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Cumberland River Compact

Working Lands Program Manager

Cumberland River Compact

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Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Working Lands Program Manager is responsible for advancing water conservation priorities in the Cumberland River basin by cultivating strong relationships with landowners, resource managers, government agencies, and private industry. The position will work to advance adoption of on-farm Best Management Practices (BMPs) through the new River Friendly Farms certification program, identify opportunities for small and large scale stream restoration sites on private lands, accelerate the adoption of soil health practices, and build awareness about the Compact and its resources in counties throughout the basin.

Job Responsibilities

  • Perform farm visits to assess and promote agriculural BMPs
  • Provide guidance and resources to landowners looking to implement Best Management Practices
  • Work with an advisory committee to continue to market agriculutral BMPs
  • Participate in educational or demonstrative farm field days and other education opportunities
  • Organize ongoing educational events to increase awareness about farm conservation practices and available resources.
  • Work with the Marketing Manager to build market-based incentive for certification.

  • Identify opportunities for restoration work in priority watersheds that qualify for the  stream restoration.
  • Work with Compact staff to train resource managers and skilled volunteers in minor bank stabilization techniques.
  • Perform in-stream restoration work.
  • Landowner outreach and education.

  • Work with county NRCS offices to
  •  Encourage the adoption of no-till practices in the Red River watershed and Upper Cumberland watershed through low barrier access to no-till equipment.
  • Work to lessen the environmental impact of Tennessee’s nursery industry. In partnership with Tennessee State University’s Nursery Research Center, gain a better understanding of the application of cover crops established in a nursery setting and disseminate lessons learned through TSU research to the nursery industry and improve soil health practices on those lands.

Qualifications

Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor degree in forestry, natural resources, conservation biology, agriculture, agriculture business, or closely related field and 2-4 years’ experience in conservation.
  • Experience planning and implementing multi-faceted, outcomes-based projects
  • Results-oriented: success will lie in meeting goals of stream miles restored, farms certified, number of individuals trained or educated and organized project management and communications
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
  • Ability to use Microsoft suite, Google Suite, and
  • Ability to lift 50lbs or more and perform physical labor while out in the field
  • Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
  • Ability to travel within the Cumberland River basin (within the states of TN and KY)
  • Meet requirements of our background screening process

Preferred

  • Experience living or working in rural communities
  • Familiarity with most recent Farm Bill programs
  • GIS knowledge
  • Interest in biodiversity in the Cumberland River basin
  • Farm experience
  • Knowledge of soil health principles, agroforestry, restoration agriculture, on-farm water management, or related topic and plus

Additional Information

Benefits

The Compact prioritizes the health and wellness of its employees with a benefits package (Medical/Dental/Vision), 401k matching, generous paid time off, work-from-home policies, and professional development opportunities including conferences/courses and tuition reimbursement. Compensation range for this position is $40,000-$42,000.

The Cumberland River Compact is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion, and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to info@cumberlandrivercompact.org

Details

  • Date Posted: September 7, 2021
  • Type: Full-Time
  • Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
  • Service Area: Environment
  • Start Date: 10/18/2021
  • Salary Range: $40,000-$42,000
  • Working Hours: 37.5 hrs/wk, M-F