Conservation Technician

General Position Description: The primary objectives of the Conservation Technician position are: provide program coordination with a focus on Soil Health practice adoption, planning and implementing conservation practices within the Wells Creek Watershed, providing technical assistance to landowners, and coordinating the District’s water quality monitoring efforts. 

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 and other organizations.
5. Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota Driver’s license.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

1. Experience working with and providing effective communication to a wide range of partners, from individual landowners to County Boards. 
2. 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. 
3. 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. Soil Health Coordinator (50%)
   1. Soil Health Program lead for the Goodhue SWCD utilizing the four principles of soil health as the framework of implementation and promotion 
   2. Design conservation practices that improve soil health, including, by not limited to; Cover crops, Residue and Tillage Management, Prescribed Grazing, Nutrient Management, Field Boarders, Shelterbelts, Forest Stand Improvements, and others.
   3. Possess Job Approval Authority (JAA) on soil health related ecological services practices. 
   4. Assist in outreach efforts promoting the benefits of soil health practices.
2. Watershed Coordinator (30%)
   1. Works directly with private landowners in the Wells Creek Watershed gauging interest in conservation practices, promoting programs, and coordinates 319 Small Watershed Funding projects.
   2. Responsible for coordinating on the ground efforts in the Wells Creek Watershed by aligning associated Local, State and Federal funding opportunities
   3. Prepares and presents technical information, relative water quality information and provides technical assistance to landowners, Township Boards, and Goodhue County Officials in a public speaking environment.
3. District Technician (10%)
   1. Promoting enrollment of local, state and federal conservation programs and provides technical assistance under policies adopted by the Goodhue SWCD.
   2. Provide on-site investigations, survey, design, cost estimates as well as the implementation of ecological services for conservation Best Management Practices. 
   3. Educates 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.
4. Water Quality Monitoring (10%)
   1. Responsible for implementing multiple water resource monitoring programs in Goodhue County, which includes coordination with Local/State agencies on monitoring equipment installation, operation, maintenance, scheduling water sample collection, and coordinating lab analysis.