What are the responsibilities and job description for the Conservation Specialist position at Trempealeau County?
Purpose of Position The Land Management department is currently recruiting for a Conservation Specialist to join their team. This position will remain open until filled. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early as the posting may be closed once a satisfactory candidate pool is identified.
The purpose of this position is to assist the residents and landowners to protect, conserve and enhance the soil, water and natural resources in accordance with the Trempealeau County Land and Water Resource Management Plan. The work is performed under the general direction of the Conservation Manager/County Conservationist and Zoning Administrator. Essential Functions To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily and in a timely manner.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required or assigned.
Support the Department of Land Management in the development and implementation of the county's Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Administers Trempealeau County's mining ordinances. This includes regular inspections, permitting, and DNR reporting, annual fee collection, inspecting and certifying reclamation on permitted facilities, and implementing enforcement actions when required on all mining facilities under County jurisdiction.
Enforcement is conducted in cooperation with the Conservation Manager/County Conservationist and Zoning Administrator. Assists with the implementation of the county's lakes management plans and provides information to the public about aquatic and terrestrial invasive species. Coordinates all youth education programs including Youth Speaking Contest, Poster Contest, Day Camps and the land judging contest.
Help area schools and organizations to deliver conservation programs for all school ages when needed. Works with and supports the producer led watershed program. Assists with the reviews and issuing of agricultural and livestock permits in cooperation with the Conservation Manager/County Conservationist.
Conducts inspections of Animal Waste Storage and Livestock Facilities for compliance with county ordinances and state statutes. Issues Notice of Non-Compliance when needed. Assist landowners to develop a plan to achieve compliance.
Provides conservation recommendations for county owned properties including park lands. Provide recommendations and engineering technical designs for erosion control, wildlife enhancement, surface and groundwater protection sites and other best management practices in accordance with specifications and standards. Conducts site surveys and soil interpretation.
Lays out and stakes projects for construction. Plans and schedules construction work with landowner and contractor. Inspects, monitors, and documents project construction.
Prepares and revises bid sheets and change orders. Certifies quantity of materials used for payment. Documents own time spent on projects.
Takes appropriate corrective action to ensure project specifications are met. Attend workshops, seminars and conferences as approved to maintain knowledge of soil and water conservation practices, regulations, policies, design standards, construction techniques and program changes. Inspects landowner cost-shared conservation practices for proper operation and maintenance.
Files non-compliance reports. Initiates corrective measures to assure compliance. Provides information and assistance to landowners and producers to develop and implement nutrient management plans in accordance with standards, state statutes and county ordinances.
Utilizes the SnapPlus program to help producers develop plans and review submitted nutrient management plans Maintains records of Nutrient Management Plans for compliance with various programs and ordinances. Promotes and provides information to county landowners about the Farmland Preservation Program. Conducts inspections of Farmland Preservation Program participants for compliance with program requirements.
Issues a Notice of Non-Compliance and Certificate of Compliance as needed. Assist the County Conservationist and Fiscal Coordinator with grant applications. Draft State cost share grant agreements with landowners, including necessary approvals in accordance with DATCP, County and DNR policy and procedures.
Assists County Conservationist with the State of Wisconsin Water Quality Trading program and Multi-Discharger Variance Program. Participates in the County's Water Action Volunteers (WAV) Program. Assist landowners with applications for DNR permits and approval processes.
Provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with all of Trempealeau County's Ordinances. Attends and participates in Environment and Land Use committee and other meetings as required. Organizes and maintains accurate records and documentation.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives. Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information. Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.
Ability to persuade, convince, and/or train others, including the ability to act in a lead worker capacity. Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations. Ability to utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information such as resource management plans, project contracts, technical study reports, soil surveys, statistical reports, budgets, long-range plans, annual work plan, staff reports, grant reports, project designs, construction standards, ordinances, resolutions, statutes, administrative rules, meeting minutes, meeting agenda, non-routine correspondence, technical manuals, computer software operating manuals, department program manuals, engineering manuals and educational curricula.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing with Environment and Land Use Committee members, County Department Heads, Department personnel, farm owner/operators, contractors, state and federal regulatory agency personnel, students, educators and news media. Ability to calculate percentages, fractions, decimals, volumes, ratios, present values and spatial relationships. Ability to interpret basic descriptive statistical reports.
Ability to use functional reasoning and apply rational judgment in performing diversified work activities. Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory and/or judgmental criteria, as opposed to criteria which are clearly measurable. Training, Experience and Other Requirements Associate degree in Conservation, Agriculture, Soil Science or related field and two years conservation practice management experience, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Working knowledge of Geographic Information Systems, AUTOCAD, NRCS spreadsheets. A valid motor vehicle operator's license required. Agriculture Engineering Practitioner certification preferred.
Salary : $26 - $30