Program Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Program Support Specialist ID: AMA1-003 Location: Amherst Program: ACE
Wage/Hr: $35.00 Hours/Week: 32 Minimum Age: 55

Disclaimer: This is not a federal position. This role is offered through a partnership agreement and does not constitute an NRCS hiring action.

This position is a non-federal role funded through an existing agreement between NRCS and NEW Solutions. The enrollee will provide direct support to farmers and landowners, enabling the implementation of conservation practices on the ground. This role contributes to NRCS's mission by enhancing capacity in field offices and ensuring timely assistance to producers. It is designed to free up NRCS staff for emergency and high-priority responses, not to replace federal staff.

This role helps ensure continued progress on conservation planning, practice implementation, and technical assistance, especially in high-demand or disaster-affected areas. It aligns with the Administration's priorities for farmer-first, field-facing, and partner-enabled capacity expansion.

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS). These are experienced professionals who provide technical and professional assistance to the Department of Agriculture for the Agriculture Conservation Experienced Services (ACES) Program.

Benefits: Paid Health Insurance Premium for positions budgeted at 60+ hours per pay period, Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave, Paid Federal Holidays, and optional Vision and Dental Insurance available for positions budgeted at 35+ hours per pay period.

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?ACES Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?ACES Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the USDA-NRCS and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 15 year(s) of experience in Microsoft Office and proficiency in Adobe Acrobat. Use of office automation equipment including scanner and printer. Knowledge of computer internet security/cyber security. Capable of basic letter writing and proficiency in written and verbal communications. OR BA/BS Degree in Business, Office Management, Agronomy, or related.

• Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel

Duties:

Provide program support to NRCS field office staff by assisting with conservation program activities, contract support, customer service, recordkeeping and general office operations to ensure efficient delivery of NRCS programs and services. This position will support and work at multiple on site locations: - 35% Holden, MA - 35% Wareham, MA - 30% Amherst, MA

• Provide support with contracts, including tracking, modifications, waivers payments and maintain program documentation and processing forms.   50%
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with NRCS policies and procedures. Assemble contract folders according to program guidelines, review practice components to financial cost data, and identify discrepancies to be fixed prior to payment obligation.   30%
• Assist with customer service by responding to inquiries and directing customers to appropriate staff.   10%
• Perform general office tasks such as reception, mailing, and filing.   10%

• On-job training from NRCS staff
• Travel Requirements: Occasional travel for site visits, fieldwork by use of a GOV or POV
• Physical requirements: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.