Conservation Technician - Water Resources

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Nature of Work

Examples of Work

• Assesses project eligibility, works with local cooperators, performs field surveys and design, project construction management and oversight, conduct status reviews.
• Collects and analyzes data, runs reports, and creates billings for conservation programs, groundwater, stream, and water quality monitoring.
• Reviews project applications, reviews replacement plans, and provides technical information related to enforcement for Wetland Conservation Act (WCA) activities.
• Develops and presents educational programming for a variety of natural resource and conservation topics.
• Assists with district tree program and native prairie restoration. Provides guidance to landowners to implement the Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM) easement program and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) on private lands.
• Assists with the review of plats, erosion control, storm water management, and urban conservation programs.
• Conducts field surveys, collects data for monitoring and GIS mapping, and runs reports.
• Assists with grant tracking and reporting activities.
• Creates correspondence including news releases, plans, reports, conservation plan materials and other documents, and distributes as necessary.
• Assists with the annual operational plan and comprehensive plan.
• Provides administrative support for soil and water district programs.
• Develops program educational and outreach materials.
• Works on special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of soil properties, geology, hydrology, and topography.
• Knowledge of surveying equipment and techniques.
• Knowledge of soil conservation practices.
• Knowledge of conservation management best practices.
• Knowledge of agronomy and farm planning principles.
• Knowledge of grant writing process.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices used in engineering.
• Skill in the use of basic mathematics, geometry, and trigonometry.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology, including ArcGIS software, Microsoft Office products, AutoCAD, and USDA’s engineering programs.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and technical documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, including presentations and public speaking.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.