What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land Conservationist position at Douglas County, WI?
Description
The Land Conservationist is employed under Wisconsin State Statute 92 for Soil and Water Conservation and Animal Waste Management in Douglas County. The position will perform daily office operations and procedures, manage budgets and finances; secure and manage grants, supervise employees, provide start to finish project oversight and perform public outreach and education. The work of the Land and Water Conservation Department (LWCD) is directed by the Land Conservation Committee. Collaboration between the Land Conservationist and the Land Conservation Committee, county departments and administration and other conservation organization partners is important for the implementation of plans and projects.
Douglas County offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:
- Annual wage increase based on eligibility
- Paid, on-the-job training and advancement opportunities
- 85% county contribution to health and dental premiums
- Health Saving Account available to all employees on the county’s medical plan- with annual contributions provided by the employer and the health plan.
- Wisconsin Retirement- One of the most well managed retirement systems in the nation- Contributions are paid according to current year rates set by WRS Employee Trust Fund. Refer to www.etf.wi.gov for further detail.
- County paid life insurance policy – coverage at 1 times your annual salary - Affordable Supplemental, Additional, and Spousal/Dependent life insurance available at employee’s expense
- Competitive paid time off including vacation, sick time, personal days and holidays
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer
Essential Duties
- Implement Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter ATCP 50 for the Soil and Water Resource Management Program in Douglas County. This includes application for cost-share grant funds as well as directing the LWCD in identifying, designing, installation oversight, tracking and reimbursement of grant funds for cost-share projects.
- Implement the Douglas County Land and Water Resources Management Plan and prioritize LWCD work in accordance with this plan.
- Implement Douglas County Zoning Ordinance 8.15 Douglas County Animal Manure Storage Ordinance.
- Implement existing and establish new plans to direct conservation work.
- Evaluate and collaborate when appropriate with partner organization projects and planning efforts which complement the Douglas County Land and Water Resources Management Plan.
- Provide technical advice to landowners who have soil and water conservation concerns on their properties in a professional and timely manner. Offer cost-share assistance to eligible property owners when appropriate.
- Create LWCD budget and manage income and expenses in a fiscally responsible manner.
- Apply for new and reoccurring grant funds, implement grant projects, track grant funding and deliverables and complete all necessary grant reporting.
- Provide oversight for LWCD Engineering Technician. Ensure projects are designed in a timely manner and Professional Engineer approval and oversight is received from the Regional DATCP Engineer.
- Provide oversight to the groundwater sampling program as funds are available.
- Implement the Douglas County Wildlife Damage and Abatement Program utilizing funding from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Implement the Farmland Preservation Program by requiring NR 151 compliance and providing resources to create nutrient management plans. Maintain record of Farmland Preservation Program enrollment and compliance. Provide oversight and utilize services of four-county Agriculture Technician.
- Provide oversight for the Douglas County Surface Waters Program and implement the Douglas County Aquatic Invasive Species Strategic Plan. Review budgets, oversee grant application, management and reporting and supervise staff.
- Assist Douglas County Zoning Division with inspection, review and approval of non-metallic mine reclamation plans, shoreland mitigation plans, impervious surface mitigation plans and shoreland violations.
- Provide outreach and education focused on land and water conservation for the public.
- Hire, direct and supervise LWCD staff.
- Follow procurement guidelines when purchasing supplies or hiring contractors.
- Attend trainings and maintains skills and certifications as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as required
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, watershed management, civil or agricultural engineering, soils, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of relevant conservation work experience (a combination of education, training, and experience may be considered).
- At least 1 year of supervisory experience, including leading staff and volunteers.
Knowledge & Skills:
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal soil and water conservation laws, regulations, and best practices.
- Experience writing, managing, and reporting on grants, as well as creating and overseeing program budgets.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, GPS, GIS, and map reading.
- Ability to independently review scientific literature to inform management decisions.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements:
- Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Capable of safely using hand tools and lifting up to 25 lbs.
Licensures & Certifications:
- Valid State of Wisconsin driver’s license (or ability to transfer a valid license).
- First Aid/CPR certification (or willingness to obtain).
Supplemental Information
Competencies Required:
- Demonstrates strong grant writing and technical writing abilities to support program funding and compliance.
- Effectively communicates in written and verbal formats with the public and colleagues in both individual and group settings.
- Confidently facilitates meetings and delivers public presentations in-person and virtually.
- Directs LWCD operations, manages employees, and oversees the successful completion of projects and grants with minimal supervision.
- Develops and manages budgets, tracks grant funding, and ensures accurate and timely grant reporting.
- Implements projects and makes informed decisions aligned with management objectives, program regulations, and policies.
- Organizes and prioritizes work efficiently to meet deadlines and project goals.
- Proficient in using computers, Microsoft Office Suite, GPS, GIS, virtual meeting platforms, and map-based applications.
This job operates in a professional office environment. Occasional work outdoors is required with exposure to all weather conditions, biting/stinging insects and hazards. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms. Requires occasional contact with dust, noise, poor lighting. There is mandatory use and care of proper safety equipment and procedures to prevent injury. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends is required.
Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to perform light physical work, lifting up to 25 pounds and lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds; a multitude of movements involving standing, lifting, stacking, walking, pushing and pulling. Protective gear and clothing such as long sleeves and pants, hard hats, eye protection, waterproof boots, waders and gloves may be necessary. Tasks may involve extended periods of time working at a keyboard or work station.
Testing Requirements:
Testing may be administered to assess skills and abilities necessary to perform the essential duties of this position. Structured interview, references and/or background investigation.
Douglas County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.
