Conservation Educator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION SUMMARY: 
This position performs skilled technical field work reviewing erosion control and stormwater practices for Land Use and Land and Water Conservation Divisions for residential, commercial and agricultural land uses; and field inspections of Nutrient Management Plans and farmland preservation plans; maintains electronic records and files; and responds to the public regarding division programs and information. Work is performed under the direction of the Land Use Planner or Conservation Planner and supervision of the Land Use Administrator or Land and Water Conservation Administrator. Specific assignment may be made to this position with a primary focus on Land Use, Land and Water Conservation, Code Enforcement, or a varied combination of assignments. 

The position will primarily report to the Baldwin location; however, the assigned work location may vary between the Baldwin and Hudson locations based on workload and operational needs. 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned. 

• Informs development professionals, local officials, agricultural producers, and the general public about the standards and procedures required by County ordinances.
• Reviews permit applications for conformance with the applicable standards and procedures of County ordinances and conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs) standards.
• Inspection of erosion control and stormwater management practices on agricultural land, plats, and construction sites; prepares and files inspection reports and determines site compliance.
• Assists planners, administrator, consultants, and other County staff with review and comment on proposed revisions to County plans and ordinances.
• Researches customer inquiries in relation to compliance with County ordinances as assigned by Supervisors and provides written responses to landowners.
• Assists Planners with field surveys and project work related to best management practices (BMPs)
• Assists in the maintenance of department permit files, databases, and geographic information systems for the administration of County land use ordinances.
• Conducts research and compiles information for other members of staff to streamline projects and workloads.
• Assists other governmental entities and municipalities for all types of land use and conservation questions.
• Tracks activities and practices in permitting software and Geographic Information System coordinating with GIS Analyst on a regular basis.
• Participates in training and continuing educating to maintain required certifications and develop professionally.
• Other duties as assigned or apparent.

Additional Code Enforcement Functions: 

• Administer and enforce County ordinances, including comprehensive land use (zoning), sanitary, subdivision, shoreland, telecommunication towers, animal storage, floodplain, and the St Croix Riverway regulations.
• Conducts code enforcement actions; receives complaints of potential ordinance violations; inspects alleged violation sites; documents conditions observed; determines if conditions are in compliance with code; provides corrective outreach to encourage compliance; issues orders for correction of ordinance code violations; verifies accomplishment of corrections; initiates appropriate enforcement action in cases of non-compliance; issues violation notices and citations as warranted.

Additional Conservation Functions: 
Tech I 

• Provides information and assistance to landowners regarding soil and water conservation programs; assist landowners with implementing conservation plan requirements; serves as a resource for other agencies regarding soil and water conservation.
• Conducts inspections to assure compliance with conservation and agricultural storm water and erosion control plans and practices and program requirements pertaining to Farmland Preservation, Animal Waste Ordinance and NR 151 compliance utilizing SNAP PLUS software.
• Assists with and generates reports from annual transect survey for land use changes and cropping practices.
• Promotes conservation through informational and educational programs that include field days, tours, training workshops, school-age programs, and presentations.
• Assists with review of NR 151 compliance, Nutrient Management Plans and Farmland Preservation Program by conducting field visits and reviewing self-certification submittals.
• Assists with field surveys and production of engineered plans for best management practices (BMPs) utilizing AutoCAD software and survey equipment.

Tech II 

• Lead staff for the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP) providing assistance to enrolled and interested landowners regarding the program and its NR151 compliance requirements and serves as a resource for other agencies regarding FPP within St. Croix County.
• Performs surveys and produces engineered plans for best management practices (BMPs) utilizing AutoCAD software, survey equipment, and ArcGIS. Obtains engineering job approval from Department of Ag Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) and the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)
• Calculate and reports phosphorous and other pollutant reduction numbers for implemented projects using computer modeling (STEPL).
• Conducts and maintains the County Annual transect survey to monitor crops, tillage, cover crops, and other ag activities and land use changes.
• Works with landowners to complete cost share projects such as nutrient management plans and well abandonments using County cost-share funds.
• Conducts site response and reporting related to reported spills and reported complaints in accordance to the County Spill Response Plan.
• Assists with nitrate and groundwater monitoring programs conducted by the county; reports and inspects new and existing sinkholes for groundwater protection.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 
This section details the essential competencies required to perform the job effectively, including a mix of technical knowledge, practical skills, and personal attributes. 

