Conservation Planner I

WCA: Wisconsin Counties Association; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 64,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Counties Association seeks a Conservation Planner I to provide technical assistance and administer land and water conservation programs. You will design best management practices, conduct plan reviews, assist public with resource concerns, and prepare records and reports.

The role involves field surveys, BMP design, and supervision of practice installation. You’ll work with landowners, contractors, engineers, and local officials to advance conservation goals and ensure compliance with

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.
• Preferred: Two (2) years involvement with Best Management Practice design and landowner cost-share programs.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Environmental science knowledge

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, water resources conservation, agricultural engineering, agronomy or related field

Job description

Application Deadline: 2026-10-01

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.

Essential Functions

• 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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