Job Announcement: Agriculture Project Manager

Position Purpose
The Agriculture Project Manager leads agricultural conservation projects and initiatives that support the long-term sustainability and resilience of working lands in Larimer County. This position independently manages projects from development through completion, providing technical assistance to agricultural producers while coordinating partners, resources, grants, and implementation. The Project Manager serves as a trusted technical resource to producers and a key collaborator with NRCS, CSU Extension, FSA, local governments, conservation organizations, and other agricultural partners. As a Level III position within the District, this role is expected to exercise independent judgment, manage competing priorities, anticipate and resolve project-level challenges, and take ownership of project outcomes within LCD's strategic direction and established parameters.

Core Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Delivery
Independently lead agricultural conservation projects from concept through implementation and completion.
● Develop project scopes, work plans, timelines, and resource needs.
● Coordinate people, partners, activities, and deliverables across projects.
● Monitor progress, identify risks or barriers, and adjust implementation as needed.
● Ensure projects meet agreed-upon outcomes, quality standards, timelines, and funding requirements.

Producer Technical Assistance
Provide practical, producer-centered conservation planning and technical assistance related to working lands.
● Assess resource concerns and develop site- and operation-specific recommendations.
● Support conservation practices related to soil health, agronomy, grazing, irrigation, agricultural water management, and watershed conservation. ● Help producers identify conservation approaches that benefit ecosystems and are economically practical.
● Build trusted, productive relationships with farmers, ranchers, and agricultural landowners.

Partnerships & Project Coordination
Coordinate effectively with producers and partners to advance shared project outcomes.
● Develop and maintain productive relationships with NRCS, CSU Extension, FSA, local governments, conservation organizations, and agricultural stakeholders.
● Coordinate multi-partner projects and initiatives.
● Represent LCD at meetings, workshops, field days, demonstrations, and other community events.
● Identify opportunities for collaboration and improved coordination across LCD programs.

Grants, Budgets & Resources
Manage project resources and grant requirements/deliverables.
● Develop grant and cost-share proposals that support agricultural conservation priorities.
● Manage awarded grants, including deliverables, reporting, reimbursements, documentation, and deadlines.
● Develop and monitor project budgets and resource needs.

Program & Organizational Contribution
Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of LCD's agricultural conservation work.
● Bring agricultural and conservation expertise to organizational planning and decision-making.
● Coordinate with other LCD programs, including Forestry and Riverscapes, where projects a conservation priorities intersect.
● Identify opportunities to improve project systems, partnerships, and delivery.
● Share relevant technical knowledge and lessons learned with colleagues and partners.

Communication & Documentation
Communicate technical information clearly and maintain documentation necessary to support effective project delivery and organizational accountability.
● Prepare conservation plans, technical materials, reports, grant applications, presentations, and other project documentation.
● Maintain accurate planning and project records.
● Communicate project status, needs, risks, and outcomes to the Executive Director and relevant partners/stakeholders.
Employees may be asked to take on other reasonable duties consistent with their role, capabilities, and organizational needs.

Scope & Level Expectations
This position is classified as Level III; Project Leadership. The successful candidate is expected to:
● Independently manage projects and day-to-day priorities within LCD's organizational strategy.
● Take ownership of project scope, timelines, resources, implementation, and outcomes.
● Anticipate and resolve project-level problems and seek organizational guidance when issues extend beyond the role's authority.
● Coordinate people, functions, and external partners around shared project outcomes.
● Manage project budgets and resources responsibly.
● Exercise sound professional judgment while balancing producer needs, conservation objectives, funding requirements, and organizational priorities.
● Identify opportunities to improve systems and practices within agricultural projects and across LCD programs.

Required Qualifications
● Bachelor's degree in agricultural science, agronomy, soil science, rangeland ecology, natural resource management, animal science, watershed science, environmental science, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
● At least three years of professional experience in agriculture, conservation planning, natural resource management, or a related field.
● At least three years of experience with NRCS Farm Bill programs.
● Experience independently managing projects, including scope, timelines, resources, budgets, grants, or multiple partners. Experience providing technical assistance directly to agricultural producers.
● Knowledge of agricultural economics and producer decision-making.
● Experience developing or implementing conservation practices in Colorado.
● Working knowledge of conservation planning and at least several of the following: soil health, agronomy, grazing/rangeland management, irrigation, agricultural water management, or watershed conservation.
● Strong relationship-building, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
● Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound professional judgment.
● Experience using GIS, GPS, and mapping software.
● Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Larimer County.
● Ability to participate in occasional evening and weekend meetings or events.
Preferred Qualifications
● Experience writing and administering grants.
● Experience coordinating multi-agency or multi-partner conservation projects.

Working Conditions
This position combines office and field work. Regular travel throughout Larimer County is expected for
site visits, resource assessments, project implementation, and inspections. Field work may occur in
varying weather conditions and may require traversing uneven terrain, climbing fences, and lifting or
carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Compensation & Benefits
Starting salary: $70,000 - 74,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.
This is a full-time, exempt position subject to a one-year probationary period. Annual continuation is based on performance and available funding.
Benefits include:
● Employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance for the employee
● 3% SIMPLE IRA retirement match after the first $5,000 earned
● Paid time off beginning at 15 days annually, increasing with years of service
● Sick leave accrual of 4.33 hours per pay period
● 11 paid federal holidays
● Flexible scheduling options
● District-issued smartphone

How to Apply
Submit the following materials as a single PDF labeled “LastName_FirstInitial_Ag26”:
● Cover letter
● Resume
● Contact information and relationship for three professional references

Please email all application materials to Gretchen Reuning, Executive Director, at gretchen@larimercd.org. Any questions regarding the position may also be directed towards Gretchen.

Applications received by November 16, 2026 will receive preference; the position will remain open until filled.

A federal background check will be required as a condition of employment.

Larimer Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.