Conservation Technician (2 positions)

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Wisconsin is hiring two Conservation Technicians to provide technical assistance to County Land Conservation Department staff and landowners. Responsibilities include supporting conservation programs, conducting site investigations, preparing engineering designs, and inspecting construction projects. The role requires travel throughout the state and a valid driver's license. Candidates can apply for project or permanent positions, with the project role ending on October 11, 2027.
About the position

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking two Conservation Technicians (Environmental Services Specialist - Senior) to join the Division of Agricultural Resource Management within the Bureau of Land & Water. This role is essential in providing technical assistance to County Land Conservation Department (LCD) staff, conservation professionals, and landowners, supporting various federal, state, and county programs. These programs include Soil and Water Resource Management (SWRM) grants, land and water resource management plans, and manure storage ordinances, among others. The Conservation Technicians will play a crucial role in the survey, design, installation, and approval of conservation practices aimed at soil and water conservation and animal waste management. The selected candidates will work under the technical direction of an engineer and in collaboration with staff from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This position is field-based, requiring routine travel throughout the state for assigned work, and will be headquartered in one of several counties, depending on the position type (project or permanent). The project position has a projected end date of October 11, 2027, while the permanent position offers long-term employment opportunities. Candidates are encouraged to apply for both positions, as this posting may also be used to fill future similar vacancies. The role requires a valid driver's license and the ability to provide transportation for work purposes. The Conservation Technicians will be responsible for providing support, training, and oversight to LCD staff within an assigned multi-county area, ensuring the effective implementation of conservation practices. The position also involves preparing and reviewing engineering designs and construction plans, conducting site investigations, and performing construction inspections to ensure quality work. Candidates must demonstrate their qualifications clearly in their application materials, as the selection process will be based on the stated criteria.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical assistance to County Land Conservation Department (LCD) staff and landowners.
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• Support federal, state, and county programs including Soil and Water Resource Management (SWRM) grants.
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• Assist in the survey, design, installation, and approval of conservation practices for soil and water conservation and animal waste management.
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• Work under the technical direction of an engineer and coordinate with USDA NRCS staff.
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• Provide training and oversight to LCD staff within an assigned multi-county area.
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• Prepare and review engineering designs and construction plans.
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• Conduct site investigations and data gathering to identify resource concerns.
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• Inspect construction projects to ensure quality of work.

Requirements
• Experience in preparing and/or reviewing engineering designs and construction plans.
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• Experience in completing site investigations/data gathering for resource concerns.
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• Experience with construction inspection of engineering projects.

Nice-to-haves
• NRCS Engineering Job Approval and/or DATCP Conservation Engineering Practitioner Certification.
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• Experience with conservation or environmental engineering practices.
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• Experience working with technical standards developed by USDA NRCS or DNR.
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• Experience using AutoCAD and/or GIS.

Benefits
• At least 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start.
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• 9 paid holidays.
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• Accrued sick leave.
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• Multiple insurance options.
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• Exceptional retirement plan.
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• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.