Conservation Planner

The conservation planner is a professional position and requires a diverse background in resource planning, problem evaluation, and conservation practice application. 

Position Specific Responsibilities

1. Primary point of contact with agricultural producers and other rural landowners to design and implement conservation plans using the NRCS 9-step planning process or equivalent, such as, MN Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program assessment.
2. Customer service and support for landowners and partners.
3. Understand agronomic principles associated with crop production and natural resource protection for both livestock and non-livestock enterprises and can develop conservation plan alternatives to meet resource and land user needs.
4. Understand wildlife habitat establishment principles associated with prairie and forestry systems.
5. Understand available financial assistance programs and explain these programs to landowners.
6. Obtain job approval authority for various ecological sciences practices, including but not limited to cover crops, nutrient management, grazing, windbreaks/shelterbelts, and irrigation water management.
7. Document conservation practices and resource concerns, including by utilizing Conservation Desktop (or other NRCS conservation planning software).
8. Assist with special projects which may include monitoring, research, field demonstration projects.

Duties & Responsibilities of All Staff
10. Follow all established policies and procedures as adopted by the SWCD Board and/or Management Team.
11. Promote and fulfill the mission and conservation philosophy of the SWCD.
12. Establish and maintain working relationships with co-workers, partners, and clients.
13. Collaborate with team members, outside technical experts, and state/federal agency staff to efficiently deliver effective conservation programs.
14. Work independently in a variety of situations with a minimum of supervision.
15. Assist in developing annual plan of work, implement the plan, and track progress toward goals.
16. Accurately and comprehensively track and report work time. Prepare records and reports summarizing work accomplished.
17. Advance relevant skills by identifying and participating in appropriate training opportunities.
18. Deliver educational presentations to schools, units of government, and public service groups.
19. Regular and timely work attendance. Inform designated supervisor of planned work schedule and use of leave.
20. Other duties as assigned.