provide technical support and assist producers with the adoption of best management practices.
• Collect, organize, and maintain field-based data related to livestock production, forage production, soil fertility, and environmental outcomes.
• Assist with soil sampling, forage sampling, pasture assessments, livestock performance monitoring, and documentation of conservation practices.
• Support the evaluation of program effectiveness by assisting with surveys, participant feedback, and outcome reporting.
• Assist with maintaining accurate project documentation, field notes, records, and data files to support reporting requirements and compliance expectations.
• Collaborate with faculty, specialists, agents, and project partners to ensure program activities align with project goals, timelines, and deliverables.
• Support outreach and communication efforts by assisting with the development of educational materials, fact sheets, reports, and presentation content.
• Participate in advisory group meetings, producer meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities to help identify needs and improve program delivery.

Qualifications (Education, Experience and Specialized Training)

• Bachelor's degree in Agriculture, Animal Science, Agronomy, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Plant Science, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience working in farm production systems, livestock systems, forage systems, or field-based agricultural programming.
• Experience assisting with field research activities, including data collection, sampling, and documentation.
• Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

Physical Demands

Skills and Attributes

• Knowledge of basic principles of livestock production, including sheep and goat production systems.
• Knowledge of forage and pasture management practices, including planting, maintenance, and grazing systems.
• Knowledge of soil fertility concepts, soil carbon sequestration practices, and conservation-based farm management systems.
• Ability to assist with agricultural field research activities, including soil sampling, forage sampling, pasture evaluation, and livestock performance monitoring.
• Skill in collecting, organizing, and maintaining accurate project records, datasets: and field documentation.
• Ability to communicate effectively with producers, agricultural stakeholders, and project team members through verbal and written communication.
• Ability to support educational outreach efforts, including assisting with workshops, demonstrations, field days: and Extension events.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently in the field and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to use technology and software to track data, generate reports, and support program documentation.
• Ability to perform physical duties associated with fieldwork, including working outdoors in varying weather conditions and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Willingness to travel and support field-based program implementation as needed.
• Demonstrated ability…