Soil Health and Programs Coordinator

Position Announcement 7.14.2026

Madison, MN 56256

If you are passionate about conservation agriculture, looking to work in a positive, supportive, and fun office environment and want to take part in the unique opportunity to develop and implement conservation programs - this position may be right for you!

District Overview

The Lac qui Parle Soil and Water Conservation District's (SWCD) mission is to provide conservation opportunities for landowners and residents of Lac qui Parle County through creative stewardship, habitat protection programs and utilization of resources to foster soil improvement and water quality.

We offer excellent benefits, including 12 paid holidays, paid time off, health insurance, PERA defined benefit retirement pension, flexible work schedules, a supportive team culture, and numerous training, and networking opportunities for professional and personal development.

Application Procedure: Applications may be submitted by email, mail, or in person by Friday, August 14th, 2026, at midnight. Late application packages will not be accepted.

To apply: Submit cover letter, completed application and resume to Rhyan.schicker@lacquiparleswcd.org or mail/deliver to:

Rhyan Schicker, LqP SWCD District Manager

122 8th Ave South

Madison MN, 56256

(320) 598-7071

Soil Health Program Coordinator

Status: Regular Full-time, 40 hours/wk.*, occasional nights and weekends

*Flexible schedule opportunities for the right candidate

Hiring range: $24-$35/hr., plus benefits, Dependent on Qualifications

Application Closing Date: August 14th, 2026

Position Description

The Soil Health and Program Coordinator will provide technical assistance to landowners and operators in Lac qui Parle county who seek to incorporate soil health and water quality beneficial practices into their operations. Common practices include cover crops, reduced tillage, pasture and hay plantings, water and sediment control basins and grassed waterways.

This person will be responsible for one-on-one farm site visits, the creation of maps and plans to implement the best management practices listed above, and help navigate producers through different grants and cost share opportunities.

They will assist on coordinating outreach initiatives and events within the county, staying informed of the latest soil health methods, and engage in local peer mentoring programs. Furthermore, they will facilitate connections between landowners, and partnering agencies/organizations to increase effectiveness and adoption of soil health and structural practices.

Building and maintaining professional, trusted relationships within the agricultural community is a critical component of the job. This position is a mix of office and field work.

Supervision: District Manager and Board of Supervisors

Minimum Qualifications:

2-year degree with a major study in agricultural studies, agronomy, resource conservation, environmental science, soils or equivalent. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered.
Basic understanding of agricultural and ecological systems.
Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with landowners, producers and operators
Effective communication both verbally and written to engage a diverse audience
Ability to work under stressful conditions.

· Demonstrate initiative while working independently with minimal supervision or as part of a team.

A valid driver’s license and ability to successfully pass a background check.

Physical ability to carry up to 50 pounds occasionally and perform outdoor work in all seasons of the year. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Preferred skill set:

· Experience working with local, state or federal programs

· Working knowledge of common soil and water best management practices and the technical standards in applying those practices

· Knowledge of GIS/GPS programs.

· Course work in agronomic subjects is desirable.

· Certified Crop Advisor certification

Duties and Responsibilities

The essential job duties for this position are regular and timely work attendance, ability to establish and maintain working relationships with landowners, co-workers, agencies and others; ability to work under stressful conditions and adhere to programmatic deadlines, and items listed below.

Primary

· Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and other rural landowners, to design and implement conservation plans following program requirements.

· Engage in conservation planning, program promotion, contract coordination, site assessment, and reporting for all district conservation programs such as the regional conservation partnership program, conservation contracts, and watershed-based initiative funding.

· Conduct site assessments of conservation practices annually or as needed to see that they are completed according to technical specifications

· Prepare contracts and payments for board approval.

· Understand conservation and wildlife programs provided by federal (i.e. Farm Bill, US Fish and Wildlife Service), state, and local entities and nonprofit organizations.

· Obtain job approval authority for various ecological sciences practices, including but not limited to cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management, grazing, and pasture and hay plantings.

· Perform technical work according to the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide, or other appropriate professional standard.

Secondary

Support Conservation Technicians with the tree program including planning, inventory, planting, and fabric installation.
Support Conservation Technicians with the native grass drill and seed program including planning, ordering seed, site inspections, and installation.
Assist in the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) programs and complete duties as required of the SWCD, including annual inspections.

· Attend training sessions to advance knowledge and meet goals outlined in an Individual Development Plan.

Perform other related duties as directed by the District Manager.

Physical Requirements

Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment utilized in performing essential functions. Light to medium physical activities require hiking, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, near and far acuity, depth perception, and color vision. The employee must occasionally lift and or move up to 50 pounds. Work in the field will include exposure to weather and wet conditions as well as inside work in an office setting.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Candidates will be considered without discrimination for any non- merit reason such as race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital or familial status or membership or non-membership in an employee organization.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the SWCD will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Apply now by submitting to Rhyan.schicker@lacquiparleswcd.org (or the address listed below):

1) Letter of interest/Cover letter

2) Resume

4) Conservation District “Application for Employment”

Lac qui Parle SWCD

Attn: Rhyan Schicker

122 8th Ave

Madison, Minnesota 56256