County Conservationist
Door County has a great opportunity waiting for you! Work in one of the most unique natural landscaped areas of Wisconsin. As County Conservationist you will have responsibility for administering and directly supervising the activities of the Soil and Water Conservation Department (SWCD) program activities and staff. The position serves as the executive for the LCC as per WI Stats Chapter 92.09. Develops budget and is responsible for all department revenues and expenditures. This position seeks local, state, and federal funding to support SWCD programming.
This position serves as an advocate for natural resource protection & sustainable management, conservation and proper land use. The natural resource responsibilities of this position differ significantly from elsewhere in Wisconsin due to the unique setting and challenges of the karst geology and geographic location of a water bounded peninsula.
Essential Job Functions
Administer and direct the activities of the Soil and Water Conservation Department in an efficient and effective manner. In consultation with the County Administrator and LCC, develops SWCD policies and procedures.
Directs, supervises and assists staff members in project planning and program implementation under a variety of County, State, and Federal programs.
Conducts and oversees the hiring and training of new employees and the on-going development of existing employees. Monitor and evaluate staff performance and provide guidance.
Establishes, coordinates and maintains working relationships with other county Department Heads, government officials and community groups.
Conducts and directs staff landowner contacts to promote proper land use and natural resource management; both voluntary and required regulatory action.
Prepares, presents, and monitors the Department budget and maintains proper fiscal management. SWCD budget is complex with varied and diverse revenue sources.
Conduct, and participate in, scientific research and investigation to determine natural resource quality, status, sources of degradation, establish resource protection and identify potential abatement methodology.
Actively seeks external revenue funding sources from grants and donations. Administers and monitors all grant applications, management, reimbursement procedures and serves as fiscally responsible representative.
Identify improper and unlawful land use activities and make the LCC, the responsible parties, and other resource agencies aware of such activity.
Program administration and enforcement under County Code Chapters 23 and 36.
Administer and direct various and diverse County, State and Federal landowner financial cost-share programs to implement/construct natural resource protection projects; and serve as the fiscally responsible representative.
Maintain an extensive network of private and public sector contacts to facilitate the advancement of County conservation and natural resource protection programming.
Monitor and participate in the State and Federal legislative processes concerning natural resource related topics. Serve on local, regional and State committees and boards for the advancement of the County’s interest.
Represents the County at court proceedings related to legal matters concerning the SWCD.
Care for and maintain an adequate inventory of surveying/CADD equipment, tree planters, testing instruments, plant management tools, storage building, vehicles and other necessary items to conduct SWCD field activities.
Attends and conducts public meetings to explain or answer questions pertaining to conservation and natural resource programs. Serve as a natural resource scientific informational resource to the County. Provides conservation and natural resource management consultation to city, village, town, and county boards and employees.
Direct the SWCD information and education program, which includes print and radio releases, articles, informational publications and presentations.
General Job Functions
Manages all SWCD personnel, programs, and finances, including formulating Department policies and procedures and supervising and coordinating activities of SWCD personnel.
Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with other County Department Heads, local government officials, community groups, and others at local, state, and federal level involved or interested in conservation, proper land use and natural resource protection issues.
Training and Experience
Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with a degree in a “natural resource” related field such as Natural Resource Management, Geology, Watershed Management, Soils or related field. Masters of Science in related fields preferred.
Seven (7) to nine (9) years’ experience required in governmental program & budget management, natural resource protection and code enforcement or related fields.
Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in Public speaking and writing skills with a demonstrated high level of performance strongly preferred.
Current valid Wisconsin driver’s license required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Extensive and thorough knowledge of theory and practice of natural resource management and protection; available funding sources; principles and practices of public administration and supervision; and local, state, and federal regulations and case law pertaining to conservation, natural resource protection land use, and implementing regulation enforcement.
Extensive and thorough knowledge of natural resource protection programs in the State of Wisconsin.
Knowledge of ground and surface water resources, hydrogeology, karst and glacial geology, soils, invasive plant species and water chemistry.
Ability to plan, organize, administer and promote multiple and simultaneous large-scale programs and a number of varying smaller simultaneous projects. Ability to manage large and complex program budgets associated with multiple and diverse funding sources.
Knowledge of grant application preparation and management skills.
Confident, persuasive and effective public speaking skill.
Ability to read, comprehend, and communicate, both verbally and in writing as well as effectively administer by written, and verbal communications.
Ability to perform effectively under public and political pressure. Capable of dealing firmly, but with tact and courtesy, with employees, clients, supervisors, county officials, and other agencies.
Ability to use tack and courtesy in maintaining an effective working relationship with department employees, county supervisors, county officials, and general public.
Ability to effectively supervise the quality of work and performance of technical and professional subordinates.
Ability to perceive Department needs and opportunities, and organize proactive natural resource protection programs that will address the needs and guide projects to successful completion.
Skill in computer software operation and use, understanding of CADD and GIS computer software.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/codoor
Deadline Note:
