Conservation Specialist_SWCD

Under general supervision of the Environmental Services Director performs necessary duties to carry out various conservation programs for the Redwood County Soil and Water Conservation District. Duties are outlined in the following job description. Performs related activities as required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Working knowledge of all aspects of the federal and state conservation programs.

1. Assist with administering the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) Program, Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), Clean Water Partnership Grants, and other conservation programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to; gathering information to determine eligibility, processing applications, agreements, easements, developing conservation plans, assembling plans, and assisting with wetland restoration projects.
2. Assist NRCS and FSA Farm bill and Food Security Act Programs.
3. Implement the Buffer Program in accordance with state law.
4. Conduct status reviews for RIM, CRP & CREP, etc.
5. Market and promote conservation programs.

• Administer Wetland Conservation Act.

1. Performs the technical provisions of the Wetland Conservation Act.
2. Prepare the Annual Report
3. Maintain the Minnesota Wetland Delineation Certification Program.
4. Buffer Law

1. Track compliance for public ditches and public waters within the County.
2. Work with landowners to educate and aid incoming compliance with the Buffer Law
3. Provide updates to County Environmental Office to issue compliance orders.

• Easements

1. Target and promote opportunities for new easements.
2. Prepare applications
3. Provide technical advice for management of easement lands
4. Assist in maintaining RIM easement files.

• Maintain appropriate job approval authority from NRCS.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and software programs associated with this position
  1. Operate Global Positioning System (OPS) and enter coordinates into the computer
     1. Administer the GIS functions for the district, including map Arc Map Technologies.
     2. Continue training for all computer technology programs used in the office.
• Assist with the DNR well monitoring program.
• Review and comment on DNR Permits.
• Maintain and care for district field equipment and vehicles
• Education

1. Assist with planning, promoting, and presenting at workshops, field days tours, etc.

• Grants
  1. Assist with conservation grant applications
  2. Assist with the implementation of grants
• Provide assistance for an efficient district operation.
  1. Assist in preparation and revisions of the District Comprehensive Plan, Annual Plan, Annual reports, County Comprehensive Local Water Management Plan, and other required reports as needed.
  2. Attend SWCD Board Meetings, staff meetings, and other meetings as requested by the district administrator and/or SWCD Board.
  3. Perform other related duties as requested by the District administrator and/or SWCD Board.
• Attend training to improve overall performance and knowledge relevant to this position. Strive to develop and maintain excellent rapport with the general public.
• Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others on how to apply policies, procedures, and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of descriptive data and information, such as regulations, guidelines, correspondence, and general operating manuals
• Access to Not Public Data The incumbent may encounter not public data in the course of these duties. Any access to not public data should be strictly limited to accessing the data that are necessary to fulfill the employment responsibility. While data are being accessed, the incumbent should take reasonable measures to ensure the not public data are not accessed by individuals without a work reason. Once the work reason to access the data is reasonably finished, the incumbent must properly store the not public data according to the provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13).

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

EDUCATION

A two-year degree in agriculture or natural resources field or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities, will be considered. Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. Must also possess and maintain a valid MN Drivers License and be willing to travel at least 50% of the workweek.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

The qualifications listed above are guidelines. Applicants must also show and provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities that include the following to perform this job.

• The ability to work in a professional and confidential office environment.
• At least two years of related business experience.
• Ability to read and interpret legal descriptions and abstracting.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and have good public relations skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. The ability to work with all types of people and personalities. Ability to work independently or as part of a team with other district staff and other agencies, organizations, and units of government
• Ability to remain professional when dealing with hostile or irate customers.
• The ability to work in a professional and confidential office environment.
• Proficient with computer software such as MS Outlook, MSWord, and Excel is required.
• Attend training to improve overall performance and knowledge of this position.