Resource Specialist

RICE SWCD

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Resource Specialist

Job Title of Supervisor: District Manager

 GENERAL PURPOSE OF JOB 

The Resource Specialist will work with landowners to implement the Wetland Conservation Act, MN Buffer Law, and provide technical assistance with a variety of conservation practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

• Administer the MN Wetland Conservation Act rules as specified by the Board of Water and Soil Resources. This includes site visits and technical field work.
• Administer the MN Buffer Law to ensure compliance with required buffer strips across Rice County.

OTHER DUTIES REQUIRED ON AN INFREQUENT BASIS:

• Assist with survey and design of conservation practices, and promote soil health management systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

FREQUENCY

• Assist landowners in meeting the requirements of the Wetland Conservation Act.  This frequently requires enforcing wetland restoration orders.  Daily 60%
• Review 1/3 of Rice County streams and ditches annually for buffer law compliance.  Follow up with non-compliant sites, including enforcement actions if necessary.  Daily 20%
• Provide technical assistance in the development and implementation of conservation practices.  Varies 10%
• Organizes workshops, news releases, radio, and other media to inform landowners of available conservation programs.  Varies 1%
• Obtain appropriate certifications or attend technical training for Wetland Delineation, Technical Approval Authority for various conservation practices, and attend appropriate educational functions to maintain them.    Varies 3%
• Reports time and accomplishments both internally and for various grants as required by the district manager.      Monthly 1%
• Performs other duties as assigned.       Varies 5%

 QUALIFICATIONS  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Requires minimum of Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) or equivalent from four-year college with study in soil and water conservation, soil science, natural resources management, environmental studies, or related discipline; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in these areas.

Training and experience in wetland delineation is preferred.  Knowledge/experience of the Wetland Conservation Act preferred. 

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES (position requirements at entry)

• Drivers License or evidence of equivalent mobility

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES (position requirements at entry)

knowledge of:

• Natural resource management;
• General surveying principles;
• Computer operation, equipment and GIS software and management programs including Global Positioning Systems;
• Relevant county, state, and federal laws, ordinances, standards and specifications pertaining to departmental programs and requirements of the agency;
• State, Federal, and County programs and regulations;
• Soils, wetlands, trees, and wildlife habitat;

REQUIRED SKILLS (position requirements at entry)

skill in:

• The operation of equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments, such as computer keyboards, survey equipment, vehicles, and other equipment as necessary;
• Reading and interpreting documents such as safety rules, regulations, guidelines, policies, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals;
• Writing routine reports and correspondence;
• Organizing, planning and presenting public speeches and presentations to citizen groups, organizations or committees;
• Planning and carrying out assignments independently;
• The use and application of various computer programs relating to GIS;
• Requires the skill in dealing with others both in and outside of the district. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation, and action. Interactions may involve efforts to persuade and negotiate with other representatives or officials outside of the organization but does not have the authority to act on behalf of the SWCD in matters where there are legitimate differences of opinion.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.  The employee frequently is required to sit, walk, stand and reach with hands and arms.  The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance, and kneel, crouch or crawl.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee must frequently walk over rough terrain, including wetland areas.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently outside under various weather conditions.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Prepared By:     Steven Pahs, Rice SWCD 

Prepared Date:     8-2024