Rainy Headwaters Vermilion River Watershed Conservationist

LIVE, WORK & PLAY in this scenic wonderland! WATERSHED VISION STATEMENT: From the Voyageurs Highway to Highway 1, the Rainy Headwaters-Vermilion Watershed is the international intersection of pristine water, rich species diversity, awe inspiring wilderness, and a deep-rooted culture. We work to sustain these features cherished by all peoples. INTRODUCTION: This full-time position will be responsible for implementing the Rainy Headwaters/Vermilion River Comprehensive Watershed Management Plan (the Plan) within St. Louis County. The position will support and collaborate with government and tribal staff across the watershed. The position is supervised by the Conservation Manager. This position works directly with citizens to identify roles and actions to protect soil and water resources. The position engages individuals, agencies and communities to promote science-based conservation that follows established standards with the ultimate goal of implementing on-the-ground conservation that provides water quality benefits. The Rainy Headwaters/Vermilion River Watershed Conservationist may work at the Virginia, Minnesota office and remotely.? Working hours may occasionally include evenings and weekends. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Collaboration Coordinate, facilitate and participate in various watershed-based committee meetings, public informational meetings, and civic engagement activities. Represent North St. Louis SWCD in watershed planning and implementation activities. Coordinate the development and submission of grant applications for priorities identified in the watershed management plan, with partners when applicable. Collaborate with the Rainy Headwaters Vermilion River Watershed Partnership to identify and carry out priorities of the Plan. Consider targeted outreach needed now to be successful in future years. Build relationships with staff members, municipals, agencies, partners and the public. Community Outreach Coordinate strategic outreach efforts including mailings, service provider training, public workshops, media campaigns, electronic and print materials, etc. Develop relationships with and maintain a network of various contacts: volunteers, community groups, educational institutions, partners, and others. Engage people and agencies in soil and water conservation efforts in the watershed, especially in priority areas. Build relationships with community members in the watershed who are interested in partnering to design and implement strategies that can address Plan priorities. Target audiences may include, but are not limited to: people who farm, live on or near shoreland, own or manage forested land, live in a priority area; contractors or businesses, community associations, municipalities, tribal or local governments. Reporting Implement the prioritize-target-measure (PTM) methodology for proactively identifying the best natural resource project locations and reaching out to those landowners in the District. Track outreach activities and the number of citizen contacts made. Document the conservation needs identified and the implementation goals. Assist with grant tracking, progress evaluation and outcomes reporting. Prepare status reports and project completion reports with descriptions of project outcomes. Technical Roles This position may be asked to perform or assist with technical roles such as: GIS mapping and analysis to identify priority work areas. Data analysis of water quality and water quantity information. Gather, submit and record samples in accordance with funding source requirements. Conduct natural resource inventory and mapping. Conduct surveys and site visits for design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of best management practices or projects. Other Roles Attend classes, workshops, meetings, conventions, etc. to develop and enhance skills. Other duties as assigned. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Develops and maintains professional relationships with landowners, staff, partner agencies and fundin sources. Works with little direction, handles multiple projects and maintains a high level of productivity with integrity to accomplish job tasks.? Keeps updated and knowledgeable on all federal, state, and local laws that affect the conservation work within the North St. Louis SWCD. Communicates effectively with all audiences. Effective at public speaking, community outreach and community engagement Completes record keeping and reporting, accurately and timely. Documents time in 15-minute increments by funding sources. Ability to pass criminal background check(s). Maintains valid Driver s License with clean driving record or has ability to get to various locations with reliable transportation. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor s degree in natural resource field plus 1 year experience or equivalent education and related experience. This position requires an understanding of natural resources management principles and practices. Ability to work independently with diverse people and entities. Computer skills that include Microsoft Office suite of programs Excellent written and oral communication skills PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 3 or more years of previous work experience with water planning and watershed activities, meeting coordination and facilitation, grant writing and tracking, and GIS mapping and analysis SUPERVISION This position is directly supervised by the Conservation Manager.? Performance of each duty and assigned responsibility will be evaluated at six months, one year, and at least annually thereafter. OVERTIME STATUS This position is classified as a non-exempt employee and as a result is eligible to earn overtime. ?HOURS, WAGE & BENEFITS: The anticipated wage range is $28.85-$33.50 per hour, dependent upon qualifications. Current benefits include: a $1200 monthly cash stipend which can be used to 1) purchase health/dental/life insurances, 2) contribute to a medical savings account or 3) taken as taxable income; Section 125 Cafeteria plan; 401(a) tax-deferred retirement through Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) with employer match; voluntary deferred compensation plan (457(b)); paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), Work from the office and at home. Extremely flexible scheduling. VETERANS PREFERENCE POINTS: The SWCD gives veterans preference points to eligible applicants during the screening process. Please include a copy of your DD214 if you are applying for Veteran s preference points. E-mail RESUME, COVER LETTER & DD214, if applicable, to: Miranda Frenning, Accounting & Human Resources Specialist North St. Louis Soil & Water Conservation District miranda@nslswcd.org Please title the subject as: RHV Watershed Conservationist ANTICIPATED TIMELINE: Apply By October 12, 2024, at 11:59PM CST Interviews October 22, 2024 Start date As soon as mutually agreed DATA PRIVACY: Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 requires that you be informed of the following about private data requested in the application process. Name, home address, telephone numbers, and email address are used to identify you and to contact you about potential job opportunities. If your name is not provided, we won t be able to process your application. If your contact information is not provided, we will not be able to contact you and may reject your application. If you are a finalist for a vacancy, your name becomes public data and is available to anyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status with regard to public assistance, disability, genetic information, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any othe