Conservation Planner I

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 64,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Counties Association is seeking a Conservation Planner I to enhance land and water conservation efforts across Baldwin and Hudson locations.

Responsibilities include field surveys, BMP design review, and program administration for private lands, supported by a four‑year experience minimum and related certifications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering, agronomy or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of direct Conservation Program experience.
• Two (2) years involvement with Best Management Practice design and landowner cost-share programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify natural resource concerns on private lands and determine appropriate conservation practices.
• Perform field surveys and produce engineer-approved BMP plans.
• Maintain effective relationships with customers, contractors, engineers, surveyors, town officials, government agencies, committees, and the public.
• Utilize funding sources to achieve county LW resource plan goals including cost share programs and grants.
• Review applications and plans for animal waste storage structures or non-metallic mining operations.
• Assist with training of new staff and mentor technicians and interns.

Skills

Field surveys

Plan reviews

Public engagement

Record keeping

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science or related field

Tools

NRCS FOTG standards

Job description

Application Deadline: 2026-09-16

Job Type: County

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position provides technical assistance and administrative service for land and water conservation by designing best management practices, conducting plan reviews; assisting public with resource concerns, ordinance application and permitting; presenting reports; conducting evaluations and inspections; preparing and maintaining records and files; developing conservation plans; and related work.

The position will primarily report to the Baldwin location; however, the assigned work location may vary between the Baldwin and Hudson locations based on workload and operational needs.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Identifies natural resource concerns on private lands and determines which conservation practices can address those concerns, develops alternatives and cost/benefits for landowners.
• Performs field surveys and produces engineer approved plans of best management practices following federal, state and local specifications and oversees practice installation and construction.
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with customers, contractors, engineers, surveyors, town officials, government agencies, committees, and the public.
• Utilizes a variety of funding sources to achieve St Croix County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan goals including federal and state cost share programs, conservation initiatives, and grants related to agricultural conservation, protection of ground and surface water, and invasive species management.
• Conducts site visits, reviews aerial photography, property records, and prepares staff analysis and recommendations for Community Development Committee and Board of Adjustment.
• Determines landowner compliance with state statutes and county ordinances through site visits, aerial photography, and review of property records.
• Provides necessary documentation and testimony to Corporation Counsel for litigation required for enforcement of County land use ordinances. Testifies in court related proceedings as necessary.
• Reviews and evaluates applications and plans for animal waste storage structures or facilities and non-metallic mining operations.
• Implements the Farmland Preservation Program including nutrient management plan review, field spot checks, and issuing certificates of compliance to landowners.
• Assists with training of new staff and provides direction and mentoring to technicians and summer interns.
• Prepares and presents conservation related information to partners, community groups, and landowners.
• Reviews storm water and erosion control plans and spot checks plan implementation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Conservation Planner I

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering, agronomy or related field.
• Minimum of four (4) years of direct Conservation Program experience.
• Preferred: Two (2) years involvement with Best Management Practice design and landowner cost-share programs.

Licenses, Certificates, And Other Requirement

Additional certifications must be obtained and maintained as outlined below.

Conservation Planner I

• Wisconsin or Minnesota Soil Erosion Inspection Certification required.
• Must complete the MN BWSR Technical Training and Certification Program Core Competencies: Soils, Water Quality, Conservation Planning Certificate within three (3) months of hire.
• Must complete one of the following paths:

Path 1: Engineering / BMP Design Track

• Demonstrated Best Management Practice (BMP) design capability in accordance with NRCS Wisconsin Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) standards and applicable county code.
• Upon hire, must demonstrate the ability to independently develop site-specific, technically sound designs in at least two (2) BMP design areas at a level sufficient for engineering review and approval without significant revision.
• Within twelve (12) months of hire, must demonstrate expanded capability to independently design in at least four (4) or more BMP design areas, with designs consistently meeting engineering standards and requiring minimal revision (cost shared by St. Croix County).

Path 2: Agronomy / CCA Track

• Successful completion of the Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) exam is required at the time of hire, with active progress toward full certification.

Starting pay is determined within the expected hiring range based on qualifications, directly related experience, and internal equity. Employees may advance through the full salary range in accordance with County policy.

Expected Pay Range: $64,002 – $72,384/year

Full Pay Range: $64,002 – $89,149/year

Department: Community Development

FTE: 1.0

St. Croix County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment and discrimination. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to an individual’s race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender identity, disability, marital status, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

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