Position title: Conservation Projects Technician

Division: Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District
Wok Schedule: M-F 8am-430pm with occasional evenings / weekends for events
Status: Full-time, permanent Location: Park Rapids, MN

Pay Rate: Commensurate with experience and education – entry-level

Benefits: PERA Retirement, Health care stipend, sick and vacation time accrual, paid holidays

The purpose of the Hubbard County Soil and Water Conservation District is to conserve, protect, and enhance the soil and water resources of Hubbard County by providing leadership, education, and assistance.

The Conservation Projects Technician implements programs and provides technical assistance to landowners; conducts project-directed field work; completes inventory and mapping for project outreach and reporting; gathers, submits, and records samples; tracks project activities; and assists with community outreach and educational efforts as necessary. Project work will include outside fieldwork, office time, and travel for local and regional meetings.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide technical assistance to landowners and project partners in assigned areas.
• Complete site assessments for fee-for-service programs, WCA, Cost Share, PFM and RIM.
• Prepare and present conservation programs to conservation groups, schools, and churches.
• Build relationships with landowners and partnering organizations.
• Maintain and update SWCD website, Facebook, Instagram and social media outlets with regular, fresh content from SWCD daily work and events.
• Utilize GIS to complete natural resource mapping and inventory.
• Target and prioritize future projects.
• Conduct nitrate testing in the office and at community events.
• Assist in maintaining office records
• Answer emails and phone calls, provide information on programs, and help people find the resources they are seeking when they call SWCD. Sometimes this means directing them to one of our partners or seeking additional information from local resources and partners.
• Participate in project planning and implementation in accordance with watershed implementation plans.
• Pursue Job Approval Authority for multiple conservation practices to increase knowledge and skill set.
• Keep records as determined by program guidelines and rules.
• Other Duties as Assigned.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-year degree in Natural Resources, Biology, Ecological Sciences, Hydrology or related field.
• Must be highly motivated to work with limited supervision and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously, while also keeping detailed records of activities and expenditures.
• Proficient with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, Publisher.
• Must have strong writing and verbal communication skills sufficient to disseminate highly technical information to local citizens and board members, and be comfortable speaking to large and small groups of varying demographics.
• Must have or obtain a Minnesota Driver's License.
• Position requires frequent lifting of items weighing up to 60 pounds, walking in rough terrain, and willingness to work in all weather conditions.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local land use practices and interactions with ground and surface water.
• Knowledge of governmental agencies (MPCA, BWSR, DNR, NRCS, County and SWCD). Knowledge of local board operations.
• Experience with hand held GPS units and Arc GIS Programs.
• Knowledge of stream restoration techniques and practices.
• Experience with water quality monitoring procedures and equipment.
• Knowledge of SWCD and NRCS programs.
• Familiar with standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.  

Supervision

This position is directly supervised by the District Manager. Performance of each duty and assigned responsibility will be evaluated at least annually by the District Manager. HCSWCD is an interactive team environment, we work together via zoom, emails and phone calls as well as in the field with each of us taking on individual follow-up tasks to complete between meetings. To be flexible, we rely on strong and open communication between team members and monthly written summaries of activities to keep all team members and the SWCD board informed about our projects and activities. Strong communication skills are a requirement of the position and are skills we work to continually build as a team.

To Apply, Submit Resume, Cover Letter, and Professional References to:  

Hubbard County Soil & Water Conservation District

603 Central Ave N, Suite 100

Park Rapids, MN  56470

https://www.hubbardswcd.org/

or

by e-mail to crystal.hcswcd@gmail.com with subject line “PRIORITY APPLICATION, Your LAST NAME”

EEO (Equal Opportunity Employer) The Hubbard Soil and Water Conservation District is an EEO employer.  Candidates will be considered without discrimination to race, color, religion, sex, natural origin, politics, marital status, physical handicap, age or membership or nonmembership in an employee organization.