Resource Conservationist -Rural & Small Cities

Mille Lacs County, MN; Milaca (MN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Mille Lacs Soil & Water Conservation District is seeking a Resource Conservationist to work with citizens to identify roles and actions to protect soil and water resources, provide technical expertise for surface water and groundwater protection, and oversee conservation practices per SWCD policies. The role balances fieldwork, interagency coordination, public interaction, and detailed documentation.

This District-focused position involves meeting with individuals and communities about shoreland

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in natural resources, a physical or biological science, or a related field; and two years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class D Driver’s License.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Experience designing or planning conservation BMPs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Administer various programs such as Wetland Conservation Act, Noxious Weed Management, Public Ditch Inspection, Easement Management, AgBMP Loan Program, DNR Groundwater Observation Well Monitoring, rental equipment management, Soil Health Initiatives, Buffer Law Compliance and voluntary enhancement, and Minnesota Ag Water Quality Program.
• Enhance civic awareness of soil and water quality protection, inform landowners and communities about available programs, and develop conservation materials; provide outreach and technical assistance.
• Perform resource protection needs assessment, BMP targeting and prioritization, oversee cost share programs, coordinate with engineering staff, and work with landowners and contractors to meet objectives.
• Maintain effective relationships with stakeholders including District Administrator, District Board, Technical Service Area staff, watershed partners, NRCS, tribal staff, landowners, and government agencies; track outcomes and prepare reports.
• Carry out administrative duties related to outreach, BMP implementation, grant tracking, and documentation; manage contracts and payments.
• Respond to citizen inquiries via phone, email, and in-person; manage equipment rentals and proofreading of communications.
• Ensure compliance with civic standards and engage stakeholders in decision-making.

Education

Associate’s degree in natural resources, a physical or biological science, or a related field

Job description

The Resource Conservationist works directly with citizens to identify roles and actions to protect soil and water resources. Provides technical expertise for surface water, and groundwater protection efforts, with a focus on rural residential and small cities, and oversees the implementation and installation of conservation practices according to SWCD policies. The position requires a combination of balancing fieldwork, interagency coordination, positive public interaction, and detailed documentation.

Note that this is a Mille Lacs Soil & Water Conservation District position (not Mille Lacs County)

1. Responsible for administering various programs which may include but are not limited to:
   1. Wetland Conservation Act
   2. County Agricultural Inspector – Noxious Weed Management
   3. County Public Ditch Inspection
   4. Easement Management
   5. AgBMP Loan Program
   6. DNR Groundwater Observation Well Monitoring
   7. Rental equipment management
   8. Soil Health Initiatives
   9. Buffer Law Compliance and voluntary enhancement
   10. Minnesota Ag Water Quality Program

This involves meeting with individuals and communities about the significance of preserving shorelands, promoting practices like erosion control and native vegetation planting based on current science. Collaborate closely with local governments, lake associations, and watershed partnerships to coordinate efforts to enhance conservation. Implement initiatives and programs to provide technical assistance and educational outreach to raise awareness about the importance of groundwater conservation and sustainable management practices. Work closely with landowners, farmers, local governments and communities to promote practices that prevent groundwater contamination. Implement programs that encourage and enhance pollinator habitat within local communities. Collaborate with landowners, farmers, and municipalities to implement initiatives that support pollinator populations. Provide technical expertise on habitat design, species selection, and conservation practices that benefit pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects crucial for ecosystem health and agricultural productivity. Learn from landowners, share technical information and advice to conservation agency staff regarding resource protection needs. Act as a contact for citizen inquiries, provide conservation information to landowners, and develop conservation plans. Ensure landowner compliance with the Minnesota Buffer Law, educating stakeholders on buffer benefits and maintenance. Offer technical support to design and implement buffer zones, conduct inspections, and collaborate with local governments for enforcement. Assist with the SWCD Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) role as negotiated with the County, focusing on wetland preservation. This involves participation in Technical Evaluation Panel meetings, conducting site visits, and assisting with restoration orders as required. Participate in coordinating the implementation of various programs within and across watershed implementation partnerships. Assists with groundwater observation well monitoring, and/or stream sampling as directed. Assists with noxious weed management recommendations and other duties as a County Agricultural Inspector as directed.

1. Responsible for enhancing civic awareness and understanding of the importance of ongoing soil and water quality protection. This involves collaborating directly with key stakeholders to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) and organizing regular meetings to ensure effective communication and progress. Inform landowners and community members about available programs and resources aimed at safeguarding soil and water quality. Develop and implement tailored conservation programs and materials, engaging citizens through workshops and presentations to promote active participation in water quality initiatives. Collect and evaluate data to refine outreach strategies.Work with citizens to tell their stories about implementing and utilizing conservation practices in the community. Update and provide content for website and social media as needed.Provide technical assistance for Conservation Best Management Practice (BMP) Development and implementation.
2. Perform resource protection needs assessment, BMP targeting and prioritization, and technical duties associated with implementation of BMPs. Ensure effective water quality protection, identify pollution issues and suggest suitable BMP’s while also providing technical expertise in conservation practice assessment, promotion and installation. Oversee a variety of cost share assistance programs, assist with project management, and work with engineering staff on site surveys and designs. Additionally, the role negotiates with landowners and contractors to meet objectives and ensure project success. Provide guidance on program enrollment, enforce relevant laws, and participate in ongoing training to maintain high standards of conservation practice implementation.
3. Maintain effective workingrelationships by communicating clearly and collaborating with various stakeholders, including the District Administrator, District Board, Technical Service Area staff, watershed partners, NRCS, tribal staff, landowners, and government agencies. The position tracks outcomes and prepares reports on completed work for the District Administrator. It informs the District Administrator of issues that require Board decisions. The position also attends Board meetings and engages in programs and projects with other agencies and citizen groups as needed.
4. Perform administrative duties associated with outreach, implementation of BMPs, and evaluation of efforts. Assists with grant tracking and applications, progress evaluation, and outcomes reporting, and manages a calendar to ensure timely goal achievement. Helps identify ongoing grant or funding opportunities to support strategic work plan priorities; tracks outreach activities and citizen contacts, documenting conservation needs and citizen implementation goals. Maintains detailed records on all projects, prepares status and project completion reports, and enters project information into the required system. It also processes contracts, payment vouchers, and other agreements as needed.
5. Performs a variety of general office activities including, but not limited to, responding to citizen inquiries via telephone, email, and in-person; manages equipment rentals, and copy editing/proofreading communications such as grant applications, legal contracts, etc.
6. All work should be guided by the following civic standards for decision making: Identify all those affected by the problem as stakeholders and involve them in defining the issue based on civic principles and their circumstances. Ensure stakeholders contribute resources such as leadership, knowledge, support, or funding to address the problem. Engage stakeholders in decision-making and policy-making that contributes to the common good. Organize key stakeholders within your jurisdiction to implement solutions and establish policies grounded in civic principles.

• Associate’s degree in natural resources, a physical or biological science, or a related field; and two years of experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Class D Driver’s License.
• Must successfully complete a criminal history background check.
• Experience designing or planning conservation BMPs preferred.

Invitations to interview for this position will be based upon an assessment of education and experience. The finalist for this position will be required to complete criminal background and reference checks.