Conservation Technician

Additional Conservation Functions Tech I

Final date to receive applications:

Job Type: County

POSITION SUMMARY:

This position performs skilled technical field work reviewing erosion control and stormwater practices for Land Use and Land and Water Conservation Divisions for residential, commercial and agricultural land uses; and field inspections of Nutrient Management Plans and farmland preservation plans; maintains electronic records and files; and responds to the public regarding division programs and information. Work is performed under the direction of the Land Use Planner or Conservation Planner and supervision of the Land Use Administrator or Land and Water Conservation Administrator.

Specific assignment may be made to this position with a primary focus on Land Use, Land and Water Conservation, Code Enforcement, or a varied combination of assignments.
The position will primarily report to the Baldwin location; however, the assigned work location may vary between the Baldwin and Hudson locations based on workload and operational needs.

• Informs development professionals, local officials, agricultural producers, and the general public about the standards and procedures required by County ordinances.
• Reviews permit applications for conformance with the applicable standards and procedures of County ordinances and conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs) standards.
• Inspection of erosion control and stormwater management practices on agricultural land, plats, and construction sites; prepares and files inspection reports and determines site compliance.
• Assists planners, administrator, consultants, and other County staff with review and comment on proposed revisions to County plans and ordinances.
• Researches customer inquiries in relation to compliance with County ordinances as assigned by Supervisors and provides written responses to landowners.
• Assists Planners with field surveys and project work related to best management practices (BMPs)
• Assists in the maintenance of department permit files, databases, and geographic information systems for the administration of County land use ordinances.
• Conducts research and compiles information for other members of staff to streamline projects and workloads.
• Assists other governmental entities and municipalities for all types of land use and conservation questions.
• Tracks activities and practices in permitting software and Geographic Information System coordinating with GIS Analyst on a regular basis.
• Participates in training and continuing educating to maintain required certifications and develop professionally.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

• Administer and enforce County ordinances, including comprehensive land use (zoning), sanitary, subdivision, shoreland, telecommunication towers, animal storage, floodplain, and the St Croix Riverway regulations.
• Conducts code enforcement actions; receives complaints of potential ordinance violations; inspects alleged violation sites; documents conditions observed; determines if conditions are in compliance with code; provides corrective outreach to encourage compliance; issues orders for correction of ordinance code violations; verifies accomplishment of corrections; initiates appropriate enforcement action in cases of non-compliance; issues violation notices and citations as warranted.

• Provides information and assistance to landowners regarding soil and water conservation programs; assist landowners with implementing conservation plan requirements; serves as a resource for other agencies regarding soil and water conservation.
• Conducts inspections to assure compliance with conservation and agricultural storm water and erosion control plans and practices and program requirements pertaining to Farmland Preservation, Animal Waste Ordinance and  compliance utilizing SNAP PLUS software.
• Assists with and generates reports from annual transect survey for land use changes and cropping practices.
• Promotes conservation through informational and educational programs that include field days, tours, training workshops, school-age programs, and presentations.
• Assists with review of  compliance, Nutrient Management Plans and Farmland Preservation Program by conducting field visits and reviewing self-certification submittals.
• Assists with field surveys and production of engineered plans for best management practices (BMPs) utilizing AutoCAD software and survey equipment.

• Lead staff…