Conservation Educator

About the role

Sauk County is seeking a Conservation Educator to develop and implement a comprehensive information and education program focusing on agricultural, environmental, and zoning issues. This position provides technical guidance to the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department and assists property owners, organizations, and governmental units with soil and water conservation practices.

Responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate conservation education programs for landowners, including field days, tours, demonstrations, award programs, and the development and distribution of educational materials.
• Create, plan, and prepare new educational programs aligned with the Land and Water Resource Management (LWRM) Plan.
• Set up and facilitate special meetings or workshops for target audiences on environmental and zoning issues.
• Coordinate a team of farmers and agriculture professionals to promote agricultural conservation practices (soil health, rotational grazing, grass-fed beef, specialty crops) using the Sauk County Farm as a working classroom.
• Execute and coordinate a media program, including interviews, news articles, public service announcements, department website updates, feature stories, and radio/television appearances.
• Develop, publish, distribute, and edit the countywide newsletter.
• Oversee the Ag Plastic Program and Hazardous Waste Program (Clean Sweep) in cooperation with DATCP, waste disposal companies, and county departments; prepare and submit grant applications for reimbursement programs.
• Create and manage environmental education programs for K-12 educators and local youth group leaders, including youth days, classroom presentations, teacher workshops, outdoor classroom experiences, water quality monitoring, and countywide contests.
• Oversee the Backyard Conservation program by promoting urban conservation practices (e.g., rain barrels, rain gardens, composting), managing material sales, providing installation guidance, and awarding yard signs.
• Serve as the department education liaison with other departments, agencies, school districts, businesses, and organizations.
• Supervise and assign day-to-day responsibilities to the Education Program Assistant LTE.
• Manage department literature, maintaining and distributing program brochures and bulletins.
• Research and identify funding sources, including grants and donations, to implement educational and outreach programs; apply for and manage short-term or grant projects.
• Disseminate information from studies and evaluations in a concise format for publication.
• Conduct programs during evenings or weekends to accommodate intended audiences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Water Conservation, Natural Resources, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in soil and water conservation planning.
• Two (2) years of experience conducting conservation outreach and education programs.
• Valid Wisconsin State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Preferred Qualifications

• Agricultural experience.
• Experience with inventory management software.
• Experience with ArcMap/GIS software.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Schedule

Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Additional hours may be required, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate program needs.