Soil and Water Conservation Specialist

The Iowa County Land Conservation Department is seeking applicants for a full-time Soil and Water Conservation Specialist position. This position works with the Wisconsin Farmland Preservation (FPP), NR 151 and USDA programs. Position performs planning/technical services that meet the standards of Natural Resources Conservation Services including, but not limited to: contacting landowners, conservation planning, design, and laying out of conservation practices, serving a primary contact for FPP, assisting with FPP compliance issues, and assisting with Conservation Planning and Nutrient Management. Starting pay is $27.11/hr. and a generous, comprehensive benefit package is provided.

Minimum qualifications include but are not limited to the following: Bachelor's Degree in Soil Science, Agronomy, or a closely related field plus one (1) year relevant experience, or an Associate's Degree plus at least three (3) years of relevant experience. Must have valid driver's license and access to a private vehicle for work-related duties. Preference for two (2) years or more of directly related job experience, experience with Nutrient Management Planning, proficiency using SnapPlus, RUSLE2, Customer Ser vice Toolkit, databases, and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) status through the American Society of Agronomy.

Employment application and job description, which includes a more detailed list of qualifications are available at the Iowa County web site at or available at the Iowa County Employee Relations., at 222 N. Iowa St., Dodgeville, WI 53533 or call . First review of applications is scheduled for Friday, September 23, 2022. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. EOE

Job Requirements:
JOB SUMMARY:

The Conservation Specialist will implement soil and water conservation programs and policies, including the Farmland Preservation Program, Nutrient Management Planning, and NR151. They will provide planning, technical assistance, and outreach to farmers related to conservation practices, with priorities guided by the Department's Land and Water Resources Management Plan and the Strategic Plan. The Conservation Specialist is supervised by the County Conservationist and cooperates with the Technician and Department Assistant.

- Manages the Farmland Preservation Program (FPP), including on-farm status reviews (approx. 150-200 annually), technical assistance, compliance tracking and enforcement, and the self-certification process. Sends out mailings and maintains databases, spreadsheets, and paper files.

- Tracks and follows-up with Nutrient Management Plans (NMP), especially related to FPP compliance. Reviews NMPs (using SnapPlus) and provides technical assistance. Organizes and implements farmer NMP trainings. Communicates and collaborates with NMP partners including CCAs, UW-Extension, and DATCP.

- Provides conservation planning and technical assistance to farmers and landowners, including laying out field contours, mapping, assessing resource concerns, evaluating soil loss using RUSLE2 (or future tools) and Snap Plus, problem solving, and recommending conservation practices (such as no-till, cover crops, crop rotations, grazing systems, precision agriculture, etc.) .

- Manages the cost-share program for cropland practices (NMP, cover crops, no-till). This includes promoting the program, contacting landowners, tracking interest and follow-up needs, creating and amending contracts, and verifying practice completion.

- Plans, implements, and assists with efforts to increase farmer engagement, voluntary adoption of conservation practices, and program participation. Methods may include presentations, field days, workshops, webinars, newsletter articles, and providing content for social media, website updates, videos, and other communication. Provides rainfall simulator and soil health test kit demonstrations. Assists with youth education programs as needed.

- Implements targeted and/or grant-funded projects, often in partnership with other agencies and organizations. Assists with watershed planning efforts.

- Tracks program participation and compliance via databases (Transcendent), spreadsheets, and GIS, keeps thorough records, and provides reports to DATCP, DOR and other groups. Assists with Department strategic planning, work planning, annual reports, and Committee meetings.

- Investigates complaints and violations related to NR151 Ag Performance Standards and Prohibitions. Works with farm owners and operators to develop solutions and a schedule of compliance. Assists with implementation of the County Manure Storage and Management Ordinance.

- Conducts roadside transect surveys and uses aerial photos, site visits, and other tools to monitor conservation implementation and land use in Iowa County, especially in priority watersheds.

- Keeps up-to-date with emerging conservation issues, practices, and programs to be able to educate and assist farmers and partners.

- Schedules and coordinates own work. Coordinates with LCD Technician, UW-Extension, NRCS, and other partners on program collaboration and landowner follow-up.

- Provides in-office and phone customer service related to conservation practices, FPP, NMP and other topics.

- Assists Technician with clearing trees, brush and other debris from County-owned dams as needed. Assists with CREP easement monitoring as needed.

-P erforms other duties as assigned.

- Must demonstrate regular and dependable attendance.

Demonstrated Experience and Skills Required

Knowledge of agriculture-related soil and water conservation principles, practices, and planning.

Knowledge of farming operations, equipment, and management.

Solid understanding of relationships between land management, soil health, ground and surface water quality, climate, and geology.

Training in GIS and GPS and familiarity with ArcMap, including creating maps and using air photos, topo maps, and soil maps.

Ability to understand and clearly communicate conservation concepts, conservation standards, and program, policy, and statute requirements.

Ability to distill technical and scientific topics to a lay audience, and to communicate from the perspective and values of target audiences.

Ability to proactively build and maintain trust and positive working relationships with farm operators, landowners, private-sector staff, co-workers, and partners.

Strong organizational & data management skills.

Ability to work independently and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines.

Ability to complete basic mathematical calculations.

Proficiency using computers, spreadsheets, and Microsoft Office software.