Soil Water Conservation District Technician

Overview

Description Position Summary
The purpose of this position is to work with the landowners, communities and other units of government to promote, coordinate and implement the conservation projects and programs of McLeod SWCD.

Supplemental

• Seasonal opportunity (April 1–November 30); applicants with shorter availability will be considered. Internship-friendly.
• Work schedule:
  
  Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• This role is seasonal and not eligible for benefits.
• The 2026 salary range is $23.59–$35.38 per hour, depending on experience and relevant previous work. Our organization values pay equity, and hiring at the top of the range is not typical.
• The first review of applications will be Friday, February 20, 2026.
• Communication and updates related to this position will be sent via email.

Duties listed are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conduct site investigations and provide professional technical advice and enrollment assistance to members of the public and landowners for all conservation programs, projects of the district and cost-share practices.
• Maintain a working knowledge of governmental agencies and statutes related to the soil and water conservation district’s practices and programs.
• Perform field work for the district as needed (e.g., easement site visits, cost share site work, water sampling well readings, landowner meetings, site investigations, etc.).
• Perform duties of the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) including, but not limited to; landowner contact and applications, easement acquisition, practice installation and program compliance.
• Assist with the annual Tree Program and be familiar with tree identification, pests and diseases.
• Assist with the state cost share program.
• Work with other computer-related items such as the internet, spreadsheets, word processors and other software as needed or instructed.
• Ensure landowner designed projects meet all Federal, State and local standards and guidelines.
• Professionally represent the SWCD at landowner meetings and trainings.
• Observe safe work practices in the performance of duties.
• Assist with annual rental program.

• Answer telephone calls and respond to walk in customers.
• Assist other county departments and agencies as directed.
• Perform other SWCD plans and duties as assigned or apparent.

• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery.
• Ability to maintain regular and timely work attendance.
• Ability to communicate effectively to convey or exchange professional information and accomplish the goals and objectives of established annual and long-range plans.
• Ability to make decisions recognizing established precedents and practices using resourcefulness and tact in solving problems.
• Ability to read and interpret a variety of professional, engineering, technical and administrative documentation, directions, instructions, methods and procedures.
• Ability to produce reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar.
• Ability to assist with educational programs, presentations, promotions, demonstrations, press releases, outreach efforts and newsletter articles as assigned by the District Manager.
• Ability to maintain records and data for district programs and projects as well as follow government program requirements for grant reporting and recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of SWCD and NRCS programs and eligibility requirements.
• Ability to demonstrate technical knowledge and understanding of agricultural best management practices and common agricultural equipment and uses.
• Knowledge of land and engineering survey systems, methods and techniques.
• Ability to survey, design and analyze projects after construction.
• Knowledge of hydrology, drainage and water quality improvement techniques.
• Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn new methods and techniques of conservation practices and programs.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective…