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Conservation Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Croix County

Conservation Planner I

Hudson, WI · On-site

Additional Responsibilities Conservation Planner II * Supports the Land Use Division as requested with review of applications, plans, and environmental documents related to stormwater, wetland ...

St. Croix County

Conservation Planner I

Hudson, WI · On-site

Additional Responsibilities Conservation Planner II * Supports the Land Use Division as requested with review of applications, plans, and environmental documents related to stormwater, wetland ...

Westervelt

Sr Conservation Planner SE

Lawrenceville, GA · On-site

$112K - $140K/yr

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process. Sr Conservation Planner SE Regular ...

St. Croix County

Conservation Technician I

Hudson, WI · On-site

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 ...

St. Croix County

Conservation Technician I

Hudson, WI · On-site

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 ...

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How much do conservation planner jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservation planner in the United States is $69,253.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $81,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a conservation planner?

A Conservation Planner develops and implements land use plans to protect natural resources while balancing environmental, agricultural, and developmental needs. They work with government agencies, landowners, and organizations to assess ecosystems, identify conservation priorities, and recommend sustainable practices. Their role often includes conducting environmental assessments, securing funding for conservation projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation planner?

To thrive as a Conservation Planner, you typically need a background in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field, along with experience in ecological assessment and land use planning. Familiarity with GIS software, environmental impact analysis tools, and relevant planning or conservation certifications such as AICP or CFM is highly valuable. Strong communication, project management, and collaboration skills help you work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, landowners, and community groups. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing effective conservation strategies and ensuring the sustainable use of natural resources.

What are some common challenges faced by conservation planners in their daily work?

Conservation Planners often navigate the complex balance between ecological preservation and the interests of landowners, government agencies, and developers. A typical challenge is gathering and interpreting a wide array of environmental data to make informed recommendations while addressing regulatory requirements and stakeholder concerns. Additionally, you may encounter issues like limited funding for projects, changing policy landscapes, or the need for public outreach and consensus building. These factors require adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate technical information clearly to diverse audiences.

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Conservation Planner jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservation Planner job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,253 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Conservation Planner I

Hudson, WI • On-site

St. Croix County
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about St. Croix Countyexternal

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description


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.
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.
  • 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.

Additional Responsibilities Conservation Planner II
  • Supports the Land Use Division as requested with review of applications, plans, and environmental documents related to stormwater, wetland delineation, and structural erosion control measures.
  • Active contributor to development of department goals and plans including the County Comprehensive Plan, Farmland Preservation Plan, Land & Water Resource Management Plan, Watershed Plans, and related documents.
  • Serves as Resource Management Division lead contact for annual WI DNR Total Daily Maximum Load (TMDL) reporting that documents phosphorus reductions made in the county.
  • Participates in the review, development, and updating of ordinances and policies.

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.
  • ArcGIS knowledge and skills.
  • AutoCAD, SNAPPLUS and EVAAL knowledge and skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with and explain conservation principles to governmental officials, volunteers, community groups, associates and the public.
  • Understanding of the structure, functions, and procedures of local, state, and federal government agencies, particularly within Wisconsin.
  • Familiarity with state and federal laws, regulations, and policies that pertain to the job, including Wisconsin Statutes and administrative codes.
  • Knowledge of effective customer service practices and the ability to apply them in a public sector environment.
  • Ability to interact professionally, respectfully, and tactfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Awareness of local community resources, public services, and social programs available to residents.
  • Technical proficiency in the use of relevant software applications, databases, or other technology tools used in the position (e.g., Microsoft Office, Outlook, SharePoint, etc.).
  • General knowledge of standard office procedures, practices, and equipment.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to perform tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in the review and processing of documentation.
  • Ability to adjust to changing priorities, policies, and work demands.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues across departments to achieve common goals.
  • Ability to apply ethical judgment and maintain confidentiality regarding business-related files, reports, and conversations, within the provision of open records law and other applicable State and Federal Statutes and Regulations.
  • Ability to prepare clear, concise, and accurate written communications, including reports, correspondence, and documentation, tailored to the audience's needs.

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 mathematical and technical calculations related to conservation planning, land management, engineering practices, nutrient management, and storm water and erosion control activities.
  • Ability to interpret and apply data from maps, aerial photography, engineering plans, survey information, property records, and environmental reports.
  • Ability to prepare and evaluate cost estimates, cost-benefit analyses, and funding calculations related to conservation projects and grant programs.
  • Ability to collect, track, analyze, and report technical, environmental, and compliance data accurately in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and standards.

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
  • This 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.
  • Duties are performed daily both in and outdoors under all weather conditions and include exposure to inclement weather, noise, and rough terrain.
  • Work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Work is primarily in an office setting and in the field.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
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.

Conservation Planner II
  • Bachelors Degree in environmental science, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering, agronomy or related field.
  • Minimum of three (3) years experience as Conservation Planner I with St. Croix County and a performance evaluation reflecting consistent and satisfactory job performance.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently develop and implement conservation plans, conduct site assessments, and apply applicable regulations and program requirements.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in GIS and related technical tools, along with the ability to analyze data and design conservation practices adapted to site conditions.
  • Proven ability to communicate effectively with landowners, partners, and the public, while managing multiple projects with minimal supervision and guiding clients through conservation program processes.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND OTHER REQUIREMENT
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:

Path 1: Engineering / BMP Design Track
  • 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 hire, must demonstrate expanded capability to independently design in at least four (4) or more BMP design areas, with designs consistently meeting engineering standards and requiring minimal revision (cost shared by St. Croix County).

Path 2: Agronomy / CCA Track
  • Successful completion of the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) exam is required at the time of hire, with active progress toward full certification.

Conservation Planner II
  • Must meet and maintain all licensing and post-hire certification requirements of Conservation Planner I.
  • Must complete one of the following paths:

Path 1: Engineering / BMP Design Track
  • DATCP Conservation Engineering Practitioner Certification and job approval authority for a minimum of six (6) conservation practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to independently design across at least eight (8) BMP design areas, with designs consistently meeting engineering standards and requiring minimal supervision (cost shared by St. Croix County).

Path 2: Agronomy / CCA Track
  • Active Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification in good standing, meeting experience requirements as established by the Wisconsin CCA Board.

Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy.
Expected Pay Range: $64,002 - $72,384/year
Full Pay Range: $64,002 - $89,149/year
Department: Community Development
FTE: 1.0
St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants w

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