Conservation Planner I: BMP Design & Land Stewardship

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

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