Company Overview

Carlton SWCD has been a cornerstone of Carlton County since 1961, dedicated to providing innovative solutions for resource concerns to private landowners. We pride ourselves on fostering a friendly work environment that emphasizes training, career advancement opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package.

Summary

Working under the supervision and direction of the District Manager, the Kettle/Upper St. Croix Water Resource Technician/Specialist is responsible for promoting and implementing conservation efforts, issues, and programs pertaining to water resource restoration and protection. Utilizing available watershed based implementation funds (WBIF), this position will help achieve watershed goals that have been laid out in the KUSC Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (CWMP). This position will work within the Kettle River/Upper St. Croix watershed working with staff in both the Carlton SWCD and Pine SWCD offices.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance for planning and implementation of water resource projects, including but not limited to; shoreline buffers, shoreline restorations, streambank and stream channel protection and restorations, wetland restorations, and well sealings.
• Utilize the various funding opportunities such as watershed based implementation funding and cost share, to actively implement and meet watershed efforts and goals.
• Take an active role in committee meetings, technical guidance and watershed management planning.
• Learn and become proficient with the KUSC CWMP. Objectives are to accomplish the goals through actions identified in section 3, lakes; section 4, streams; section 7, wetlands; section 8, stormwater; section 9, groundwater
• Identify potential grant opportunities for the watershed and work with partners to ensure successful grant applications.
• Conduct targeted outreach to watershed stakeholders and provide education and outreach opportunities.
• Attend training, meetings and workshops to develop and enhance skills.
• Assist with a variety of plans, reports and grants.
• Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with landowners, staff, SWCD board partner agencies and funding sources.
• Work with watershed partners to create additional project opportunities for landowners.
• Handle multiple projects and maintain a high level of productivity with integrity to accomplish tasks with minimal supervision.
• Documents all project information and work time using the SWCD project/time management system.
• Work outside in all weather conditions and on rough terrain.
• Able to lift up to 60 pounds on a regular basis.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Current JAA (Job Approval Authority) for relevant conservation practices

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, hydrology, geology or closely related field.
• Familiarity with federal and state landowner incentive programs.
• Proficient in computer applications including GSuite programs, Microsoft programs, ArcGIS as well as other mapping programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Works well in a team environment and has the ability to successfully work independently meeting deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current USDA NRCS Job Approval Authority in several conservation practices
• Experience working with soil and water conservation districts, watershed districts or similar organizations.
• Grant writing experience
• Experience implementing conservation projects

PAY RATE AND BENEFITS

This is a full time position working in the Carlton SWCD office located at 808 3rd Street in Carlton. Current office hours must be observed. Pay will be determined by experience and will be at the discretion of the District Manager. Current benefits include medical/vision/dental insurance plan through PEIP, a monthly cash stipend that can be used to purchase insurance or taken as cash, HSA account, employer paid life insurance and short term disability plans, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, PERA retirement plan, voluntary deferred compensation plan (MNDCP), EAP (employee assistance program).

VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS

The SWCD gives veterans preference points to eligible applicants during the application screening. Although this is not a Federal position, please include a Standard Form 15 and applicable documentation if you are applying for Veteran’s preference points.

If you are passionate about environmental conservation and have the skills to make a difference, we invite you to apply for the Water Technician position at Carlton SWCD today!