Conservation Technician jobs in Waukegan, IL

Job Summary

To be responsible for land inventory, conservation planning, landowner contacts, surveying, designing, and construction supervision of best management practices associated with the Land and Water Resource Management Plan.

Essential Duties

• Responsible for the detailed rural inventories on a county wide basis to determine the location of erosion and non-point source pollution problems.
• Assist in the analysis of data collected from the rural inventories.
• Assist in preparing and updating the Land and Water Resource Management Plan.
• Provide technical assistance in the implementation of the Land and Water Resource Management plan Including:
  • Contact landowners in the priority management areas, assess the non-point source pollution problems and make appropriate recommendations.
  • Develop conservation plans and negotiate cost-share agreements, design land management practices according to the standards and specifications of the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide.
  • Operate surveying equipment, prepare maps, utilize GIS, and other engineering programs as needed to carry out conservation plans.
  • Cooperate with contractors and certify the proper installation of best management practices.
• Take the lead on Land & Water Conservation's information and education activities.
• Report to the Land Resources Manager on project progress.

Supervision Received: Receives supervision from the Land Resources Manager

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources or a related field with two (2) years experience in soil conservation (supplemented with training in engineering, surveying, agronomy and resource planning); OR an Associate degree in Natural Resources or related field and five (5) years experience in soil conservation (supplemented with training in engineering, surveying, agronomy and resource planning).
• Experience with personal computers (Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access programs or comparable computer applications) and a working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Valid Wisconsin Driver's License and have access to reliable transportation. Personal automobile, if used for work-related travel, must be covered by an automobile insurance policy.
• Prompt and regular attendance.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Working knowledge of the State's Agricultural and non-Agricultural Performance Standards.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Argos, and other related software.
• Knowledge of water quality planning techniques.
• Knowledge of best management practices and technical assistance to be able to design and install these practices and perform on-site inspections.
• Ability to communicate program objectives to the general public and to establish and maintain effective public working relationships.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete records and prepare clear, detailed reports.
• Knowledge of the activities and responsibility of the cooperating agencies like: NRCS, DNR, DATCP, UW-Extension, and the FSA.
• Knowledge of the Universal Soil Loss Equation, RUSLE, RUSLE2 or other formulas.
• Knowledge of Agricultural farming operations and assisting rural landowners.
• Ability to work with municipalities and urban activities.

• Frequent (34-66% of workday) standing, sitting, talking, hearing, use of near and far vision as well as color vision, and carrying objects weighing 1-20 pounds.
• Occasional (1-33% of workday) standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, climbing using legs and arms for support, ascending and descending ladders, balancing, bending/twisting, reaching, carrying objects weighing 1-20 pounds, pushing/pulling objects weighing 1-50 pounds.

• Frequent (34-66% of workday) inside work.
• Occasional (1-33% of workday) outside work which could include exposure to extreme cold, heat, wet/humid, dust, pollen/molds, insect bites, noise and vibrations.

• Calculator, copy machine, computer terminal and printer, fax machine, camera, drafting, surveying and measuring devices, automobile, hearing and eye protection, and hard hat.

This description has been prepared to assist in properly evaluating various classes of responsibilities, skills, working conditions, etc., present in the classification. It is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and characteristic levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities. Nor is it intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under his/her supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of a similar kind and level of difficulty.