Conservation Planner I

St Croix County•Hudson, WI

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Two (2) years involvement with Best Management Practice design and landowner cost-share programs.

Responsibilities

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.
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.