Land Information-GIS/Land Conservation Technician

Primary duties of this position will assist with mapping duties, including creating and maintaining GIS data, working with other County Departments in developing GIS datasets, and completion of field work related to the restoration, relocation, and collection of digital data for PLSS corners and monuments.

Secondary duties of this position include assisting with conservation projects, making landowner contacts to promote conservation practices and providing technical assistance for a variety of conservation programs administered by the department. These programs include but are not limited to, Soil and Water Resource Management, Farmland Preservation, Erosion Control, and Working Forest Protection Programs. This position will also assist with zoning duties as assigned including enforcing county zoning ordinances, performing site and sanitary inspections, and reviewing and issuing land use permits during times of the year when assistance is required.

This position will be located in the Forest County Land Conservation-Land Information/GIS Department office located at the Forest County Courthouse, 200 E. Madison Street, Crandon, Wisconsin.

Supervision over the Land Information-GIS/Land Conservation Technician will be completed by the County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director.

The basic requirements for this position are:

• Minimum level of education- Associate’s degree or higher in cartography, geographic information systems, surveying or natural resources (forestry, soils, water resources) from an accredited Technical College, College or University with verifiable experience with GIS and GPS systems. Current students enrolled in the above programs are encouraged to apply, at the discretion of the LCC-LI Committee an internship program with multiple seasons of employment may be considered for a qualified applicant.
• Experience utilizing ArcGIS 10.1 or higher to create digital data, generate maps and reports is a mandatory requirement. Microsoft Excel, CAD and Microsoft Access experience is highly recommended.
• Good communication skills (writing, public speaking, working with individuals of all ages)
• Ability to read various types of maps (aerial, topography, soils) and locate and navigate through remote forested properties independently is a requirement. Familiarity of Forest County and the Nicolet National Forest is a bonus.
• Familiarity with basic surveying concepts, equipment, and coordinate based parcel mapping as related to PLSS.
• Ability and willingness to assist County Conservationist and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) staff with conservation planning, project completion, county regulation compliance and inspections.
• Ability and willingness to assist County Zoning and Recycling staff with program administration and inspections.
• Valid driver’s license, insurable under the Forest County standard automotive insurance policy
• Must be able to pass a background check

Activities:

• Provide on-site evaluation of PLSS survey corners and monuments, establishes and creates systems to report on condition and needs for updates, collects GPS data related to corner and monument locations, schedule work on corners and monuments and complete contracting options for data collection and re-monumentation
• Perform field collection of digital data utilizing sub-meter GPS units; locate survey markers and generate digital location data for markers, integrate data into the GIS parcel fabric to improve data alignment
• Maintain, improve and expand County GIS and GPS systems
• Maintain and evaluate County Mapping website, recommend and pursue required updates and improved data and services
• Evaluate and recommend new programs for use in County GIS and GPS
• Maintain and update County data sets.
• Maintain survey databases; update parcel boundaries, update tie-sheet access for public users
• Implement strategic plans for data storage and delivery.
• Provide data to vendors, contractors and the public.
• Collect and compile available data from landowners and public entities.
• Upload data into GPS Units for use in the field.
• Expand current data sets to accommodate current needs.
• Assists with preparation of program documentation, including, but not limited to: annual grant applications, quarterly grant reporting forms, etc.
• Prepares regular, written reports to County Land Conservation-Land Information Committee(monthly)
• Learn new programs and assist with land conservation, working forest programs, and zoning departments as directed.
• Obtain and retain State certifications for inspection of POWTS and Soil Testing.

Employment Term:

• LTE Full Time Option: The position may be hired as a full time limited term employee with extension potential based upon grant availability. This option may be chosen at the discretion of the LCC-LI Committee at time of decision.
• LTE-Internship Option: The position may also be hired as a seasonal internship for qualified student applicants currently enrolled in applicable programs. Students with a background and knowledge of Forest County lands will be priority applicants if this option is chosen at the discretion of the LCC-LI Committee. This position may develop into a full time position upon completion of degree and depending upon grant funding. this option is chosen at the discretion of the LCC-LI Committee.

This position has been approved and is awaiting final County Board approval on April 16, 2019. Expected interview dates will be scheduled in the middle of May 2019 with projected starting dates in early to mid-June 2019.

Interested applicants should contact Al Murray, County Conservationist-Land Information/GIS Director by e-mail at lcc@co.forest.wi.us to receive notice when the position is officially posted. Questions can also be e-mailed or you may call (715) 478-1387.