Nutrient Management Specialist -Ii-Iii; Wvda​/Nrcs Parternship Position

Job Title

Nutrient Management Specialist I - II - III (WVDA/NRCS Partnership Position)

Regulatory and Environmental Affairs

USDA Service Center, Lewisburg, WV

Nutrient Management Specialist III

None

Non-Exempt

NMS Level 1 - Under general supervision, assists with development of site Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia. A large percentage of time will be spent in the field working with agricultural producers, collecting soil and manure samples, and training in developing Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.

NMS Level 2 - The Nutrient Management Specialist II independently develops site specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia. A large percentage of time will be spent in the field working with agricultural producers, collecting soil and manure samples, and training in developing Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations. The Nutrient Management Specialist II will work toward gaining extra certifications such as Master Gardener, Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Certified Forage and Grassland Professional (CFGP).

NMS Level 3 - The Nutrient Management Specialist III acts as lead in development of site‑specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia. Works extensively with the West Virginia Nutrient Management Program Coordinator in management of the Nutrient Management Program examples (involvement in) State Committees, subcommittees, training, recertification. Includes some level of supervisory responsibilities for Nutrient Management Specialists, as well as off‑site employees.

An educational component is also a focus for employees and the general public. The Nutrient Management Specialist III works one‑on‑one with farmers in the details of implementation of their Nutrient Management Plan. A large percentage of time will be spent in the field working with agricultural producers to implement their plan, with occasional collecting of soil and manure samples as well as any other duties as assigned.

• Collect soil and manure samples.
• Assist with development of Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
• Assist farming operations with NMP updates and record keeping requirements.
• Assist agricultural producers with fertilizer and liming recommendations.
• Assist with tracking, verifying, and reporting agricultural BMPs.
• Assist agricultural producers with CAFO and other environmental issues.
• Assist WVDA with response to animal disease outbreaks.
• Assist in public education and outreach.
• Assist in reporting WVDA related activities.
• Assist in preparation of reports, publications, and news releases.
• Maintain producer confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Develop Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.
• Show competence in RUSLE2, P-Index, and multiple types of plan writing software.
• Inform producers of conservation programs that complement Nutrient Management (i.e. lime, cover crop, invasives, frost seeding, etc.).
• Assist agricultural operations with calibration of farm equipment.

• Supervise Nutrient Management Specialists.

Combination of office environment and fieldwork that may include: extensive days in the field walking long distances, traversing rough terrain, exposure to various weather conditions including, but not limited to, rain, cold, and hot temperatures. Some days employees will work alone while others they will work with one or more employees in a team. All work will be accomplished following appropriate bio‑security protocols.

A person in this position must have the physical ability to lift and maneuver 40 pounds. Some travel with overnight stays will be required.

• Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 3,000 acres annually after first year of training.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws, rules, and regulations as they might apply to, or affect, agriculture.
• General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the West Virginia…