Position Description and Application Information
Job Posting End Date: 05-23-2023
Worker Sub-Type: Regular
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Come work at a place where innovation and teamwork come together to support the most exciting missions in the world!
POSITION SUMMARY
As part of a Conservation Team, the Conservation Specialist will be focusing on outreach and working with a Marathon County producer-led group. They will work closely with EPPIC (Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation) which was one of the first producer-led watershed groups in Wisconsin (more information can be found on their Facebook page here: EPPIC - Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation - Home | Facebook).
This position is a shared position with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and will split time between the Marathon County and NRCS offices. It will also assist in the implementation of the Marathon County Land and Water Resource Management Plan, specifically those activities related to soil health and landowner/community engagement. This position provides conservation planning and technical assistance to Marathon County landowners that results in implementation of conservation plans and best management practices and coordinates those activities with all county, state and federal land conservation programs. Assistance is provided to landowners throughout Marathon County, but will focus on the Big Eau Pleine watershed area.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource related field such as soils, agronomy, conservation, or closely related major; OR an Associate’s degree in a natural resources related field with 2-3 years’ experience OR equivalent combination of closely related education and/or work experience. Candidate must have at least one year of experience related to outreach and community engagement.
COMPENSATION:
Starting Annual Salary: $54,870.40 ($26.38/hour) + Marathon County benefits
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED
The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive but will be the primary duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Technical Assistance:
Works with farmers and landowners (individually and/or in groups) to voluntarily develop, maintain and implement conservation plans addressing resource concerns, focusing on cropland practices to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff and improve soil health. Mainly, but not limited to: no-till farming, cover crops, managed grazing, extending perennial forage rotations and other practices to improve soil health.
Works directly with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service in a partnership with the County to provide contract support for the Farm Bill Programs (i.e. Environmental Quality Incentive Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Conservation Reserve Program, etc. ) which support soil health practices. Provides detailed quarterly report of completed work to the United States Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) for data entry into performance tracking software.
Provides information to landowners regarding County, State and Federal conservation program opportunities.
Provides technical assistance to landowners to ensure implementation and maintenance of soil conservation practices in accordance with plan and contract schedules. This includes: on-site inventory and evaluations; preliminary surveys; develop contracts for various county, state and federal programs; design, layout, construction staking, and inspection of land use practices; as needed, makes revisions to conservation plans, contracts and practice designs; gathers required information for submittal of any required permits; reviews practice designs for complete as-built documentation; and oversees that all components of the design are completed according to standards and specifications prior to certification and payment recommendation.
Monitors and evaluates runoff from agricultural fields and/or barnyards for pollution potential.
Evaluates the effects of alternative conservation practices on soil and water resources.
Prepares a variety of maps using Geographical Information System (GIS) technology.
Applies for grants through the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (DATCP), Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and other applicable organizations. Produces grant reports as needed detailing work accomplishments.
Community Engagement/Information/Education:
Engages stakeholders through community partnerships building consensus across a broad group of stakeholders to address water quality and soil health issues.
Successfully implements on farm demonstration projects showcasing soil health practices and hold educational events to build adoption of these practices.
Applies for and administer small grants to support these activities including grant tracking/documentation and reporting.
Designs, prepares, and delivers land and water conservation related educational programs and materials, including newsletters, social media posts, educational presentations, and local conservation conferences.
Leads community education efforts to improve understanding and increase levels of implementation of various conservation practices.
Works directly and alongside various state and local partners to attain common resource management goals.
Performs related work as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of soil and water conservation as well as soils, regional agriculture, geography and natural resources.
Considerable knowledge of the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and Department of Natural Resources standards and specifications pertaining to conservation practices.
Basic knowledge of surveying and drafting principles.
Knowledge of computer applications including, but not limited to Microsoft packages, GIS, basic knowledge of Global Positioning System (GPS), hydrologic modeling software and AutoCAD.
Ability to maintain records and prepare clear and detailed reports.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with the general public, federal, state, local agency staff, elected officials, and other professionals, while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Ability to prepare reports and to present facts clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Strong citizen engagement skills.
Requires the ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, departments, agencies, and the public in an honest, kind, and respectful manner.
Ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Suite of computer programs/software. Knowledge of or the ability to learn multiple, moderately complex, specialized databased applications such as land information systems, permitting systems, digital storage systems, and geographic information systems (GIS) online mapping. Knowledge or ability to learn to update and maintain website.
Understanding of the County's and department's mission, core values, plans, and priorities for the future and ability to contribute to a positive work culture that fosters excellent customer service and teamwork.
Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of objects weighing five to ten pounds. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
Ability to occasionally work under conditions that require exposure to a variety of environmental factors including varying weather conditions (cold, heat, dust, etc.), and navigate uneven terrain.
Occasional ability to work/attend events outside of the normal 8AM-4:30PM schedule.
