County Conservationist
Job Summary
Plans, directs and administers soil conservation, flood prevention, water management, fish habitat, pollinator establishment, water quality improvement, non-point source water pollution abatement; erosion control project or combinations of these projects; participates in programs concerned with the conservation of natural resources located within Brown County; cooperates with, enters into agreements with, and furnishes financial, technical and planning assistance to agencies, governmental units and land users within Brown County. Responsible for budget and revenues, plans, develops and implements departmental goals, objectives, and supervises all department staff.
Essential Duties
Plans, directs, administers and monitors the day-to-day operations, administration and promotion of conservation programs, activities, and practices.
Plans the annual budget and controls expenses for the department; enforces cost control measures, eliminates redundant systems, and establishes and implements departmental cost measurement to ensure compliance with budget limitations. Monitors annual budget on a monthly basis and provides a report to the LCC and County Executive at monthly meetings. Reviews and approves all bills, payments, budget adjustments, etc. for the department.
Develops state required annual work plan which outlines goals and objectives of the Land and Water Conservation Department based upon the needs of Brown County; directs and administers the work performed by the department and ensures projects are completed in a timely manner.
Hires, plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of others, develops their potential, and monitors and evaluates their performance and work outputs to maintain efficiency and quality of work; Supervises all department staff.
Develops the department 10-year Soil and Water, Land & Water Plan which defines long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure, and overall direction for the department; monitors, reviews and communicates the implementation phases of the department’s strategic plans to ensure that long range goals and objectives are met.
Develops, communicates, and monitors policies, procedures, and standards for the department; conducts staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies, and plans for the department; ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
Ensures that the programs administered by the department comply with State and Federal rules and regulations, county codes, and administrative policies. Monitors programs which include: Chapter 92 State Statutes, Brown County’s Animal Waste Storage Ordinance, Streambank Protection Ordinance as well as various other federal and State mandated programs. Works with Corporation Counsel on compliance of all ordinance violations and tracks ordinance violation compliance.
Directs technical assistance to landowners and operators in the comprehensive planning and installation of conservation practices for improved management of land and water related resources; ensures compliance with rules and regulations governing the same.
Seeks out grants to fund continuing programs as well as new initiatives that are consistent with the Department’s long range work plan. Ensures compliance and reporting requirements for current/active grants are administered properly.
Initiates the development of public environmental information and education through tours, presentations, outdoor classes, publications and other media; maintains current knowledge of issues and topics related to land and water conservation.
Serves as designated representative for the County Executive and Land Conservation Committee on specific issues related to the land and water resources of the county and works with environmental groups and special committees related to regional water quality issues to help promote initiatives that are consistent with the Departments long range work plan, current programs and state mandates; reports accurate and complete information to facilitate the decision making functions of the Board.
Represents and promotes the County at various functions such as making speeches at civic and business associations; state and local conservation/sportsman organizations; towns and county associations; farm groups; meeting with influential persons within the community, developers, officials and citizens to establish goodwill and positive attitudes.
Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
Minimum Qualifications Required
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in Natural Resource Management, Soil Science, Watershed Management or a related field from an accredited university or college, plus minimum 5 years’ experience in land and water conservation, natural resources, or related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid Driver’s License
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Knowledge of laws, regulations and procedures of various programs.
Knowledge of engineering and design as related to agricultural engineering.
Knowledge of natural resource concepts such as: water quality, erosion principles, conservation practices and their uses.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize a computer and the required software.
Ability to effectively plan and organize the work load of the department.
Ability to prepare reports, budgets, grants applications and related documents.
Ability to assess problems associated with land and water supplies and to design and implement solutions to the identified problems.
Ability to work in all types of terrain and weather conditions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, landowners, contractors, government officials, partnering agencies such as NRCS, DATCP and DNR and the public.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work the required hours.
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Deadline Note: