Natural Resource Specialist

General Description: The primary objective of the Natural Resource Specialist position is to provide program coordination of the Zumbro and Cannon Watershed Management Plans in Goodhue County, the Buffer Law Program, Wetland Conservation Act, as well as providing technical and engineering assistance on erosion Best Management Practices to landowners in Goodhue County.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s Degree in the natural resources field such as watershed management, hydrology, natural resource management, soil science, agricultural engineering, or related field of study, OR an Associate degree with at least 3 years of specific experience in soil and water resources management.
2. Basic understanding between the relationship of agricultural practices and natural resources.
3. Must be physically able and willing to work in varied terrain and weather conditions, and capable of lifting 50 lbs.
4. Ability to work independently or with a team of district staff along with other organizations.
5. Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

1. Experience in the development, management and implementing County or Watershed Management Plans.
2. Wetland Delineation Certificate preferred.
3. Experience working with private landowners on implementing practices that project our water resources such as stream buffers.
4. Experience working with and providing effective communication to a wide range of partners, from individual landowners to County Boards.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, as well as ArcGIS/ArcPro mapping software, AutoCAD engineering software and surveying equipment including Total Stations and GPS receivers.
6. Elevated Job Approval Authority (JAA) levels for Engineering and Ecological Conservation Practices that are typical of the agricultural setting of southeast Minnesota preferred.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Watershed Management Project Coordinator (40%) (The Greater Zumbro and Cannon Watersheds)
   1. Serves as the Local Water Plan Coordinator for Goodhue County by implementing the Greater Zumbro Watershed 1W1P and Cannon River Watershed 1W1P.
   2. Responsible for coordinating on the ground efforts between the two watershed groups and aligning associated District funding opportunities.
   3. Prepares and presents guidance, relative water quality information and Technical Assistance to local Watershed Districts, Township Boards, Municipalities and Goodhue County Officials in a public speaking environment and often on the record.
   4. Represents Goodhue County at watershed planning and implementation meetings.
2. Wetland Conservation Act LGU and TEP Coordinator (35%)
   1. Implements the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act by serving as the WCA Local Government Unit.
   2. Serve as Goodhue SWCD representative on the Technical Evaluation Panel.
   3. Review applications, provide technical review and coordinate WCA applications with local units of government, state and federal staff.
   4. Act as the day-to-day contact for providing landowner guidance on the Wetland Conservation Act.
3. Minnesota Buffer Law (10%)
   1. Implements the Buffer Law for Goodhue County. Provides technical representation for buffer related concerns and coordinates efforts with Goodhue County Land Use Management Office.
   2. Provide landowner guidance on achieving buffer compliance and market technical and financial programs to assist with implementation.
   3. Provide regular reports and compliance notifications to Goodhue County Land Use Management Department and Board of Water and Soil Resources.
4. Goodhue County Department Liaison (10%)
   1. Assist Goodhue County Land Use and Highway Department with issues involving erosion, wetlands, water quality concerns, bluffland impacts and the review of county building permits and conditional use permits.
5. District Technician (5%)
   1. Promoting enrollment of local, state and federal conservation programs and provides technical assistance under policies adopted by the Goodhue SWCD.
   2. Provide site investigation, survey, design, cost estimates and implementing ecological services for conservation Best Management Practices.
   3. Pursues and enrolls landowners in various farm programs including: State and Local Cost-Share Programs, Conservation Reserve Program, Environmental Quality Incentive Program, etc.
   4. Provide technical and engineering assistance to Goodhue County landowners by implementing conservation practices including terraces, water & sediment control basins, diversions, grassed waterways and grade stabilization structures.