Conservation Technician

Conservation Technician
Waupaca County Land and Water Conservation Department
Location: Waupaca, WI

The Waupaca County Land and Water Conservation Department is seeking a dedicated Conservation Technician to join our team! This position provides vital engineering support to install conservation best management practices, assists with watershed plan implementation (including Nine Key Element Watershed Plans and Targeted Runoff Management Grants), promotes sustainable agricultural practices like conservation tillage and cover crops, and helps ensure landowner compliance with Farmland Preservation Program requirements, State Rules NR 151 & ATCP 50, and local ordinances.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work directly with landowners, farmers, and contractors to plan and implement conservation practices.
• Conduct land use inventories and topographic surveys using Trimble equipment, laser levels, and other tools.
• Design engineering plans using AutoCAD Civil 3D and ESRI ArcGIS.
• Assist with grant writing, shoreline improvement projects, and information and education events.
• Support nutrient management planning and review using SnapPlus software.
• Maintain detailed records for program compliance and reporting.
• Conduct water quality testing and support stream monitoring efforts.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in GIS, Agronomy, Engineering, Natural Resource Management, Soil Science, Watershed Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in conservation/engineering or agronomy-related fields preferred.
• Knowledge of nutrient management, conservation tillage, and ArcGIS products highly valued.

Special Requirements:

• Obtain Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) certification.
• Proficiency with ESRI ArcGIS software.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Familiarity with drones/UAV licensing or willingness to obtain.
• Commitment to maintaining DATCP and NRCS job certifications.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong understanding of conservation best management practices design and construction.
• Proficiency in ArcGIS, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to perform spatial analysis, solve complex problems, and develop creative solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret legal land descriptions, NRCS standards, and administrative rules.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build lasting partnerships.

Find out more at https://tinyurl.com/Conservation-Tech