Conservation Technician

Waupaca County is seeking a Conservation Technician to assist with engineering and implementation of conservation practices. Responsibilities include working with landowners, conducting surveys, designing plans with AutoCAD and GIS, and maintaining compliance with various programs. The role requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field and two years of relevant experience. The position is based in Waupaca, WI and is not remote.
As a function of the Waupaca County Land and Water Conservation Department, this position provides engineering assistance to install conservation best management practices, assists with watershed plan implementation related to Nine Key Element Watershed Plans and Targeted Runoff Management Grants, supports adaptation of nutrient management planning, conservation tillage and cover crops as well as keeping landowners in compliance with the Farmland Preservation Program, State Administrative Rules NR 151 & ATCP 50 and the Waupaca County Code of Ordinances Chapter 51.

This position works under the direct supervision of the County Conservationist.Depending on the operational needs of the department, the individual in this position may be responsible for some or all of the following:
Communicates with landowners, farmers, riparian owners and contractors to plan and implement conservation practices.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with farmers, landowners and cooperating agency staff.

Conducts detailed land use inventories for compliance with various County and State programs.

Conducts topographic and bench-level surveys using Trimble equipment, laser levels, and other surveying tools.

Designs engineering plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or ESRI ARCGIS products.

Assist other staff with surveys, designs and construction of best management practices as needed.

Acquire and maintain WDATCP and USDA-NRCS engineering approvals.

Conducts Information and Education events as needed.

Assist riparian owners or lake groups with shoreline improvement practices.

Assist with grant writing and implementation of DNR Targeted Runoff Management Grants.

Assist with implementation of Waupaca County’s Farmland Preservation Program

Provide nutrient management planning assistance and SnapPlus training to landowners.

Provide nutrient management plan review for state and county program requirements.

Assist farm operators with the implementation of cover crops, reduced tillage or other management practices.

Maintain accurate records of engineering plans, cost share agreements, watershed planning processes, Farmland Preservation participants, nutrient management plans and SnapPlus files submitted to the County and reports information to DATCP, DNR, NRCS, and other partner agencies as needed.
PERIPHERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conduct water quality testing for nitrates, phosphorous, suspended solids and stream base flow.

Attend appropriate continuing education courses to maintain certifications.

As directed attends and contributes to various county committee functions.

Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in GIS, Agronomy, Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Soil Science, Watershed Management, or a related field of study.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of current working experience as a conservation/engineering technician or agronomy related position with knowledge of nutrient management, SNAP+, conservation tillage, residue management, and working experience with ESRI ArcGIS products preferred. A combination or training and direct experience

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Obtain Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) status.
Establish proficiency in ESRI ACRGIS software.
Must maintain a valid driver’s license.
Familiarity with operation of a drone or acquire a UAV license.
Obtain ongoing DATCP and NRCS job certification.

Ability to assess need and understand the design and construction of soil and water conservation Best Management Practices.

Possess a strong background and experience with ArcGIS. Demonstrate the ability to perform spatial analysis under minimum supervision.

Working knowledge of general engineering principles

Working knowledge of layout, construction and certification of soil and water conservation practices.

Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Excel, MS Word, Autodesk Civil 3-D or the ability to learn within a reasonable time frame.

Ability to create complex documents using Microsoft Word, Excel or Access

Ability to interpret air photos and legal descriptions.

Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to solve complex problems and develop solutions.

Ability to work under pressure and manage stressful situations.

Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality.

Ability to read, understand and interpret NRCS standards and Wisconsin administrative rules.