Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Soil Health Conservationist will lead in conservation planning, soil health outreach/education, and support soil health program development. They will also provide technical assistance to landowners on a wide variety of conservation practices. The Soil Health Conservationist has the privilege of working closely with landowners and other community partners in solving their resource concerns while also supporting soil and water conservation needs in the Snake River, Kettle/Upper St. Croix, and Rum River watersheds. Building relationships with landowners and partners is a crucial responsibility of this position. This position works independently, in a team environment, and in coordination with other conservation professionals and partners. Through a team effort, the desired outcomes of this work are improved soil and water quality, along with more protected and restored natural resources. A primary responsibility of this position is to leverage available local, state, federal, private, and other resources and focus or coordinate them so that they meet the needs of the local land user for the conservation of soil, water, and related resources. This position works in accordance with Minnesota state laws and Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District policies and coordinates and administers conservation programs under the supervision of the District Manager. The specific duties of this position will change over time as the needs of the SWCD change, and adaptability is key. 

TYPICAL DUTIES: 

a) Coordinate with landowners in planning conservation measures for their property to meet soil and water quality protection and landowner goals. The predominant soil health practices in Kanabec County may include but are not limited to: cover crops, crop rotation, crop residue management, and associated prescribed grazing practices. 

b) Coordinate various local, state, and federal conservation programs and grants as assigned. 

c) Lead in coordinating and providing technical assistance in the rental use of our no-till drill. 

d) Assist in delivering educational programs in Kanabec County. A few examples include field days, demonstration events, and the development of outreach materials. 

e) Promote soil health principles and soil-building conservation practices in partnership with others. This may involve collaboration in the formation of a landowner-led council working toward a common goal of improved water quality. 

f) Collaborate in grant progress reporting. 

g) Support our organization in writing grants from various sources. 

h) Handle landowner contacts and communications, including phone calls, follow-up, and written correspondence (via letters and e-mail) as needed to coordinate planning, contracting, design, and project implementation. 

i) Contribute to the follow-up on completed projects as required by the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR). 

j) Leads in the promotion of the MN Ag Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) and supports enrollment of agricultural producers into the program. 

k) Assist or coordinate other duties as assigned by the District Manager. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

a) A combination of four years of work experience and/or education in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agriculture, Natural Resources Management, Soil Health, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field. 

b) Ability to work and communicate effectively with landowners and partner agencies. 

c) Knowledge of soil health principles and how conservation practices lead to improved soil health. 

d) Ability to multi-task in an office setting. 

e) Familiarity with common agricultural practices. f) Writing, photography, and design skills, or the ability to acquire these skills as needed to produce materials for public outreach and education to promote conservation practices and programs. 

g) Ability to acquire Job Approval Authority (JAA) for applicable conservation practices or Planning Certification from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

h) Ability to follow instructions, manage multiple projects, adapt to changing job duties, and take on additional responsibilities such as new or innovative projects/programs. 

i) Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. 

j) Must be self-motivated, extremely organized, detail-oriented, and serve as a positive, professional example to colleagues and constituents concerning workplace actions, attitude, decision-making, and adherence to policy. 

k) Ability to work with little direction/certainty, manage multiple projects, and maintain a high level of efficiency. 

l) Reliable access to a vehicle and a valid Minnesota Drivers’ License, as a personal vehicle may be used at times to complete job duties. 

m) Successfully pass a security background check. 

n) Strong organizational skills, interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with attention to detail. Pre-planning and goal-setting skills are needed to ensure deadlines are met. 

o) Knowledge or experience in the following computer software programs: Word, Excel, ArcGIS, and PowerPoint. Ability to proficiently use mobile devices such as tablets and GPS/GNSS units. 

p) Ability to adhere to Kanabec SWCD policies. 

q) Ability to ensure the safety of self, co-workers, and clients. 

r) Availability to attend evening and weekend duties and meetings. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

a) Knowledge of or familiarity with various state and federal conservation programs. 

b) Preference may be given to candidates with position-appropriate certifications or authority, such as a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Practice Job Approval Authority (JAA), or Planning Certification from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). 

c) Ability to contribute innovative ideas in conservation projects and marketing. 

d) Skills in conducting meetings and educational workshops to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, confirm decisions, and produce written meeting minutes. 

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION, WAGES, AND BENEFITS: 

Full-time. Grade 11: $24.39-29.87/hour ($50,926-$62,369/year) plus benefits. Pay grade is subject to change. Compensation is dependent on qualifications and experience. 

POSITION LOCATION: 

Kanabec Soil and Water Conservation District 

2008 Mahogany Street, Suite 3, Mora, MN 55051 

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Stooping, kneeling, balancing, crouching, reaching, standing, carrying, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and seeing may all be required. Some of these activities may be required on a repetitive basis. Lifting requirement is 50 pounds on an occasional basis; 10 pounds on a more frequent basis. This position requires walking on various types of terrain. The position requires exposure to all weather outdoor conditions such as prolonged walking over rough terrain. There may be exposure to deep water, snow, and icy conditions. This position may work around large earth-moving or tillage equipment, and herbicide or chemical spray operations; these tasks all require safety precautions. Protective gear and clothing such as hard hats, boots, and gloves may be necessary. 

EQUAL CONSIDERATIONS: 

The Kanabec Soil & Water Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Kanabec SWCD will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. 

Position open until filled. 

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to:  

Jaren Peplinski, District Manager - jaren@kanabecswcd.org

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