Conservation Technician

Application Packet Requirements:

Applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, and Fillmore SWCD application found at https://www.fillmoreswcd.org/employment. Can be sent to riley.buley@fillmoreswcd.org

Position Title: Conservation Technician - Soil Health Focus

Position Location: Preston, MN

Employment Term: Full Time with Benefits

Application Deadline: Rolling Deadline, First Review of Applicants January 3rd, 2025

Anticipated Starting Salary: $50,086.40 to $58,073.00

Position Salary Range: $50,086.40 to $71,294.08

Position Purpose:
Performs intermediate technical work assisting in soil health programs; Minnesota Buffer Law compliance; water quality monitoring; maintaining records of development; promoting conservation practices through outreach and extension; and related work as assigned.

Essential Functions:

Soil Health Program Management and Technical Assistance

- Serve as soil health primary contact for the Fillmore SWCD utilizing and promoting principles of soil health and climate smart agriculture;
- Administer Climate-Smart Alliance Pilot program, BWSR Soil Health RCPP funding, and other related grant programs between district staff, agency partners, and/or consultants;

- Complete contract development related to job duties, certify projects, maintain records of work, track project status, and update District Administrator;

- Possess Job Approval Authority (JAA) in soil health and grazing related ecological practices, or obtain applicable JAA in a timely manner;

- Design conservation practices that improve soil health set to NRCS standards, including, but not limited to, Cover Crops, Residue and Tillage Management, Conservation - - Planning, Crop Rotation, Minimum Tillage, No-Till, and other related practices;

- Design conservation practices related to grazing plans set to NRCS standards, including Fencing, Pipeline, Heavy Use Protection, Lanes, Pasture Seedings, Tanks, Stream - -- Crossing, Wells/ Pumping Plants;

- Leads and/or participates in education and promotion of soil and water conservation efforts including youth programs and conservation curriculum development, and preparation of media articles.

Minnesota Buffer Law Compliance

- Administers Minnesota Buffer Law program in Fillmore County;

- Conducts compliance reviews through in-person inspection or aerial imagery for the Minnesota Buffer Law program;

- Determines compliance and addresses non-compliant landowners;

- Informs Fillmore County Zoning office of non-compliant landowners for further enforcement;

- Enters and reports data to state agencies.

Water Quality and Ecological Sampling

- Assist on grant programs funded by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and other similar sources;

- Conducts water quality monitoring activities including sample collection, site assessment, observation recording, site equipment repair and maintenance, and data management;

- Investigates needs through mapping and data analysis using GIS, Excel, and other analytical computer programs;

- Assists in performing water quality laboratory duties including sample preparation, analysis, and reporting related to the Districts Bacteria and Nitrate sample work;

- Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

Other Duties as Prescribed

- Research new programs and funding opportunities to determine fit in local communities;

- Work with district staff and supporting agencies to draft and submit new project grant proposals;

- Willingness to collaborate with supporting agencies on new projects;

- Accept other duties as assigned by the District Administrator or SWCD Board of Supervisors.

These duties are general in nature and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties performed. Changes in duties may arise with available funding.

District Benefits:

- 11 Paid Holidays

- 191.88 hours of Paid Time Off annually, with progressive increases

- Access to Deferred Compensation Plan, HSA, and FSA

- Career Ladder based on JAA leading to progressively higher salary

- Single and Family Health and Dental Insurance; Single Vision Insurance

- Pension with employer contribution 7.5% of salary

- $1,925 Annual Medical Stipend

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $50,086.40 - $58,073.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift

Experience:

• Microsoft Excel: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Preston, MN 55965 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Preston, MN 55965: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,086 - $58,073