Agronomist

The North Platte Natural Resources District in Scottsbluff is accepting applications for an Agronomist. Primary duties include assisting in establishment, implementation and monitoring of nutrient management policies and practices, grant writing and applications, working directly with and establishing relationships with producers and other private and public entities to assist producers who have consistently high residual nitrogen as it relates to best management practices and other water quality aspects. Applicant must possess excellent written and oral communication skills and be efficient with Microsoft Office products. 

Requirements include a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science or related field, a valid Nebraska driver license, the ability to achieve a Natural Resources Ground Water Technician License and Chemigation Applicator License, the ability to lift at least 25 pounds and ability to operate tools, machinery and equipment.

Salary will be based on experience. Benefits available include medical, dental and vision insurance for self and dependents, flexible spending accounts, generous retirement contributions, life insurance, disability insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays and flexible schedules.

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume and references to the North Platte NRD, 100547 Airport Road, P.O. Box 280, Scottsbluff, NE 69363-0280, dmadden@npnrd.org, or apply online at npnrd.bamboohr.com/careers. EOE.

Position

Agronomist

Full-time (40 hours/week)

Salaried – Non-exempt

Work Environment

• Both office and field duties
• Some physical demands, including the ability to operate tools, machinery and equipment.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Agriculture, Soil Science or related field.
• Water Well Standards Program Training and Natural Resource Ground Water Tech License (NRD will assist, if needed)
• Chemigation Applicator Training and License (NRD will assist, if needed)
• Additional continuing education may be required (NRD will assist, if needed)

Duties/Responsibilities

• Report directly to the General Manager.
• Provide periodic updates and presentations to the Board of Directors.
• Stay up to date on current events surrounding nutrient management. Advise General Manager of any concerns or changes that need to be considered for District operations.
• Monitor relevancy, applicability and compliance of current District nutrient management rules. Work with other District staff to develop any necessary changes to District rules.
• Review and provide recommendations to General Manager on alternate plans and waivers under the District’s Nutrient Management Rules.
• Work with and advise other District staff regarding rules, regulations, state and federal laws (Clean Water Act, Chemigation Act, etc.) as it relates to water quality.
• Research, apply and secure other funding options for water quality projects.
• Advise and provide education to producers on soil and water samples, and best management practices.
• Work directly with private industry representatives (fertilizer companies, etc.)
• Work directly with other agencies (NRCS, other NRDs, DEE, etc.)
• Stay up to date on new technologies that the District may be able to utilize, and technology advancements that could benefit producers.
• Assist and provide input on the District’s chemigation program. May require communication and interaction with producers.
• Assist and advise with the collection and processing water and soil samples.
• Assist and advise with administration of District’s water and soil sample cost shares.
• Consult with municipalities when necessary on wellhead protection requirements or concerns.

Skills

• Communication Skills – Written and Oral
• Organizational Skills
• Efficiency with Microsoft Office products
• Ethical Conduct

Travel

• Some local and out of town travel, including overnight trips, would be required for attendance at trainings, conferences and meetings.

Benefits Offered

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, dental and vision insurance available for employee and dependents
• Health flexible spending account and dependent care flexible spending account
• Retirement plan with match
• Group life insurance for employee
• Dependent life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Aflac supplemental plans (life insurance, cancer, hospital confinement, STD, dental, vision, critical care, accident)
• AirMedCare membership
• Vacation Leave (accrued, no “use or lose”, increases with years of service, paid out upon termination/resignation)
• Sick Leave (accrued, no “use or lose”)
• Other Paid Leave - Severe Weather, Bereavement, Disability, Medical, Jury Duty, Parental, Military
• 11 Paid Holidays annually
• Flexible Schedules
• Wellness Reimbursement
• Tuition Assistance and Reimbursement
• Professional Organization Memberships
• Years of Service Recognition and compensation

Total Value of Additional Benefits, not including salary, would be approximately $50,000, depending on enrollment in optional benefits.

This is a new position that the NRD would be creating. The requirements listed above are not comprehensive and may be subject to change, are negotiable, and will continue to develop over time.