The Soil Conservation Assistant is a new position focused on providing technical support to agricultural stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, government agencies, and non-profit representatives. The Assistant will work as part of a team to deliver outreach and training services to certify qualified individuals (QIs) to work as intermediaries between producers enrolled in climate-smart conservation practices and the USDA-NRCS, to monitor and assess land-use change effects on soil organic carbon storage. The Assistant will be able to contribute to meaningful conservation work throughout the entire western region of the US, including Alaska, Hawaii, and US territories.

The Assistant will work as part of an interdisciplinary team of faculty and staff, collaborating with conservationists at the regional and state levels. Our team is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The main responsibility of the Assistant is to help execute outreach and training activities for soil carbon monitoring within specific USDA-NRCS conservation programs.

The Assistant will conduct field sampling, laboratory work, and outreach and training activities relevant to:

1. Information on adaptation to climate change using “climate-smart” agricultural practices through adoption of conservation practices (for example, see https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/conservation-basics/natural-resource-concerns/climate/climate-smart-mitigation-activities); and

Capacity building – training a diverse array of Qualified Individuals and producers to facilitate the implementation, monitoring, and assessment of agricultural conservation practices within a specific conservation evaluation and management activity (CEMA 221) (for example, see https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/eqip-environmental-quality-incentives/eqip-cpas-dias-and-cemas).

The position is based in the Department of Geosciences (https://www.boisestate.edu/geos/), which is within the School of the Environment (https://www.boisestate.edu/environment/) at Boise State University. This is a dynamic community of faculty, researchers, and students committed to trans-disciplinary, team-based, actionable research that addresses real-world environmental challenges. Drs. Jen Pierce, Rebecca Som Castellano, and David Huber (https://www.boisestate.edu/earth/staff-members/jen-pierce/; https://www.boisestate.edu/sociology/adjunct-faculty/faculty-staff/rebecca-som-castellano/; https://hb2504.utep.edu/Home/Profile?username=dphuber) will be the Assistant’s supervisors and mentors. The Assistant will work closely with other staff, including the project Soil Conservation Coordinator. 

Boise State University, powered by creativity and innovation, stands uniquely positioned in the Northwest as a metropolitan research university of distinction. Learn more about Boise State and the City of Boise at https://www.boisestate.edu/about/boise-and-beyond/.

The mixed Geosciences and Human-Environment Systems team is working to solve complex environmental problems and train a new workforce to help mitigate the agricultural effects on climate change. We believe that meeting the great environmental challenges facing the planet requires understanding the interplay between the biophysical world and our societal actions. We aspire to create knowledge and capacity to address these challenges.

Entry-level professional with limited or no prior experience to contribute on a project or work team. Incumbent learns to use professional concepts to resolve problems of limited scope and complexity under close supervision while achieving day-to-day objectives. Works on developmental assignments that are initially routine in nature, requiring limited judgment and decision-making. This level is typically focused on self-development. Requires basic, discipline-relevant theoretical knowledge obtained through specific education and training.

Specific activities of the Assistant include:

1. Develop and implement soil sampling protocols for a diverse set of soil and environmental conditions, and use a range of tools that promote inclusivity.
2. Ensure that the project team's work is informed by assisting with on-the-ground engagement with diverse agricultural stakeholders, via workshops, webinars, and 1-on-1 conversations and conveying those learnings to the project team.
3. Help design creative and diverse science communication products (e.g., training and workshop content, digital services, published materials) that effectively communicate the conservation evaluation and management activities of CEMA 221 to agricultural stakeholders and project outreach partners. 
4. Help in planning, organizing and implementing events that facilitate engagement with the project teams and the stakeholder groups (e.g., field training and demonstration days).
5. Respond to project-related questions and requests by stakeholders engaged in agricultural land management.
6. Provide mentorship to junior staff and students working on the team.

• Basic knowledge of scientific principles and research protocols, including analysis and collection of samples
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to learn new skills with an appropriate amount of training
• Willingness to travel ~6 weeks per year for work when spearheading workshops, trainings, and outreach activities. Travel may or may not be consecutive.
• Ability to perform field or laboratory work, as applicable to the position
• Ability to develop working relationships with project partners and vendors
• Experience with conducting outreach

Requires a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, or an Associate with at least 2 years of work experience in a role that is similar to that of a Research Assistant.

Capable of frequent bending, moving, lifting, and carrying material weighing up to 50 pounds.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications:

Competitive candidates will have either a) MS or b)BS with 4 years of applied science and/or stakeholder engagement experience, in topics related to agricultural sustainability.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in applied environmental science, excellent science communications skills (particularly oral presentation), and a strong desire to use their skills to influence on-the-ground environmental management decisions towards sustainable land use practices.

The salary for this position is $52,000 + full benefits. This is a 4-year project, with contract renewal each year following satisfactory performance evaluation. Boise State University is committed to offering a benefits package that provides health and financial protection plans as well as resources to promote health and well-being. Our program provides flexibility so you can choose the benefits that are right for you and your family. Learn more about our benefit options at https://www.boisestate.edu/hrs/benefits/.

Applicants should apply with a cover letter, CV, and contact information for 3 references. The cover letter should highlight previous outreach activities, experience in agriculture (specifically soils), and community outcomes.