Conservation Technician/Specialist – Forestry

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

Working under the supervision and direction of the District Manager, the Conservation Technician/Specialist – Forestry position coordinates and leads technical assistance efforts for SWCD initiatives such as woodland stewardship planning, forest management and restoration and conservation easement enrollment for land occupiers in Carlton County. Performance of assigned duties and responsibilities will be evaluated by the District Manager. This position will work in unison with a strong team of natural resource professionals implementing conservation projects. 

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

• Conduct site assessments of private lands to identify forest health concerns and management needs and determine eligibility for local, state or federal cost share programs.
• Develop site-specific forest management plans and/or practice plans for private lands using approved Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) practice standards. Assist landowners with NRCS Environmental Quality Inventive Program (EQIP) applications and provide technical assistance and consultation for project implementation.
• Create woodland stewardship plans to be registered with the MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Private Forest Management (PFM) program and assist landowners with enrollment in Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act Program (SFIA) and/or 2C land classification.
• Use private land prioritization tools and other applicable GIS and technical data to identify potential high value forestry program participants for watershed based initiatives.
• Conduct targeted forestry related outreach activities such as mailings, workshops, field demonstrations and tours to increase landowner participation and knowledge of local issues.
• Coordinate cooperative weed management area (CWMA) activities by hosting meetings with partners, developing collaborative invasive species projects across jurisdictions and increasing local awareness of established and emerging invasive species threats.
• Work cooperatively and dutifully represents Carlton SWCD within local forestry collaboratives and working groups.
• Collaborate with local municipalities to implement urban forestry initiatives such as emerald ash borer management projects by providing guidance, resources and project oversight.
• Dutifully represent Carlton SWCD and work cooperatively within local forestry collaboratives and working groups.
• Attend training, meetings and workshops to develop and enhance skills.
• Assist with a variety of plans, reports and grants.
• Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop and maintain professional relationships with landowners, staff, SWCD board members,  partner agencies and funding sources.
• Work with minimal direction, handle multiple projects and maintain a high level of productivity with integrity to accomplish tasks.
• Documents all project information and work time using the SWCD project/time management system.
• Work outside in all weather conditions and on rough terrain.
• Able to lift up to 60 pounds on a regular basis.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or natural resources field OR equivalent experience.
• Extensive knowledge of forest management practices and plans.
• Familiarity with federal and state landowner incentive programs.
• Proficient in computer applications including GSuite programs, Microsoft programs, ArcGIS as well as other mapping programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Works well in a team environment and has the ability to successfully work independently meeting deadlines.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Current USDA NRCS Job Approval Authority (JAA) in relevant forestry practices or able to obtain within one year
• Certified Minnesota DNR Woodland Stewardship Plan (WSP) or able to obtain certification within one year.

PAY RATE AND BENEFITS

This is a full time position working in the Carlton SWCD office located at 808 3rd Street in Carlton. Current office hours must be observed. Pay will be determined by experience and will be at the discretion of the District Manager. Current benefits include medical/vision/dental insurance plan through PEIP, a monthly cash stipend that can be used to purchase insurance or taken as cash, HSA account, employer paid life insurance and short term disability plans, paid holidays, sick and vacation time, PERA retirement plan, voluntary deferred compensation plan (MNDCP), EAP (Employee Assistance Program). 

Visit our website at www.carltonswcd.org for the complete job description.