Organization: Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA)
Location: Northwest Arkansas (Office location 162 Doolin Dr., Elkins, AR)
Position Type: Full-Time, Salary Position ($42,500 – $50,000, commensurate with experience)
Posting Date: February 11, 2026
Close Date: February 27, 2026
About Beaver Watershed Alliance
Beaver Watershed Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to proactively protecting, enhancing, and sustaining water quality in Beaver Lake and the integrity of its watershed. The Alliance works collaboratively with landowners, producers, agencies, researchers, and community partners to advance voluntary, science-based conservation practices on working lands.
The Alliance is a 501c3 nonprofit organized for the purpose of working on voluntary and education programs and projects, fostering communication among diverse stakeholders, and restoring the water quality of impaired stream and lake areas. The objective of the Alliance is to maintain a long-term, high-quality drinking water supply to meet the present needs and continuing growth of the Northwest Arkansas region.
As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions and engage multiple communities to address local challenges in watershed management in the Northwest Arkansas region. Our work is focused on Source Water Protection efforts for Beaver Lake, our drinking water source for now 1 in 5 Arkansans, or over 600,000 residents. Our work is guided by the Beaver Lake Watershed Protection Strategy, a US EPA accepted plan. Our values are centered on a commitment to sustainable, high-quality water supplies, diversity and respect for all people, communities, and cultures and serving the Northwest Arkansas region to the best of our ability.
Position Summary
The Agricultural Watershed Specialist plays a lead role in implementing agricultural conservation projects that protect water quality while supporting productive, profitable farming operations. This position is initially based on a 3-year project, with opportunity to expand as additional funding is available. The position focuses on landowner engagement, technical assistance, and delivery of technology transfer activities associated with biochar, soil health, nutrient management, and edge-of-field conservation practices—particularly within priority watersheds such as Brush Creek. In addition, this role will assist with other agricultural and conservation programs occurring in the Beaver Lake watershed.
Primary Responsibilities
• Serve as a primary point of contact for agricultural producers participating in conservation and demonstration projects.
• Identify, recruit, and support producer participation in voluntary conservation programs, including Discovery Farm and watershed demonstration initiatives.
• Coordinate on-farm site visits, assessments, and development of individualized conservation management plans.
• Support installation, operation, and maintenance coordination for edge-of-field and watershed monitoring sites in collaboration with research partners.
• Plan, organize, and facilitate agricultural workshops, field days, information dinners, and stewardship events (minimum 6 field days/workshops over 3 years).
• Lead technology transfer efforts related to biochar applications, soil health practices, and nutrient management strategies.
• Develop or assist in development of outreach materials including fact sheets, project brochures, newsletters, targeted mailers, and producer surveys.
• Coordinate farmer-to-farmer education efforts, including producer-led demonstrations and participation in professional video development.
• Engage with NRCS and partner agencies to align project practices with conservation programs.
• Track outreach metrics, adoption outcomes, and engagement data; compile reports for grant deliverables and partners.
• Maintain accurate project records using BWA’s project management and landowner database systems.
• Collaborate closely with university researchers, technical service providers, and agency partners to ensure project milestones are met.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Crop and/or Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field, or equivalent knowledge with at least 3 years of experience.
• Working knowledge of agricultural systems common to Northwest Arkansas, including poultry, pasture-based livestock, and hay production.
• Understanding of agricultural best management practices and conservation planning.
• Familiarity with federal, state, and local conservation programs (e.g., NRCS EQIP, nutrient management, watershed initiatives).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with producers and diverse stakeholders.
• Experience conducting site visits, workshops, and one-on-one technical assistance.
• Ability to organize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work independently in the field.
• Strong written communication skills, including report writing and contribution to grant deliverables.
• Comfort with data tracking, surveys, and basic GIS or mapping tools.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience working in watershed-based conservation or water quality programs.
• Experience with soil health practices, biochar, nutrient management, or edge-of-field monitoring.
• Public speaking or facilitation experience with agricultural audiences.
• Experience with outreach campaigns, landowner recruitment, or behavior-change initiatives.
• Familiarity with Discovery Farm or on-farm research models.
• Soil fertility and/or nutrient management planning
Working Conditions
This position involves regular fieldwork, including visits to farms and project sites, attendance at evening or weekend events, and occasional lifting of field equipment. A valid driver’s license and dependable transportation are required.
Functions of All Staff
– Commitment to supporting Beaver Watershed Alliance’ mission of collaborating with a wide range partners in improving water quality in the Beaver Lake watershed.
– Engaging in professional development opportunities to advance individual understanding of your area of work and the broader work the Alliance does.
– Participate in weekly staff meetings and support a positive and enjoyable work environment.
– Attend Board Meetings.
– Occasionally work on weekends or after-hours as required by special events.
Additional responsibilities may include working with the Alliance and partners on other watershed initiatives as needed throughout the year.
For more information about the Beaver Watershed Alliance please visit www.beaverwatershedalliance.org.
Benefits
• Starting Salary range for this full-time position is ($42,500 – $50,000, commensurate with experience).
• Employees who are normally scheduled to work 40 hours per work week on a regular basis are considered full-time employees and are entitled to all Alliance employment benefits and privileges.
• Voluntary deductions include:
o SIMPLE IRA: The Alliance offers its full-time employees a voluntary retirement plan that qualifies under Sections 401 and 501 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Payroll deductions for your SIMPLE IRA contributions are made equally from each payroll check. Employees who participate in the retirement plan may contribute up to three (3) percent of their annual salary to be matched equally by the Alliance. Participating employees may voluntarily contribute additional compensation, for a total of seven (7) percent. The Alliance will not match the additional four (4) percent voluntary contributions. Total annual contributions are limited by the plan and applicable law. Any participant contributions in excess of these limits will be refunded. Employer and employee contributions are deposited monthly with the designated financial services firm.
o FAMILY HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS: The Alliance provides health insurance for its full-time employees. Those employees who wish to add health insurance coverage for their spouses and/or children will have the additional premiums deducted from their payroll checks. All full-time employees of the Alliance are entitled to healthcare (including medical, vision, dental and life insurance) benefits covered in full. Health insurance for family members of staff hired after July 11, 2016 shall be covered at 75%. Dental and vision premiums for spouses and/or children are deducted from the employee’s payroll check. There is no life insurance benefit for spouses and/or children.
• SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% employer match.
• Health insurance, including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at 10 hours per month.
• Sick Leave accrues at 8 hours per month, up to a maximum of 480 hours.
• Annual stipend available to participate in professional development activities, to be approved by the Executive Director.
Holidays to be observed by all full-time employees of the Alliance include:
New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, *Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, *Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day Following Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, *Employee’s Birthday (*Days taken at Christmas/last week of December)
Additional Information
• Paychecks are issued on the 1st and 15th of the month via direct deposit.
• Normal business hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, with remote work options.
• Employees receive necessary equipment and apparel, business cards, email services, and a $50 monthly cell phone stipend or a business phone.
• Flex time available to cover any or all work-related assignments that are after normal business hours or occur on weekends. All employees of the Alliance are subject to call at any time and may be required to work flexible hours. The Executive Director and Staff are required to work flexible hours.
• Mileage reimbursement for work-related travel at the federal rate.
• Per Diem and federal “Meal and Incidental Expense” rates are observed.
The Alliance offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital, parental, or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Application Details
To apply, please follow these instructions: Send your resume and/or combined files to becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org in one PDF Document labeled “Ag Specialist_Your Name.” Please only send one PDF document, with all files combined.
