Resource Conservationist -Rural & Small Cities

Mille Lacs County•Milaca, MN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This is a Mille Lacs Soil & Water Conservation District position (not Mille Lacs County).

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

Experience designing or planning conservation BMPs preferred.

Responsibilities

Administering various programs which may include but are not limited to: Wetland Conservation Act, County Agricultural Inspector – Noxious Weed Management, County Public Ditch Inspection, Easement Management, AgBMP Loan Program, DNR Groundwater Observation Well Monitoring, Rental equipment management, Soil Health Initiatives, Buffer Law Compliance and voluntary enhancement, Minnesota Ag Water Quality Program.
Meeting with individuals and communities about the significance of preserving shorelands, promoting practices like erosion control and native vegetation planting based on current science.
Collaborating closely with local governments, lake associations, and watershed partnerships to coordinate efforts to enhance conservation.
Implementing initiatives and programs to provide technical assistance and educational outreach to raise awareness about the importance of groundwater conservation and sustainable management practices.
Working closely with landowners, farmers, local governments and communities to promote practices that prevent groundwater contamination.
Implementing programs that encourage and enhance pollinator habitat within local communities.
Collaborating with landowners, farmers, and municipalities to implement initiatives that support pollinator populations.
Providing 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.
Learning from landowners, sharing technical information and advice to conservation agency staff regarding resource protection needs.
Acting as a contact for citizen inquiries, providing conservation information to landowners, and developing conservation plans.
Ensuring landowner compliance with the Minnesota Buffer Law, educating stakeholders on buffer benefits and maintenance.
Offering technical support to design and implement buffer zones, conducting inspections, and collaborating with local governments for enforcement.
Assisting with the SWCD Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) role as negotiated with the County, focusing on wetland preservation.
Participating in Technical Evaluation Panel meetings, conducting site visits, and assisting with restoration orders as required.
Coordinating the implementation of various programs within and across watershed implementation partnerships.
Assisting with groundwater observation well monitoring, and/or stream sampling as directed.
Assisting with noxious weed management recommendations and other duties as a County Agricultural Inspector as directed.
Enhancing civic awareness and understanding of the importance of ongoing soil and water quality protection.
Collaborating directly with key stakeholders to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and organizing regular meetings to ensure effective communication and progress.
Informing landowners and community members about available programs and resources aimed at safeguarding soil and water quality.
Developing and implementing tailored conservation programs and materials, engaging citizens through workshops and presentations to promote active participation in water quality initiatives.
Collecting and evaluating data to refine outreach strategies.
Working with citizens to tell their stories about implementing and utilizing conservation practices in the community.
Updating and providing content for website and social media as needed.
Providing technical assistance for Conservation Best Management Practice (BMP) Development and implementation.
Performing resource protection needs assessment, BMP targeting and prioritization, and technical duties associated with implementation of BMPs.
Ensuring effective water quality protection, identifying pollution issues and suggesting suitable BMP’s while also providing technical expertise in conservation practice assessment, promotion and installation.
Overseeing a variety of cost share assistance programs, assisting with project management, and working with engineering staff on site surveys and designs.
Negotiating with landowners and contractors to meet objectives and ensure project success.
Providing guidance on program enrollment, enforcing relevant laws, and participating in ongoing training to maintain high standards of conservation practice implementation.
Maintaining 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.
Tracking outcomes and preparing reports on completed work for the District Administrator.
Informing the District Administrator of issues that require Board decisions.
Attending Board meetings and engaging in programs and projects with other agencies and citizen groups as needed.
Performing administrative duties associated with outreach, implementation of BMPs, and evaluation of efforts.
Assisting with grant tracking and applications, progress evaluation, and outcomes reporting, and managing a calendar to ensure timely goal achievement.
Identifying ongoing grant or funding opportunities to support strategic work plan priorities; tracking outreach activities and citizen contacts, documenting conservation needs and citizen implementation goals.
Maintaining detailed records on all projects, preparing status and project completion reports, and entering project information into the required system.
Processing contracts, payment vouchers, and other agreements as needed.
Performing a variety of general office activities including, but not limited to, responding to citizen inquiries via telephone, email, and in-person; managing equipment rentals, and copy editing/proofreading communications such as grant applications, legal contracts, etc.
Guiding all work 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.