Land Resource Specialist

Calumet County•Chilton, WI

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision of the Conservationist, this role regulates compliance with state agricultural performance standards. It provides technical assistance to the public and other governmental agencies in assessing the need for and installation of conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and protect water quality. The position involves conducting field surveys, estimating soil erosion, providing technical information and assistance to land users, and monitoring compliance with regulations and program requirements. It also involves using GIS and GPS equipment for mapping and analysis, developing customized maps, and assisting with the administration of programs like the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) and the Farmland Preservation Program. Additionally, the role provides plan review for Nutrient Management Plans, assists the public with groundwater testing, coordinates with various agencies, and conducts outreach to farmers and landowners. The position requires maintaining complex records and reports.

Requirements

Associate degree in Natural Resources, Applied Science, or related field
One (1) to two (2) years related technical work experience in natural resources, conservation, or agriculture
Equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical data and information, professional journals, technical procedures, governmental regulations, and maps
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing
Ability to effectively present information, and respond to questions from department personnel, employees of the County, landowners, local government officials, and the general public
Ability to assemble, copy, record, and transcribe data and information
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume
Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data
Ability to classify, compare, compute, tabulate, categorize, differentiate, measure and/or sort data
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form
Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations
Knowledge of internet, spreadsheet, word processing, SnapPlus and GIS mapping software
Knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and procedures with respect to general functions performed and, in the design, and installation of agricultural and construction site erosion control conservation practices
Ability to acquire basic knowledge of and interpret and apply County, State and Federal rules, regulations, policies, and program requirements
Knowledge of GPS, GIS, and legal land descriptions
Knowledge of SnapPlus and Snap Maps software; groundwater sampling, testing and contamination; mapping and erosion modeling
Ability to interpret aerial photographs, soil maps and transfer measurements and information
Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships
Regularly tours sites outside of the office.
Field inspections may include climbing and working on slippery ground which requires good balance.
Regularly required to sit, talk, or hear and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
Frequently required to walk, stand, and reach with hands and arms.
Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and smell.
Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Notary Public
Certified Crop Advisor (CCA)
WI Driver’s License

Responsibilities

Conducts field surveys to determine site-specific resource concerns and compliance issues.
Estimates soil erosion and sediment delivery for conservation planning purposes.
Provides technical information and assistance to land users, including practice recommendations.
Monitors compliance with regulations and program requirements, including State performance standards and Farmland Preservation Program requirements.
Uses satellite Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment or other methods to collect specific land features, land areas, and conservation practices for mapping and analysis.
Chooses and utilizes computerized mapping tools within GIS to transfer and map locations.
Develops customized maps of land features, resource inventories, and conservation practices.
Quantifies land features and inventories for further analysis.
Conducts analysis of map layers to determine resource needs and trends.
Assists with the administration of the multi-agency Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), including coordination, participant application monitoring, progress reporting and tracking, map making, field surveys, and conservation practice design and installation.
Negotiates and develops cost share agreements with landowners, including contract negotiation, eligibility determination, practice cost estimation, and review of contract provisions.
Serves as the primary administrator of the Farmland Preservation Program for the County, including database utilization, policy interpretation, issuing Certificates of Compliance, and coordinating reporting.
Provides plan review, participation tracking in GIS geodatabase, and cost-share to agricultural producers for the implementation of Nutrient Management Plans.
Reviews Nutrient Management Plans to ensure compliance with 590 Nutrient Management conservation practice standard.
Coordinates with crop consultants and provides annual reports to the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection for statewide plan tracking.
Provides assistance to the public on groundwater testing, including distribution of self-sampling materials and explaining proper sampling techniques.
Coordinates with multiple federal, state, and local agencies on assessing compliance, program tracking, and determining practices and funding sources.
Provides education and outreach to farmers and landowners on regulations, available programs, and program rules.
Maintains a variety of complex electronic and paper records and reports.