SWCD Resource Conservationist

Renville County•Olivia, MN

7d•$66,893 - $91,062•Hybrid

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the SWCD water planning, implementation, prioritization, and outcomes tracking of One Watershed, One Plan comprehensive plans. Develop and oversee installation of structural and non-structural conservation projects.

Requirements

Four-year degree in geography, cartography, planning, geographic information systems, public administration, natural resources, environmental resource management, or a related field, or any acceptable equivalent combination of education and training, and four years of relevant experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Strong organizational skills
Attention to detail
Self-motivation; able to work with minimal supervision
Project Management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) skills
Understanding of natural resources, conservation, agriculture, hydrology, local government and related issues.
Develop projects, assess site needs and provide technical assistance on structural and non-structural conservation practices and projects
Level I USDA Planner able to obtain of Level III Planner within 3 years
Experience with MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint and Excel
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical reports/data and financial reports
Driver’s license necessary and ability to pass a USDA security background check.

Responsibilities

Coordinate with SWCD leadership and others to represent the SWCD in “One Watershed, One Plans” planning and implementation activities. This includes initial planning, plan amendments, prioritization of implementation efforts, tracking outcomes, accomplishments reporting, development of biennial workplans, and all related efforts.
Develop projects with landowners and Renville County Public Works and provide technical expertise for the development of conservation.
Supervise and direct workload of subordinate SWCD staff, as assigned by the Administrator.
Consult with technical staff to review local, state, and federal permits for projects and provide comments as appropriate.
Coordinate and facilitate various watershed-based committee meetings, public informational meetings and civic engagement activities associated with local water/watershed planning activities.
Coordinate the development and submittal of grant applications for projects related to the goals and objectives of the local water/watershed management plans and goals of SWCD and partners.
Expected to work cooperatively as a team member with conservation partners, especially SWCD staff, Technical Service Area (TSA), Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) staff, USDA staff, Renville County staff, watershed project staff and others to develop conservation programs and accomplish goals and objectives of established.
Maintain accurate records and data management to ensure accurate reporting and that all deadlines are met.
Data tracking, analysis, reporting, and coordination.
Identify potential funding opportunities and develop grant applications for those opportunities identified.
Specific duties of this position are expected to change as the needs of the area.
These duties describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties Other duties may and will be assigned.