County Conservationist

Wisconsin Counties; Wisconsin; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Wisconsin Counties seeks a senior leader to administer the Soil and Water Conservation Department, directing operations, budget planning, and grant management under state and federal regulations. The role provides executive leadership to the Land Conservation Committee, guiding policy enforcement and stakeholder coordination amid Wisconsin’s karst geology and regional landscape.

The position blends scientific assessment, regulatory enforcement, public engagement, and cross-agency collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management or related field.
• Five years of experience in governmental program/budget management or related fields.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Administers department operations and ensures policy compliance.
• Supervises staff recruitment, training and performance management.
• Develops and manages a complex departmental budget and grants.
• Coordinates cross-agency partnerships and stakeholder networks.
• Directs scientific assessments and abatement strategies for environmental resources.
• Enforces county ordinances and represents the county in legal/legislative matters.
• Leads public engagement, meetings, and communications.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Public engagement

Regulatory enforcement

Analytical thinking

Collaboration

Grant management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management/Geology/Watershed Management/Soils or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Tools

CAD

GIS

Job description

Job Summary

Administers and directs all operations of the Soil and Water Conservation Department to protect and manage the County’s natural resources in compliance with state and federal regulations. Serves as executive for the Land Conservation Committee under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 92.09, providing leadership on budget development, staff oversight, policy enforcement, and stakeholder coordination. The position integrates scientific expertise, regulatory enforcement, and public engagement to address unique environmental challenges in the County’s karst geology and peninsula landscape.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. 1. Administers department operations, ensuring effective implementation of policies and compliance with County, State, and Federal regulations.
2. 2. Supervises and evaluates staff; oversees recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development.
3. 3. Develops and manages a complex departmental budget with diverse revenue streams, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to financial protocols.
4. 4. Prepares and manages grants and cost-share programs to support resource conservation projects; ensures proper reporting and compliance.
5. 5. Coordinates cross-agency partnerships and cultivates public-private networks to advance conservation initiatives.
6. 6. Conducts scientific assessments of soil, water, and land conditions; determines sources of degradation and develops abatement strategies.
7. 7. Investigates land use violations and enforces County ordinances (Chapters 23 and 36), advising the Land Conservation Committee (LCC) and appropriate regulatory bodies.
8. 8. Represents the County in legal proceedings and legislative discussions concerning land and water conservation matters.
9. 9. Leads public engagement efforts, including informational meetings, publications, and consultations with local governments and residents.
10. 10. Maintains and oversees field equipment, facilities, and operational tools necessary for department services.
11. 11. Serves on state and regional committees to influence policy and advocate for Door County’s conservation interests.
12. 12. Directs internal and external communication strategies, including educational outreach, media relations, and public presentations.

Key Competencies & Skills

• • Leadership & Supervision: Effectively directs teams, delegates responsibilities, and fosters staff development.
• • Analytical Thinking: Conducts research, interprets scientific data, and translates findings into actionable plans.
• • Public Administration: Applies knowledge of governance, budgeting, and public sector regulations in managing operations.
• • Communication: Delivers clear, persuasive, and professional messages in writing and speech to varied audiences.
• • Regulatory Enforcement: Enforces environmental codes with consistency and diplomacy, managing sensitive or contentious issues.
• • Collaboration: Builds productive relationships with governmental entities, community stakeholders, and interdisciplinary teams.
• • Grant Management: Develops, submits, and administers grants to secure funding and support conservation programs.
• • Technical Proficiency: Utilizes computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), geographic information system (GIS), and related software tools for environmental planning and reporting.

Required Education & Experience

• • Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Geology, Watershed Management, Soils, or related field.
• • At least five (5) years of experience in governmental program and budget management, natural resource protection, or code enforcement.
• • Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Preferred Education & Experience

• • Master’s degree in a natural resources-related discipline.
• • Ten (10) years of public speaking and technical writing experience with demonstrated proficiency.
• • Experience with Wisconsin-specific conservation programs and hydrogeological systems.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with frequent use of computers and interaction with stakeholders. Fieldwork comprises approximately 15% of duties and includes exposure to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, and potential interaction with agricultural animals and heavy machinery. Occasional lifting, climbing, or walking over rough ground is required. Some meetings and professional commitments may require travel and overnight stays.

Emergency Response Statement

In an effort to provide for continuity of County government and to cope with the problems of the emergency, you may be required to work during a proclaimed state of emergency, consistent with Sec. 323.14, Wis. Stats. and County emergency management plans and programs.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Door County is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of the requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.