Conservation Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description/Summary FULL TIME Soil and Land Conservation Technician This position works with conservation programs within the Land and Water Conservation Department. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Conservationist under the Green County Land and Water Conservation Committee. However, the Conservation Technician exercises independent decision making and judgment working toward set goals.

The work environment will be both indoors and outdoors, at times working in adverse weather conditions. Schedule of work is from 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with occasional early start or later ending in the day, depending on workload or training meetings. Travel with a personal vehicle on a limited basis.

Proof of a valid driver's license is required. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following: Survey, design and direct construction of erosion control practices including but not limited to: waterways, diversions, contour strip cropping grade stabilization structures, roof runoff, and streambank improvement. Determine the feasibility of conservation practices and recommend the acceptability for implementation and/or state or federal cost-sharing.

Conduct inspections and work with contractors during project construction to ensure completion meets plans and specifications. Development of conservation plans using RUSLE2 in accordance with state and federal technical standards. Educate and inform producers and the general public regarding soil health benefits and strategies to improve the soil.

Plan field days for farmer education and advise farmers with cover crop options for their farm. Contact Farmland preservation Program participants regarding eligibility and conduct status reviews. Collaborate on a producer-led watershed program.

Produce contracts and maps in Toolkit for landowners enrolled in the Conservation reserve Program and Conservation reserve Enhancement Program. Organize and communicate with presenters, schools, and facilities for youth education outdoor events. Provide information on planned areas, guide and assist land users in the application and maintenance of conservation plans.

Respond to public, private, and agency requests for information regarding soil and water conservation, land capability, federal, and state cost-sharing programs. Advise landowners on the desirability of conservation practices and assist them in filing applications to obtain necessary permits. Promote conservation through information and educational programs that include meetings, tours, newsletters, news releases, presentations, and radio programs.

Prepare reports required by LWCC, DATCP, NRCS, and DNR including progress, time, fiscal reports, plan of work, and annual report. Participate in area, state, and regional meetings. Participate in training programs to develop new skills for application in water quality programs.

Prepare and reply to correspondence. Related work as assigned. Qualifications Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences, soil and water conservation, soil science, natural resources, or a related field and two years' experience; and/or a two-year degree from an accredited vocational or technical school in a related field and three years' experience or a combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge and skills.

Natural Resources Conservation Service design approval for applicable conservation practices. Background Check: Must pass background check and will be finger printed to gain access to computer system. Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Possession of a valid driver's license.

For personal vehicle use, proof of insurance meeting Green County standards is required. Other The ideal candidate will possess the following skills: Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquires or complaint from customers, regulatory agencies, or members or the business community.

Ability to effectively present information to farmers, public groups and/or Land and Water Conservation Committee. Required to consistently communicate effectively and professionally with Green County citizens, clientele, employees, and officials. Mathematical Skills: Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations. Reasoning Ability: Ability to apply defined problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Knowledge and Skills: Able to effectively communicate with farmers about soil health, cover crops, and soil fertility. Knowledge of engineering and technical guides, standards, and practices. Knowledge of soil conservation practices and techniques, including Best Management Practices.

Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and program procedures of the LWCD, DNR, NRCS, DATCP, and FSA. Able to use Microsoft Office program including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point, and Publisher. Experience in ArcMap, SNAPPlus, RUSLE2, Toolkit, and CADD are advantageous.

Able to prepare and present meaningful and analytical oral and written reports. Knowledge of agricultural management systems. Able in plan, organize, and schedule priorities effectively.

Able to independently generate, initiate, and complete projects and programs. Knowledge in the interpretation of aerial photos, topographic, slope and soil maps. Knowledge in surveying, drafting and design of soil conservation practices.

Knowledge of agronomy, biology, forestry, agriculture, and engineering practices as related to soil and water conservation practices. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outside weather conditions and rough, uneven ground. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

Green County is an equal opportunity employer, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. Please submit a Cover letter and Resume along with your application.