Job Title: Nutrient Management Specialist

Division: Regulatory & Environmental Affairs

Headquarters: Moorefield Agriculture Complex, Moorefield, WV

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $30,000 to $35,000

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Nature of Work: Develop site specific Nutrient Management Plans in West Virginia. A large percentage of work time will be spent in the field working with agricultural producers to develop Nutrient Management Plans (NMP) for individual farming operations.

Examples of Work:

• Collect soil and manure samples.
• Develop 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.
• Collaborates with other Certified Nutrient Management Planners and Agriculture Agencies to increase service to the farm community.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

This position combines an 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:

• Ability to obtain Nutrient Management Certification.
• Ability to write Nutrient Management plans.
• 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.
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental laws, rules and regulations as they might apply to, or affect, agriculture.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
• Skilled in effective time management.
• Ability to work independently or in a team setting.
• Ability to handle public, media, legislative and regulatory inquiries.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with officials, employees and the public.
• Follow farm bio-security protocols.
• Ability to travel extensively in assigned area, or throughout the state or other locations as needed.
• Ability to walk long distances and physically lift and maneuver 40 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, natural resources management, environmental science, soil science, agronomy, or related natural resource fields.

Experience: Two (2) years of occupational experience in agriculture, forestry, environmental sciences, and other land and natural resource management fields.

Experience Substitution: Additional college credits in related field may be considered for substitution for the required experience on a year for year basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Certification by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture as a Certified Nutrient Management Planner is preferred prior to employment. However, this certification is required to be successfully completed within two (2) years after employment begins.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 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, and the State of West Virginia.

This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.