The Eastern Rhode Island Conservation District is looking for an Environmental Field Technician to join our team. This role sits at the intersection of federal conservation programs and real, on-the-ground work with farmers, land managers, and natural resource professionals across the state.
Workload may include assisting in the servicing and implementation of contracts with existing clients, assisting new clients with applications, and advertising programs to agricultural producers and the general public.
Applicants should have exceptional communication skills, enjoy working outdoors in various weather conditions, and must be open to learning new skills, receiving specific direction and able to work as an individual and as part of a team. Applicants should be comfortable communicating by both telephone and email. Extensive training will be provided to the selected applicant.
Responsibilities:
- Inform agricultural producers about the funding and assistance opportunities offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS).
- Provide one-on-one assistance to land managers applying for USDA NRCS programs, including property visits and assistance with federal paperwork.
- Provide technical assistance to landowners regarding their land’s natural resources.
- Assist the RI USDA NRCS field office by conducting conservation planning, certification, and implementation tasks in the office and in the field.
- Participate in outreach events such as farm tours, information sessions, and public events.
- Assist with other ERICD programs on an as-needed basis.
- Communicate with supervisors, partners, NRCS customers, and the general public by email, phone, and Microsoft Teams.
- Work collaboratively with coworkers and supervisors to ensure timely and professional service is delivered to all customers and potential customers.
- Participate actively in all required team meetings and trainings; seek other training opportunities as appropriate.
- Attend outreach events.
- Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience working on farms or knowledge of agricultural operations.
- Experience in field settings.
- Expertise or experience working with pollinators or managing pollinator habitat.
- Proficiency in ArcGIS and Microsoft Office suite of products.
- Master’s degree preferred.
Educational Requirement(s):
A Bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants should have a background in environmental sciences (including agriculture, plant and soil science, natural resources, conservation, and/or field biology). Applicants who do not meet the educational requirements but still believe they could succeed in this position may be considered; please explain in your cover letter what makes you a good fit.
Location of work:
Base location: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), 60 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI 02886. Field visits will be required throughout the state. Mileage will be reimbursed to/from site visit locations.
Compensation: Pay starts at $25.00/per hour, commensurate with experience. A $300/month QSEHRA health benefit is offered from date of hire. Paid time off (holiday, vacation and sick) and access to a Simple IRA with 3% employer match are available after a 90-day probationary period.
Applications accepted until Friday, April 1, 2026 or until filled.
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Julia Vieira at [email protected].
Applicants selected to be interviewed will be asked to provide three references and samples of previous work.
For the full job description, please visit our website: ERICD Open Positions