Project Technician/Land Conservation

A Full-Time Project Technician/Land Conservation position is available within the Land Conservation Division, Planning and Parks Department of Washington County. Seeking an outgoing, self-motivated individual with strong verbal and written communication skills. The selected candidate will provide local residents technical assistance with the development and implementation of soil and water conservation practices. Special emphasis will be placed on groundwater resources and water quality management education or experience. This position may be contingent upon future grant funding.

Required Education, Training and Experience:
Associates Degree in soils, water resource management, agriculture, or other natural resource related field and a minimum of three years of work experience in the soil conservation field. Knowledge of groundwater resources, hydrology, basic erosion control, stormwater management principles, farming operations, conservation planning, Microsoft Office and GIS desired. Must possess a valid Wisconsin driver’s license and pass a pre-employment drug test.

Duties/Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conducts activities associated with the implementation of soil erosion and animal waste management practices aimed to preserve soil productivity and/or reduce non-point source water pollution.
• Contacts priority landowners to discuss resource management problems and provides alternatives and cost estimates to reduce their impact.
• Conducts various resource inventories and updates computer files on changes in land management, ownership, etc.
• Develops conservation plans for landowners that meet the technical standards of applicable programs. If costs are involved, may develop a cost share agreement with the landowner.
• Operates survey equipment, conducts soils investigations and utilizes computer design programs and other references needed to design and develop a construction plan for the conservation practice. Applies appropriate technical standards and specifications to all designs.
• Assists landowners in following Land and Water Conservation Division cost containment procedures, including project bidding.
• Coordinates pre-construction conferences, serves as Quality Control Inspector during construction, and certifies the proper installation of conservation practices.
• Assists the landowner in receiving cost share payments, and coordinates all bills and associated paper work.
• Documents and monitors the status of all technical assistance given to landowners, and ensures proper operation and maintenance of conservation practices.
• Maintains accurate computer data base and other records and prepares reports as necessary.
• Carries out and assists with a variety of adult and youth informational and educational activities including, but not limited to: newsletters, tours, workshops, and public speaking engagements.