• Understanding of the structure, functions, and operating procedures of local government, including knowledge of County and departmental programs, policies, and practices.
• Familiarity with applicable County and State policies, ordinances, and procedures, and the ability to read, interpret, and apply regulations of limited scope and complexity.
• Knowledge of effective customer service practices and the ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with the public, local officials, and other governmental entities.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate detailed information; define problems; identify alternatives; and recommend appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques for resolution.
• Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs, including preparing organizational and functional reports based on research data.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and produce a high volume of accurate work in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and minimal supervision.
• Ability to perform detailed work independently with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in the review and processing of documentation and compliance-related materials.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD, permitting software, and other relevant databases and systems used to track and manage departmental activities.
• General knowledge of modern office procedures, practices, equipment, and office support techniques, including use of multi-line telephone systems.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and assist other departments, governmental entities, and municipalities as needed.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain professionalism, and provide truthful, clear, and accurate written and verbal communications.
• Ability to lawfully operate designated motor vehicles, travel throughout the jurisdiction, and enter various properties as required to perform assigned duties.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
This section outlines the communication abilities necessary for effective performance.  These skills reflect the need to interact with the public, colleagues, and other stakeholders in a clear, professional, and effective manner. 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing, with a wide range of individuals, including the public, colleagues, and supervisors. 
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply information from complex documents such as laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and reports. 
• Ability to engage with the public, handle inquiries, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships with a diverse population. 

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS 

• Ability to perform calculations involving acreage, square footage, distances, and measurements related to land use and conservation activities. 
• Ability to calculate percentages, ratios, and basic statistical data for compliance tracking and reporting. 
• Ability to apply basic algebraic and geometric principles to evaluate slopes, grades, and volumes related to land use conservation practices. 
• Ability to interpret and work from maps, plats, scale drawings, and site plans. 
• Ability to compile, analyze, and maintain numerical data using spreadsheets, permitting software, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). 
• Ability to accurately record inspection measurements and prepare reports using calculated data. 

REASONING ABILITY 
This section outlines the cognitive skills required to perform the job effectively.  This includes the ability to apply logic, make decisions, solve problems, and understand complex information.  

• Ability to identify and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to make decisions that are sound, well-informed, and timely, even in stressful situations.
• Ability to analyze situations, consider various perspectives, anticipate potential issues, and make recommendations or decisions based on logical reasoning.
• Ability to interpret complex information, recognize patterns, and understand the implications of actions or decisions.
• Ability to think conceptually and understand the relationships between ideas that are not immediately obvious.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or as otherwise required by law. Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee's supervisor. 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, using hands to handle, feel, and perform fine motor skills and repetitive motions, and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms overhead or below the waist.
• Sufficient vision to perform tasks such as reading documents, operating vehicles, or working with detailed data. 
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels for tasks such as communicating with the public, colleagues, or over the phone. 
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Site inspections and field investigations necessitate exposure to variable weather conditions and occasionally to hazardous materials/conditions.
• Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• Work is in both an indoor and outdoor setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: 
Land Use/Conservation Technician I 

• Bachelor's Degree in land use planning, regional planning, conservation/environmental science, soil science, geology, civil engineering, agronomy, biology, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering or related field. Law enforcement or Criminal Justice degrees will be considered for Code Enforcement assignment.  
• Minimum of six (6) months practical work experience (which may be obtained through an internship).

Land Use/Conservation Technician II 

• Meets minimum education of Land Use/Conservation Technician I.
• Two (2) years' experience working in land use, land and water conservation, or similarly related role that performs Land Use/Conservation Technician I duties.
• Demonstrated mastery of Land Use/Conservation Technician I core responsibilities, including the ability to independently conduct field inspections, review permits and plans, prepare technical documentation, and effectively communicate ordinance requirements with minimal supervision.
• Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS) Inspector Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire.
• Wisconsin or Minnesota Soil Erosion Control Inspector Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of hire. 
• Certified Soil Tester license must be obtained within one (1) year of hire (Land Use Division only).
• Core Competency Certificate in Soils, Water Quality and Conservation Planning from a technical training and certification program (Conservation Division only).