Nutrient Management Specialist I-Ii-Iii (WvdaNrcs Parternship Position)

West Virginia Department of Agriculture
Position Description

Job Title: Nutrient Management Specialist I II III(WVDA/NRCS Partnership Position)
Division: Regulatory and Environmental Affairs
Headquarters: USDA Service Center Lewisburg WV
Reports To: Nutrient Management Specialist III
Supervisory Responsibility: None
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Nature of Work:
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 offsite 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.

Examples of Work:
NMS Level 1

• 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.

NMS Level 2 (Additional)

• 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.

NMS Level 3 (Additional)

• Supervise Nutrient Management Specialists.

Working Conditions:
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.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:
NMS Level 1

• Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 3000 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 Department of Agriculture.
• Effective time management skills essential.
• Ability to obtain Nutrient Management Certification.
• Ability to locate and travel to mapped locations.
• Ability to work with spreadsheets and mapping software.
• Ability to develop detailed reports.
• Ability to communicate with a wide variety of people both orally and in writing.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out complex oral and written directions.
• Ability to handle public media legislative and regulatory inquiries.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with officials employees and the public.
• Ability to follow farm bio-security protocols.
• Ability to walk long distances and physically lift and maneuver 40 lbs.

NMS Level 2 (Additional Requirement)

• Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 7000 acres annually after first year of training.

NMS Level 3 (Additional Requirements)

• Ability to write Nutrient Management plans on a minimum of 5000 acres annually after first year of training.
• Extensive knowledge of Nutrient Management Planning.
• Ability to help manage the direction of WVDAs Nutrient Management Program.

Minimum Qualifications:
NMS Level 1
Education:Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in agriculture natural resources management environmental science soil science agronomy or related natural resources fields required.
Experience:One year of full-time paid employment in agriculture forestry environmental sciences and other land and natural resource management fields preferred.
Licenses/ Certifications:Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is preferred but not required prior to employment. However this certification is required as soon as possible after employment begins.

NMS Level 2 (Additional Requirements)
Experience:Three years of full-time paid employment in agriculture forestry environmental sciences and other land and natural resource management fields.
Licenses/ Certifications:Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is required prior to employment in this position.

NMS Level 3 (Additional Requirements)
Experience:Five years of full-time paid employment in agriculture forestry environmental sciences and other land and natural resource management fields.
Licenses/ Certifications:Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is required prior to employment in this position.

Job Type: Full-time

Additional Requirements:

• Valid drivers license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner of Agriculture and designees.
West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.