Conservation Program Coordinator

~ Wood County employs nearly 600 people throughout the county, with 10 locations in Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield, as well as 4 County Park locations. ~

It is our mission to fully serve the residents of Wood County in everything we do.   We look for qualified candidates with motivation, a true desire to provide great service, and who will positively represent the county by acting with integrity and strong work ethic. 

Wood County offers a competitive benefits package and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System to our eligible employees.

Wood County reserves the right to remove a position prior to the deadline indicated.

Position Overview

Administer the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program providing program management and technical assistance to farmers and growers in Wood County. Administer the Non-metallic Mining Reclamation Program providing program management and technical assistance to non-metallic mine owners and operators in Wood County. Provide professional and technical assistance and consultation in the delivery of environmental education programs to schools, civic groups, landowners, and organizations within Wood County as authorized.

Responsibilities

Administer the Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program, funded through the State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), by carrying out the following duties, which include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to landowners’ requests for assistance to reduce crop damage caused by deer, bear or geese.
• Work with landowners to promote the use of temporary fencing and other abatement measures to quickly and economically reduce crop damage, including the recommendation of DNR issued shooting permits.
• Deliver temporary fencing, repellents and other program materials, as needed, to landowners, and supervise installation of (and education regarding) all abatement measures within sixty (60) days, including permanent deer fences.
• Monitor all permanent deer fences and perform annual maintenance checks and electrical repairs as needed to assure adequate performance of the fence, and when problems arise.
• Develop and maintain landowner files, program budget files, reports, files for reimbursement, and inventories of temporary and permanent fence supplies, on a daily basis.
• Prepare annual budget to submit to the Land Conservation Committee through the County Conservationist by September of each year, and file for reimbursement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources quarterly, or as needed.
• Conduct crop damage appraisals and complete Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program claim forms for reimbursement to landowners suffering crop damage.

Administer the Non-metallic Mining Reclamation Ordinance for Wood County, funded by annual fees, by carrying out the following duties, which include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to landowners’ requests for assistance in complying with the NMM ordinance.
• Develop and maintain landowner files, program budget files, and reports.
• Prepare annual budget to submit to the Land Conservation Committee through the County Conservationist by September of each year.
• Prepare and send an annual report to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources by March 31st of each year.
• Collect annual fees no later than December 31st, before the year for which they apply.
• Review and approve all reclamation plans submitted in writing as part of permit issuance.
• Conduct annual inspections of all permitted mines to ensure compliance with the NMM ordinance.
• Submit all violations to the Corporation Counsel for enforcement as provided in Section 295.19(1)(d), Wisconsin Statutes.

Coordinate, promote, and conduct environmental education programs and events which include, but not limited to:

• Speaking and Poster Contest.
• Trees for Tomorrow Summer Camp Program.
• Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association Conservation Camp Scholarships.
• Purple Loosestrife Bio-control Program.
• Dairy Breakfast Displays.
• Ag Day and Farm Show Booths.
• Soil Erosion Presentation.

Additionally:

• Conduct Farmland Preservation Program status reviews on one-fourth of participants per year to verify compliance with conservation plans.
• Complete Farmland Preservation Program annual certification of all program participants to certify compliance with the County’s soil and water conservation standards.
• Develop and maintain Farmland Preservation Program participant files and database.
• Develop, revise, and/or update conservation plans for new and existing participants that maintain compliance with State programs.
• Direct the Wildlife Tree, Shrub, and Prairie Grass Sale Program, which offers trees, shrubs, and prairie grass for sale in small quantities.
• Direct the Tree Planter Rental Program and oversee maintenance of the tree planters owned by Wood County.
• Conduct annual transect survey within Wood County to evaluate cropping trends and the rate of application of conservation practices.

Other Job Duties:

• Responsible to know and practice the Safety policies of the County. Perform all job tasks in a safe and prescribed manner.
• Maintain a daily diary of work activities and submit completed time card to County Conservationist by 4:30 p.m., on the Friday after the end of each pay period.
• Assist with the implementation of the Land and Water Resource Management Plan.
• Attend Land Conservation Committee meetings, training sessions and other events as directed by the County Conservationist, as well as assist in preparation of the Annual Report.
• Complete workload analysis for position and submit to County Conservationist by June of each year.
• Any other duties as may be assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management, Agricultural Sciences, Soil and Water Conservation, Soil Science, Natural Resources, or a related field, or two (2) year degree from an accredited vocational or technical school in a related field; and two years experience in a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of State and County Wildlife Damage Abatement and Claims Program policy, specifications and procedures and agricultural crop and common growing practices.
• Ability to make field investigations of crop damage.
• Knowledge of State and County Non-metallic Mining Reclamation Program policy, specifications, and procedures.
• Ability to review and approve reclamation plans and related documents submitted as part of permit issuance.
• General knowledge of the principles and practices of soil and water conservation/protection.
• Ability to interpret aerial photography, aerial slides, soil maps, and USGS quadrangles.
• Knowledge of Arc GIS, Microsoft Office software.
• General understanding of computer programs and office procedures.
• Ability to deal with the public and handle questions and request for information and assistance.
• Ability to maintain program records, engage in effective written and oral communication, and to conduct meetings and organize events.
• Must have a valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Basic, everyday living skills are needed, as is the ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Reading, writing, adding, and subtracting is needed to read and maintain landowner files, prepare program budgets
• Basic equipment used – calculator, copy machine, computer terminal and printing equipment, FAX machine, camera, measuring devices, hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc., shovels, automobile, truck, audio visual equipment.

Compensation

• Hiring Range: $20.96/hr to $23.96/hr

Deadline

• 05/19/2019