Conservation Technician

Conservation Technician

Gilchrist County is currently accepting applications for a Conservation Technician with the Gilchrist Soil and Water Conservation District. This is a full-time, 40-hour-per-week position funded through a contract with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS), Office of Agricultural Water Policy (OAWP).

This position will provide assistance to agricultural producers with enrollment and implementation of FDACS Best Management Practices (BMPs), including completion of Notices of Intent (NOIs); conduct BMP Implementation Verification (IV) visits; assist with FDACS cost-share programs and related documentation; participate in site visits, demonstrations, workshops, field days, staff meetings and other educational or outreach activities; maintain required records and reports; and perform other related duties as assigned. The Conservation Technician will work with agricultural producers and FDACS staff to support BMP implementation and natural resource conservation.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, natural resources, or a related field. Experience in agriculture or natural resources is preferred and may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis. Applicants should have agricultural experience and be familiar with natural resource conservation procedures. Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (including Word and Excel), computers, tablets/iPads and other electronic devices is required. Familiarity with agricultural equipment such as pivots, no-till drills, tractors and related accessories is preferred. Good communication skills and the ability to interact with agricultural producers and the public in a courteous and professional manner are required.

Travel is required within Gilchrist County and surrounding counties as assigned. A valid driver's license is required. The position requires successful completion of a Level II background check, a negative pre-employment drug test, and participation in direct deposit. Employment is contingent upon completion of all required screening and approval requirements.

Pay rate is $21.22 per hour. The annual salary for the 2026–2027 contract year is $44,144.10, based on a 40-hour workweek (2,080 hours annually). Gilchrist County pays employees biweekly, for a total of 26 pay periods per year.