Conservation Specialist
Join our team and make a difference in your community as a Conservation Specialist.
Sauk County is home to a vast array of lakes, rivers, and creeks with 22,000 acres of natural parks and open spaces that allow for 100 miles of biking, hiking, and walking. Sauk County is the ultimate destination where anyone can happily live, work, and play. We are looking for someone who has the desire to support local communities and be a part of the Land Resources and Environment team.
The purpose of the Conservation Specialist position is to perform the general duties and responsibilities assigned to the position; however, employees at this level receive only general instruction or assistance as new or unusual circumstances arise. This employee is fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the Department. Individuals placed in this position are normally filled by advancement from the entry level.
Essential Duties
Assist with the implementation of Sauk County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan (LWRM) and Sauk County Chapter 26 Agricultural Performance Standards and Manure Management Ordinance by providing technical and financial assistance to prevent soil erosion and agricultural runoff.
Conduct site visits with landowners to determine current compliance status with NR 151, ATCP 50, and Sauk County Chapter 26 and provide technical and financial assistance to bring landowners into compliance.
Assist with the implementation of soil and water conservation programs including but not limited to:
Farmland Preservation Program (FPP)
Sauk County Cost Share Program
Land and Water Resource Management (LWRM) Program
Targeted Resource Management (TRM) Program
Regional Conservation Partnership (RCPP)
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)
Nutrient Management Farmer Education (NMFE) Program.
Operate survey equipment, conduct soil investigations, and utilize computer design programs such as AutoCAD design software and ArcMap GIS to design and develop construction plans for conservation practices that meet NRCS Technical Standards.
Responsible for all aspects of project management for assigned projects. Duties include:
Contract/agreement development and execution
Cost estimates/bidding
Site showing
Design
Project installation oversight
Project as built certification
Payment verification/certification of financial payments
Records management
Completing necessary project reports to department staff, agency partners, and elected officials.
Utilize modeling software (BARNY, BERT, RUSLE2, Snap Plus, etc.) to evaluate project outcomes based on phosphorus and sediment reduction and for use in progress reports for applicable projects.
Assist landowners with developing and implementing conservation plans, managed grazing plans, and nutrient management plans that meet NRCS technical standards utilizing programs such as Snap Plus, ArcMap GIS, and AutoCAD design software.
Facilitate, coordinate, and conduct adult and youth informational and educational activities, including but not limited to newsletters, listservs, field days, pasture walks, tours, workshops, and other public speaking events.
Investigate and respond to citizen complaints regarding environmental issues by inspecting sites, collecting evidence, notifying landowner of violation and meeting with landowners to seek compliance.
Assist in the writing of grants that further the implementation of the department goals as related to soil and water conservation.
Assist on an “as needed” basis reviewing, surveying, and determining financial assurance estimates for non-metallic mining reclamation plan approval.
Assist with preparing progress reports relating to department programs and provide updates to appropriate department staff, agency partners, and elected officials.
Monitor cropland and livestock facilities to ensure practices for applicable State or County programs were installed correctly and functioning as intended.
Document and monitor the status of technical and financial assistance provided to landowners by maintaining accurate computer databases, program participant files, and other records.
Assist with inspections and review of PL-566 dams.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Working Hours
Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Please note these hours are subject to change and additional hours may be needed or required. Compensation for additional hours beyond normal working hours are subject to applicable state and federal regulations.
Minimum Training and Education
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Soils and Water Conservation, Engineering, Agronomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture, or another related field.
Four (4) years’ experience comparable to that gained as a Conservation Technician in soil and water conservation, and implementation of local, state, and federal conservation programs.
Other combinations of training and/or experience demonstrating the possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities will also be considered.
Licenses/Certifications:
Valid Wisconsin State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License
Preferred:
Possession of (or ability to obtain) at least two (2) of the following:
Level II or greater engineering job approval authority for at least 2 practices.
Level III or greater ecological systems job approval authority for at least 4 practices
Level I Certified Conservation Planner
Certified Prescribed Grazing Planner
Certified Crop Advisor
Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC)
WDNR Assured Wetland Delineator
Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/saukwi
Deadline Note: