Water Development Jobs in Mora, MN (NOW HIRING)

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Milaca, MN
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00906
Department: Mille Lacs Soil & Water Conservation District
Opening Date: 08/20/2026
Closing Date: 8/27/2026 4:00 PM Central
Description
The Resource Conservationist works directly with citizens to identify roles and actions to protect soil and water resources. Provides technical expertise for surface water, and groundwater protection efforts, with a focus on rural residential and small cities, and oversees the implementation and installation of conservation practices according to SWCD policies. The position requires a combination of balancing fieldwork, interagency coordination, positive public interaction, and detailed documentation.
Note that this is a Mille Lacs Soil & Water Conservation District position (not Mille Lacs County)
Essential Functions

1. Responsible for administering various programs which may include but are not limited to:
   1. Wetland Conservation Act
   2. County Agricultural Inspector - Noxious Weed Management
   3. County Public Ditch Inspection
   4. Easement Management
   5. AgBMP Loan Program
   6. DNR Groundwater Observation Well Monitoring
   7. Rental equipment management
   8. Soil Health Initiatives
   9. Buffer Law Compliance and voluntary enhancement
   10. Minnesota Ag Water Quality Program

This involves meeting with individuals and communities about the significance of preserving shorelands, promoting practices like erosion control and native vegetation planting based on current science. Collaborate closely with local governments, lake associations, and watershed partnerships to coordinate efforts to enhance conservation. Implement initiatives and programs to provide technical assistance and educational outreach to raise awareness about the importance of groundwater conservation and sustainable management practices. Work closely with landowners, farmers, local governments and communities to promote practices that prevent groundwater contamination. Implement programs that encourage and enhance pollinator habitat within local communities. Collaborate with landowners, farmers, and municipalities to implement initiatives that support pollinator populations. Provide technical expertise on habitat design, species selection, and conservation practices that benefit pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects crucial for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Learn from landowners, share technical information and advice to conservation agency staff regarding resource protection needs. Act as a contact for citizen inquiries, provide conservation information to landowners, and develop conservation plans. Ensure landowner compliance with the Minnesota Buffer Law, educating stakeholders on buffer benefits and maintenance. Offer technical support to design and implement buffer zones, conduct inspections, and collaborate with local governments for enforcement. Assist with the SWCD Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) role as negotiated with the County, focusing on wetland preservation. This involves participation in Technical Evaluation Panel meetings, conducting site visits, and assisting with restoration orders as required. Participate in coordinating the implementation of various programs within and across watershed implementation partnerships. Assists with groundwater observation well monitoring, and/or stream sampling as directed. Assists with noxious weed management recommendations and other duties as a County Agricultural Inspector as directed.

1. Responsible for enhancing civic awareness and understanding of the importance of ongoing soil and water quality protection. This involves collaborating directly with key stakeholders to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and organizing regular meetings to ensure effective communication and progress. Inform landowners and community members about available programs and resources aimed at safeguarding soil and water quality. Develop and implement tailored conservation programs and materials, engaging citizens through workshops and presentations to promote active participation in water quality initiatives. Collect and evaluate data to refine outreach strategies. Work with citizens to tell their stories about implementing and utilizing conservation practices in the community. Update and provide content for website and social media as needed. Provide technical assistance for Conservation Best Management Practice (BMP) Development and implementation.
2. Perform resource protection needs assessment, BMP targeting and prioritization, and technical duties associated with implementation of BMPs. Ensure effective water quality protection, identify pollution issues and suggest suitable BMP's while also providing technical expertise in conservation practice assessment, promotion and installation. Oversee a variety of cost share assistance programs, assist with project management, and work with engineering staff on site surveys and designs. Additionally, the role negotiates with landowners and contractors to meet objectives and ensure project success. Provide guidance on program enrollment, enforce relevant laws, and participate in ongoing training to maintain high standards of conservation practice implementation.
3. Maintain effective working relationships by communicating clearly and collaborating with various stakeholders, including the District Administrator, District Board, Technical Service Area staff, watershed partners, NRCS, tribal staff, landowners, and government agencies. The position tracks outcomes and prepares reports on completed work for the District Administrator. It informs the District Administrator of issues that require Board decisions. The position also attends Board meetings and engages in programs and projects with other agencies and citizen groups as needed.
4. Perform administrative duties associated with outreach, implementation of BMPs, and evaluation of efforts. Assists with grant tracking and applications, progress evaluation, and outcomes reporting, and manages a calendar to ensure timely goal achievement. Helps identify ongoing grant or funding opportunities to support strategic work plan priorities; tracks outreach activities and citizen contacts, documenting conservation needs and citizen implementation goals. Maintains detailed records on all projects, prepares status and project completion reports, and enters project information into the required system. It also processes contracts, payment vouchers, and other agreements as needed.
5. Performs a variety of general office activities including, but not limited to, responding to citizen inquiries via telephone, email, and in-person; manages equipment rentals, and copy editing/proofreading communications such as grant applications, legal contracts, etc.
6. All work should be guided by the following civic standards for decision making: Identify all those affected by the problem as stakeholders and involve them in defining the issue based on civic principles and their circumstances. Ensure stakeholders contribute resources such as leadership, knowledge, support, or funding to address the problem. Engage stakeholders in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good. Organize key stakeholders within your jurisdiction to implement solutions and establish policies grounded in civic principles.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in natural resources, a physical or biological science, or a related field; and two years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class D Driver's License.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Experience designing or planning conservation BMPs preferred.

Selection Process
Invitations to interview for this position will be based upon an assessment of education and experience.
The finalist for this position will be required to complete criminal background and reference checks.
This is a continuous posting. First review of applications will be 7/12/2024 and ongoing thereafter.
Annual leave shall be granted to qualifying employees. You will accumulate annual leave from your first day of work. Probationary and permanent part-.time employees shall be granted annual leave according to the same schedule, but on a pro-rata basis.
DISTRICT SCALE FOR ANNUAL LEAVE
ACCRUAL RATES: Regular employees are credited with annual leave at the end of each 80 hours pay period as follows or as negotiated:
Years of service Hours earned
0-3 4 hours
4-5 5 hours
6-10 6 hours
11-15 7 hours
16-20 8 hours
21+ 9 hours
SICK LEAVE
1. RATE OF ACCRUAL - four (4) hours for each eighty (80) hours worked.
All regular full time and part-time employees of the District are entitled to accumulate sick leave.
2. USE OF SICK LEAVE
Sick leave benefits may be used under the following circumstances:
a. Absence necessitated by the inability to perform the duties of the position by reason of illness or injury.
b. Absence for dental care.
c. Absence due to contagious disease, which would endanger the health of other employees or members of the public.
d. Absence due to illness in the employee's immediate family. "Immediate family" shall be limited to the spouse, minor children, or parent. Use of sick leave benefits for illness in the immediate family which exceeds five (5) days must have the approval of the District Board or its designee.
PAID HOLIDAYS
Eligible employees shall receive the following paid holidays:
1. PAID HOLIDAYS OBSERVED BY THE DISTRICT:
New Years Day January 1
Martin Luther King Day Third Monday in January
President's Day Third Monday in February
Memorial Day Last Monday in May
Juneteenth_______________June 19
Independence Day July 4
Labor Day First Monday in September
Veteran's Day November 11
Thanksgiving Day Fourth Thursday in November
Friday after Thanksgiving Fourth Friday in November
(in lieu of Columbus Day)
Christmas Eve Day December 24 (4 Hours PM, if on a Monday-Thursday)
Christmas Day December 25
Any holiday falling on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday; any holiday falling on a Sunday will be observed on the following Monday.
Probationary and Permanent Full Time employees shall be paid a holiday allowance at straight time for the day of observance of each of the above listed holidays. To be eligible to receive compensation for an observed holiday, employees shall not have been absent without paid leave (paid leave being approved vacation, sick leave, or other approved paid leave) on the work day before and after the holiday.
Probationary and Permanent Part Time employees shall be paid a holiday allowance pro-rated, based on the number of hours the employee would have worked had he/she worked on that particular day (holiday). Part Time employees who are not scheduled to work on the day the holiday is observed shall receive a different day off with pay (scheduled by mutual agreement between the Board Chair and employee).
2. FLOATING HOLIDAY
Permanent Employees are eligible for two floating holidays (16 hours) per year. The employee must have successfully completed their probationary period to be eligible for this holiday. The employee must request approval from their immediate supervisor at least 72 hours in advance to use the floating holiday. Only one employee at a time may use the floating holiday. As similar to other holidays, a floating holiday does not carry over from one calendar year to the next. It must be used within the calendar year it is earned, or the time will be lost.
HOSPITAL-MEDICAL-DENTAL INSURANCE
Medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits shall be negotiated in good faith between the District Board of Supervisors and regular employees of the District. Employees have the option of enrolling in the Districts medical, dental and/or life insurance programs.
Employer paid single coverage for medical, comprehensive dental, vision and basic life coverage ($10,000). Family coverage is available to employees but the difference is paid by the employee. Supplemental Life/AD&D, and Dependent Life are available to individuals at the employees expense. Comprehensive Dental provides coverage for preventative, basic (fillings, extractions) and major (inlays, crowns, bridgework) treatments.
01
Do you currently hold a valid Class D driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02
What is your highest level of education in natural resources, physical/biological sciences, or a closely related field? (you must have obtained degree by the time of application, if applicable).

• No Related Education
• Certificate or some coursework
• Associate's degree in related field
• Bachelor's degree in related field
• Graduate degree in related field

03
How many years of experience do you have in natural resources or a closely related field?

• Less than 1 year
• 1 to 2 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6+ years

04
What is your level of experience designing, planning, or implementing conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs)?

• None
• Limited exposure (observed or assisted)
• Moderate (completed small projects)
• Extensive (led or designed multiple BMP projects)

05
Which of the following field tools or processes have you used? (Select the most advanced level that applies.)

• None
• Basic fieldwork only (e.g., simple surveys)
• GPS equipment, soil borings, or wetland determinations
• ArcGIS mapping and advanced field survey design

06
How familiar are you with conservation regulations such as the Wetland Conservation Act, Minnesota Buffer Law, or noxious weed regulations?

• Not familiar
• Basic awareness
• Worked with one or more regulations
• Regularly implemente