Agriculture Water Optimization Planner

Job Title: Agriculture Water Optimization Planner (Conservation Planner III)
2 Positions - 1 in Roosevelt and 1 in Logan
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Help preserve, improve and protect Utah agriculture for future generations. Working with irrigators, irrigation companies, water conservancy districts, conservation districts federal agencies and others to help implement water opimization projects, inspect water optimization projects and develop conservation plans focused on optimizing water use, improving agriculture production, and sustain agriculture for future generations.
Principal Duties:
As a Water Optimization Planner, you will:

• Gather water optimization data and create annual reports.
• Build relationships with landowners, partners and other agencies and groups to promote water optimization and conservation.
• Monitor water optimization projects.
• Inspect water optimization projects before during and after project implementation.
• Perform outreach and educational activities on state and federal conservation programs.
• Provide technical assistance to irrigators, irrigation companies, water conservancy. districts, and conservation districts, to plan and implement water optimization projects

• Understanding and experience in conservation planning process.
• Working knowledge of irrigation methods and practices.
• Good verbal and communication skills and ability to build trust with producers and landowners.
• Background in agriculture.

• Preference may be given to: Local candidates with planning experience, a degree in irrigation management, agronomy or similar agriculture related fields or a knowledge of irrigation planning and multiple years of experience working in the agriculture community.

• State and federal conservation programs
• Procurement and/or administration of contracts, grants, or similar agreements
• Speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen to and understand information and ideas as presented verbally
• Communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing; read and understand information presented in writing.
• Principles, theories, and practices of agronomy, irrigation water management, conservation planning and farming practices
• Effective communication, organization, planning, and time management skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Attend meetings and coordinate projects among various parties

• Best qualified individuals for this job will have obtained a bachelor's degree in Agronomy, Soil Science, Botany, Horticulture, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Engineering, or other natural resource management degree,
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a).granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle by being licensed as a driver by the division under this chapter.
• The work may require overnight travel.
• Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching or similar activities.
• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g. working around operating machines, working with contagious diseases or hazardous chemicals, etc.
• General Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Certified Planner or equivalent certification/training in one or more area (e.g. Nutrient Management and Land Treatment (CNMP), Pest Management (IPM), or Agriculture and Wildlife interactions).
• And/or experience as a Conservation Planner II or similar experience, or a combination of education and experience equal to the bachelors degree.