Technical Assistance Provider

POSITION: Regenerative Ag Technical Assistance Provider I

STATUS: Full-Time (40 hr/wk) / Benefited / Non-Exempt

COMPENSATION: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour

DEPARTMENT: Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems (CRARS)

LOCATION: Center for Regenerative Agriculture & Resilient Systems (CRARS); Candidate must be a California resident at the start of the position. This position is likely to be a combination of in-office and remote work. Some travel is expected.

RECRUITMENT ID: 027

RESIDENCY: Candidate must be a California resident. Chico State Enterprises is not a sponsoring agency for staff and management positions (i.e. H-1B Visas).

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: The Climate Smart Ag Technical Assistance Provider I (TAP I) will provide planning, design and implementation of on-farm/ranch conservation practices as a member of the CRARS conservation planning team. The TAP I will regularly interact and collaborate with producers, project partners and stakeholders to develop systems-based land management plans across all agricultural systems in California. The TAP I will also: regularly communicate with the Conservation Project Coordinator (CPC), project partners and stakeholders to enhance technical assistance and partner networks throughout California; provide administrative support for various producer and TAP incentive programs and grants in which CRARS is involved; participate in and provide support for the dissemination of information and outreach activities for producer and TAP incentive programs, which may include producer field days and other events; coordinate and manage producer meetings as needed; communicate with evaluators to facilitate the evaluation activities associated with conservation plan implementation; prepare and submit reports. This position will be part of a conservation planning team to support grant-funded regional conservation planning and education programs. Following USDA guidelines and requirements of the funding programs, the TAP I will work with multiple federal and state agencies, Regional Conservation Districts (RCDs) and other conservation partners to provide technical assistance to producers.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture or related field. The field of study should be related to agriculture production, natural resource management, soil science, agroecology, environmental science or a related field that prepares the applicant to meet essential job functions. Experience with on farm/ranch conservation practices as they relate to soil health is desired, but training will be provided for those applicants without direct practical experience.

• Knowledge of sustainable/climate-smart/regenerative agriculture farming and grazing practices and principles of soil health
• Certified Technical Assistance Provider or have interest in becoming a certified TAP
• Understanding of the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 9-step conservation planning process
• Ability to learn the conservation planning process for multiple resource concerns
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and experience with reporting
• Ability to communicate effectively with agricultural producers, landowners, technical service providers and other stakeholders
• Ability to navigate federal and state agencies to understand conservation planning opportunities, including funding for practice planning, design and implementation
• Proficient computing capabilities (either Mac or PC)
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to learn GIS mapping software such as ArcGIS, or Google Earth Pro
• Organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks
• Responsible, punctual, self-directed and task-oriented with strong problem solving skills
• Ability to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving work environment and to work within deadlines
• Ability to multitask and manage multiple project deadlines
• Must have excellent people skills, and work well as a member of a team
• Must have the ability to take direction and dynamically adjust to feedback
• Candidates must be in possession of valid driver’s license, automobile liability insurance, and have their own transportation. Participation in the DMV Employer Pull
• Notice Program (driving record) is required. The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.

Desirable skills:

• Certification as a Technical Service Provider (TSP) or Certified Conservation
• Planner (CCP) in Carbon Farm Planning, Soil Health, Nutrient Management,
• Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat, Grazing Planning, or Conservation Planning
• Current experience with GIS or other intensive mapping software
• Master’s Degree in Agriculture or a related discipline 

COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidate must be in possession of valid driver’s license and automobile liability insurance. Participation in the DMV Employer Pull Notice Program (driving record) is required. The candidate will be required to update their insurance with Chico State Enterprises Human Resources when necessary.

BENEFITS:

Benefits for employees working 30 hours or more per week include employer paid life insurance ($50,000) and long-term disability; options for health, dental, and vision insurance; FSA; 14 paid holidays including 1 personal holiday; vacation accrual (initially 10 days/year); sick leave (up to 12 days/year); employer contributions to your 403(b) retirement plan (up to 8%).

HOW TO APPLY:

To be considered, submit the following documents by November 20th 2023. Documents submitted after this date may not be considered.

• Resume
• Chico State Enterprises Application
• Cover Letter
• Contact information for three professional references

BY DROP BOX: https://csuchico.app.box.com/f/0b7d5af9d0e1464784e8b7ad4fb4b981

BY EMAIL: csejobs@csuchico.edu

Paper applications will not be accepted; however, Chico State Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is happy to provide reasonable accommodations to applicants at any step of the application process. If you need assistance in this regard, or are having technical difficulties, please contact the Human Resources office at 530-898-6811 or csejobs@csuchico.edu prior to 5:00 pm on the document deadline date. The employer is Chico State Enterprises, a non- profit corporation serving as an auxiliary organization of California State University, Chico. Employment is considered to be at- will.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

Chico State Enterprises is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, color ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, National origin, sex, sexual orientation, covered veteran status, or any other protected status. It is the Enterprises’ policy to hire only United States citizens and aliens lawfully authorized to work in the United States. All new employees must provide proof of identity and authorization to work.