Position Description and Application Information
Purpose of Position
Provides expertise and services in the management of land and water resources. Helps landowners and the public solve environmental issues, protect water resources, follow environment laws, and take part in conservation-related and education opportunities.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. these are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be requires and assigned.
- Provides technical expertise and education to other County Departments, County Committees, resource organizations and citizens on lakes, rivers, ground water, aquatic invasive species, and wetland issues/concerns, laws, programs, and management.
- Develops, updates, and assists with implementation of lake and aquatic plant management plans. Performs water quality, aquatic plant, and other resource monitoring in order to determine trends on lakes and rivers and to aid in management plan development.
- Facilitates and participates in meetings of resource organizations and the public to achieve consensus on management decisions/recommendations.
- Implements cost-sharing programs that protect water resources and prevent erosion: assists landowners and operators with practice selection, assists with engineering of practices, completes contracts and maintenance agreements, assists with State and County permits if applicable, inspects installation of practices to ensure compliance with relevant standards, and assists with financial aspects of the programs.
- Trains citizens how to perform lake and stream water quality monitoring, how to monitor for aquatic invasive species, how to educate boaters about aquatic invasive species laws, and how to implement purple loosestrife biocontrol. Communicates program information to volunteers, distributes equipment, performs field checks, assists with data entry as needed, and performs quality assurance checks on data.
- Provides local support and assistance in implementation of statewide aquatic invasive species communication and education priorities.
- Provides aquatic invasive species education and outreach to partners and stakeholders including an electronic newsletter that includes updates on activities and programs, program materials to bait shops, and posts on social media.
- Coordinates checks on aquatic invasive species signage at public access sites, enters sign data into a database, and replaces signs as necessary.
- Works with various partners, including the Department of Natural Resources, on tasks such as resource surveys, communications to the public on resource issues, and investigations into various lake, river, and wetland issues. Works collaboratively with other County staff to achieve the development of maps used to display scientific data, land and water features, and conservation practice locations.
- Applies for and administers grants to fund water resources-related projects in coordination with relevant partners. Writes and submits final reports including any required financial accounting for the grants.
- Investigates and responds to citizen complaints and concerns involving water pollution, wetland disturbance, invasive species, excess manure spreading, manure runoff, and other agricultural and resource concerns.
- Assists in writing and amending County ordinances in collaboration with other departments, such as manure storage, shoreland zoning, and livestock siting.
- Assists with the update to the State-required Land and Water Resource Management Plan every 5 years.
- Organizes and attends public hearings on new or amended ordinances.
- Complies with County HIPAA Policies and Procedures, if applicable. Adheres to and promotes safety as a priority in the workplace.
- Performs other duties as assigned or that may develop.
- Demonstrates dependable attendance.
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
- Works on the County’s Livestock Siting Ordinance: assists farmers with understanding process, reviews application/worksheets and associated nutrient management plans and engineering designs, attends Zoning meetings, attends public meeting, and inspects any construction to make sure it meets standards. Collaborates with State Department of Agriculture as needed.
- Assists with Department tree sale and distribution.
- Writes articles for Department newsletter and annual reports.
Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Limnology, or other closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Sciences, Geography, Limnology, or other closely related field plus two years of experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
