Salary – $55,973.00 – $71,353.00 Annually
Location – 160 S Macy Street Fond du Lac, WI
Job Type – Full Time
Department – Land and Water Conservation
Description
Under the supervision of the County Conservationist, this Agronomist will provide outreach and support for farmers to implement cover crops, no-till, and low disturbance manure applications (LDMA) in the Eldorado Marsh and Fond du Lac River Watershed areas of Fond du Lac County. Funding for additional conservation practices may be also become available during the project period. This position is currently funded by a 3-year Great Lakes Restoration Initiative grant that is scheduled to end March 31st, 2026, however potential future funding may extend this project.
Examples of Duties
The goals of this Agronomist position are:
- Be a positive resource to farmers and agriculture professionals to increase farmer adoption of cover crops, not-till, and low-disturbance manure applications along with other soil health practices that improve soil and water quality in the project area of the county.
- Provide technical and outreach support to farmers for the successful implementation of soil health practices and water quality programming in the project area of county.
- Be part of an educational network for farmers and other agronomy professionals in the county to learn and share information about soil health practices, systems, and equipment that other farmers are using successfully.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties are normal for his position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Collects and maintains accurate database of existing farming practices and analyzes information making for recommendations to adapt soil practices with farmers in the project area in the county.
- Network with farmers and other agronomy professionals to provide information and education on practices, equipment, and programs available to reduce soil erosion and runoff and improve overall soil health on their farms. This may also include providing continued training and support for the implementation of nutrient management plans using SnapPlus software.
- Analyze and interpret soil test data to help farmers meet both production and soil health goals on their farm.
- Analyze available Snap+ information with LWCD staff for conservation and program planning. This includes assistance with analyzing and reporting soil loss and nutrient reduction information, preparing field maps and acreages of practices, and providing relevant information for preparation of cost share agreements.
- Work with other staff on the LWCD Soil Health Team to manage the Fond du Lac County Soil Health Programming in the county.
- Coordination of field days and educational events to provide information about soil health conservation practices, techniques, and equipment.
- Maintains, through applicable training, a high level of technical knowledge and skills necessary for the effective promotion of soil health practices including nutrient management plan implementation.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
- Possess a B.S. or Associate Degree in Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Soil Science or a related field of study; or a combination of training and direct experience that would place the individual at an equivalent level.
- Possess a minimum of two years experience in an Agronomy or Farming related position with knowledge of conservation tillage, residue management, cover crops and nutrient and pest management.
- Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and the ability to meet the County’s Fleet Vehicle Policy Requirements is required.
Benefits
Please see the attached link for more information on our benefits.
http://www.fdlco.wi.gov/departments/departments-f-m/human-resources/benefits
