Assists the Assistant Director for Programs with management and implementation of the Farm Bill Wetland Reserve Program (WRP), Farm & Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP), Grassland Reserve Program (GRP) and the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), tracking program accomplishments and funding status. Develops, analyzes and maintains numerous databases, spreadsheets and program guidance documents.
Provides program execution, coordination, support and technical review for FRPP, WRP, GRP and CRP (or the equivalent of) conservation contracting process. Works directly with supervisor and the national program managers, as directed, to ensure program integrity.
Coordinates with financial management and contracting officer to develop contractual agreements and track programs funds. Ensures contract files and other documents are complete including most recent, updated cost lists and labor rates, ranking criteria, and, list of eligible practices.
Assists the Assistant Director for Programs with coordinating communications related to the assigned Farm Bill programs. Serves as liaison between the state office technical specialists, service centers, FSA and other government agencies. Works with the public affairs specialist to develop a communications plan to share the agency role in resource conservation with non-governmental organizations, professional societies, and special interest groups.
Provides leadership in perfecting easements including working with title companies to resolve closing issues, works with the field/area staff in preparing the contracts for the closing companies, as well as working with NRCS legal counsel to receive approval for easement closing.
Assists in contracting for private vendors to complete appraisals, surveys and closing of easements.
Works with the State Technical Committee in the development of program priorities and guidelines to establish ranking criteria and easement rates.
Provides direct assistance, training and policy/program interpretation to field/area office NRCS staff.
Makes presentations to agencies and organizations for assigned programs, and develops information and program related products for public distribution as needed.
Maintains an awareness of and positive attitude toward equal opportunity and civil rights. Cooperates in carrying out affirmative efforts within range of responsibility. Ensures that delivery of NRCS programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age or physical or mental disability.
