Conservation Planner

Final date to receive applications:

Job Type: County

POSITION SUMMARY: This position provides technical assistance and administrative service for land and water conservation by designing best management practices, conducting plan reviews; assisting public with resource concerns, ordinance application and permitting; presenting reports; conducting evaluations and inspections; preparing and maintaining records and files; developing conservation plans; and related work.

• Identifies natural resource concerns on private lands and determines which conservation practices can address those concerns, develops alternatives and cost/benefits for landowners.
• Performs field surveys and produces engineer approved plans of best management practices following federal, state and local specifications and oversees practice installation and construction.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with customers, contractors, engineers, surveyors, town officials, government agencies, committees, and the public.
• Utilizes a variety of funding sources to achieve St Croix County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan goals including federal and state cost share programs, conservation initiatives, and grants related to agricultural conservation, protection of ground and surface water, and invasive species management.
• Conducts site visits, reviews aerial photography, property records, and prepares staff analysis and recommendations for Community Development Committee and Board of Adjustment.
• Determines landowner compliance with state statutes and county ordinances through site visits, aerial photography, and review of property records.
• Provides necessary documentation and testimony to Corporation Counsel for litigation required for enforcement of County land use ordinances. Testifies in court related proceedings as necessary.
• Reviews and evaluates applications and plans for animal waste storage structures or facilities and non-metallic mining operations.
• Implements the Farmland Preservation Program including nutrient management plan review, field spot checks, and issuing certificates of compliance to landowners.
• Assists with training of new staff and provides direction and mentoring to technicians and summer interns.
• Prepares and presents conservation related information to partners, community groups, and landowners.
• Reviews storm water and erosion control plans and spot checks plan implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Planner I

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering, agronomy or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of direct Conservation Program experience.
• Preferred:
  Two (2) years involvement with Best Management Practice design and landowner cost-share programs.

Additional certifications must be obtained and maintained as outlined below.

Conservation Planner I

• Wisconsin or Minnesota Soil Erosion Inspection Certification required.
• Must complete the MN BWSR Technical Training and Certification Program
  
  Core Competencies:
  
  Soils, Water Quality, Conservation Planning Certificate within three (3) months of hire.
• Must complete one of the following paths:

• Demonstrated Best Management Practice (BMP) design capability in accordance with NRCS Wisconsin Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) standards and applicable county code.
• Upon hire, must demonstrate the ability to independently develop site-specific, technically sound designs in at least two (2) BMP design areas at a level sufficient for engineering review and approval without significant revision.
• Within twelve (12) months of…