Land Conservation Technician

WAUSHARA COUNTY POSITION DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: Land Conservation & Zoning

POSITION TITLE: Technician

FUNCTION:Under the general supervision of the County Conservationist/Deputy Director, the position will provide technical assistance for individuals, various soil & water conservation groups, federal, state or local soil & water conservation organizations related to the adoption, implementation and enforcement of ordinances, state statues, performance standards, etc., and the County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provides survey, design, layout and inspections of projects in accordance with the county’s land & water resource management plan using the Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Standards.

2. Provide technical assistance to landowners for various soil & water conservation programs. These programs are described in the department’s land & water resource management plan and may include but are not limited to: the Water Quality Incentive Program, Lake Management planning, Soil and Water Resource Management Program, Construction Site Erosion Control, and implementing the state’s Agricultural Performance Standards.

3. Provides construction site erosion control inspections to property owners for best management practices installed in accordance with the Uniform Dwelling Code.

4. Assist lake groups, associations and districts with water quality assessments. Provide technical assistance to these lake organizations relative to the various state and federal grant programs.

5. Works with landowners to develop conservation plans that maintain compliance with state and federal conservation programs as well as county standards and ordinances.

6. Conducts meetings with individuals, groups and soil and water professionals to provide detailed information on the use and management of soil & water conservation practices.

7. Provides technical training to staff, individuals and groups on the development and installation of soil & water conservation practices to ensure that appropriate standards are being met.

8. Coordinates in field, on lake or on shore demonstrations that provides hands on information and education about the various practices landowners are installing.

9. Prepares cost-share agreements, maintains accurate data of files on landowners participating in programs and reviews them with staff, landowners or operators who install conservation practices.

10. Performs on-site field investigations with landowners to determine the need and feasibility of conservation practices in accordance with the Land & Water Resource Management Plan and County Shoreland Ordinances.

11. Maintains thorough applicable training, a high level of technical knowledge and skills necessary for the effective promotion of the Land and Water Resource Management Plan.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Land Conservation and Zoning Department Director and County Conservationist/Deputy Director of Land Conservation.

13. Maintains regular and predictable attendance.

14. Promote, get along and work in harmonious relationship with others, including but not limited to outside agencies and county departments.

15. Be able to perform duties, follow policy and procedures independent of direct supervision.

WORKING ELEMENTS:

• Possess Bachelors Degree in Natural Resource Management or related field or at minimum an Associate Degree in Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Soil Science or a related field of study with experience in soil and water conservation technical practice
• Ability to obtain the Soil Erosion Inspector certification within a year of hire.
• Ability to obtain a Notary Stamp within a year of hire.
• Ability to obtain NRCS/DATCP Agricultural Engineering Practitioner Certification approval.
• Demonstrated ability to apply current soil and water resource management planning methods. A working knowledge of the criteria and technical standards used in applying conservation “Best Management Practices”.
• Possession of a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and access to an automobile is required.

• Working knowledge of programs and responsibilities of the County Land & Water Conservation Department; USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service; Wis. Dept. Of Natural Resources; Army Corps of Engineers; and Wis. Dept. of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.
• Working knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and applicable technical standards associated with these duties.
• Demonstrate and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, the general public, cooperating agency staff and with civic conservation organizations (such as Lake Associations and Districts, County Watershed Lakes Council, Farm Bureau etc.)
• Demonstrate effective communication both verbally and in writing with a diverse group of people including applicants, County board members, general contractors, and the public.
• Thorough working knowledge of soil erosion control principles.
• Proficiency to use personal computers and applicable software including spreadsheet and word processing applications. CADD experience or knowledge a plus.

• There are no supervisory duties associated with this position. Responsible to perform assigned duties and responsible for office equipment, files and inventories.

• 50% of the work is outside and exposure to all Wisconsin weather. 50% of the work is in the office with much of that time sitting. Field work is physical in nature including walking, climbing, reaching bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, stooping, running and lifting not to exceed 50 lbs.
• May have exposure to dust, gasses, odors, and noise requiring protective equipment. May also be exposed to farm animals.
• May work near heavy construction equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.89 - $28.68 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Related Work: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)
• Soil Test Certification (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $29