Soil and Land Technician

Description/Summary

FULL TIME Soil and Land Conservation Technician
This position works with conservation programs within the Land and Water Conservation Department. Work is performed under the general supervision of the County Conservationist under the Green County Land and Water Conservation Committee. However, the Conservation Technician exercises independent decision making and judgment working toward set goals. The work environment will be both indoors and outdoors, at times working in adverse weather conditions. Schedule of work is from 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday – Friday, with occasional early start or later ending in the day, depending on workload or training meetings. Travel with a personal vehicle on a limited basis. Proof of a valid driver’s license is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Survey, design and direct construction of erosion control practices including but not limited to: waterways, diversions, contour strip cropping grade stabilization structures, roof runoff, and streambank improvement.
• Determine the feasibility of conservation practices and recommend the acceptability for implementation and/or state or federal cost-sharing.
• Carry out inspections and work with contractors during project construction to ensure completion meets plans and specifications.
• Develop conservation plans using RUSLE2 in accordance with state and federal technical standards.
• Educate and inform producers and the general public regarding soil health benefits and strategies to improve the soil.
• Plan field days for farmer education and advise farmers with cover crop options for their farm.
• Contact Farmland preservation Program participants regarding eligibility and conduct status reviews.
• Collaborate on a producer-led watershed program.
• Prepare contracts and maps in Toolkit for landowners enrolled in the Conservation reserve Program and Conservation reserve Enhancement Program.
• Organize and communicate with presenters, schools, and facilities for youth education outdoor events.
• Provide information on planned areas, guide and assist land users in the application and maintenance of conservation plans.
• Respond to public, private, and agency requests for information regarding soil and water conservation, land capability, federal, and state cost-sharing programs.
• Advise landowners on the desirability of conservation practices and assist them in filing applications to obtain necessary permits.
• Promote conservation through information and educational programs that include meetings, tours, newsletters, news releases, presentations, and radio programs.
• Prepare reports required by LWCC, DATCP, NRCS, and DNR including progress, time, fiscal reports, plan of work, and annual report.
• Participate in area, state, and regional meetings.
• Participate in training programs to develop new skills for application in water quality programs.
• Prepare and reply to correspondence.
• Related work as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education and/or Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, soil and water conservation, soil science, natural resources, or a related field and two years’ experience; and/or a two-year degree from an accredited vocational or technical school in a related field and three years’ experience or a combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge and skills.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service design approval for applicable conservation practices.

Other

• Background Check: • Must pass background check and will be finger printed to gain access to computer system.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: • Possession of a valid driver’s license. For personal vehicle use, proof of insurance meeting Green County standards is required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Able to effectively communicate with farmers about soil health, cover crops, and soil fertility.
• Knowledge of engineering and technical guides, standards, and practices.
• Knowledge of soil conservation practices and techniques, including Best Management Practices.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and program procedures of the LWCD, DNR, NRCS, DATCP, and FSA.
• Able to use Microsoft Office program including Word, Excel, Outlook, Power point, and Publisher. Experience in ArcMap, SNAPPlus, RUSLE2, Toolkit, and CADD are advantageous.
• Able to prepare and present meaningful and analytical oral and written reports.
• Knowledge of agricultural management systems.
• Able in plan, organize, and schedule priorities effectively.
• Able to independently generate, initiate, and complete projects and programs.
• Knowledge in the interpretation of aerial photos, topographic, slope and soil maps.
• Knowledge in surveying, drafting and design of soil conservation practices.
• Knowledge of agronomy, biology, forestry, agriculture, and engineering practices as related to soil and water conservation practices.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often exposed to outside weather conditions and rough, uneven ground. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Green County Offers

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Retirement through Wisconsin Retirement System
• Flex Spending Account
• 9 paid holidays
• sick leave
• personal days
• vacation.

Employer

Green County

Department

Land & Water Conservation

Address

1627 4th Avenue West
Monroe, Wisconsin, 53566

Phone

608-325-4195 Ext 119