Board Conservationist

• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 10/09/2023
• Closing Date: 10/27/2023
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Water & Soil Resources Board / Water & Soil Rescs Bd-MAPE
• Division/Unit: BWSR/ Central Region
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday – Friday
• Travel Required: Yes – Est day to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $30.55 – $45.02 / hourly; $63,788 – $94,001 / annually
• Job Class Option: Water & Soil Resources
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Professional
• Hybrid work Eligible: Yes
• Supervisor: Marcey Westrick
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes

Make a difference in the lives of Minnesotans.

The work you’ll do is more than just a job. Join the talented, engaged and inclusive workforce dedicated to creating a better Minnesota.

Position is responsible for interagency coordination within their assigned work area in order for BWSR to carry out its statutory responsibilities under M.S. Chapters 103 A, B, C, D, E, and the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment. This position exists to provide technical, leadership assistance, and implementation guidance to BWSR staff, soil and water conservation districts, watershed management organizations, cities, joint powers boards and watershed districts, counties and other grant recipients involved in preparing and implementing water quality and quantity restoration and protection projects, practices, and BWSR approved and locally adopted plans.  This position provides fiscal and administrative oversight and guidance, technical training, and planning assistance to local units of government involved in implementing local comprehensive water and land management programs. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Geology, Water & Land Management, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Civil/Agricultural/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Two (2) years professional experience in water and soil resource management, hydrology, watershed management, water quality practices, land use planning, or closely related technical fields.
• Knowledge of the structure, organizational procedures and inter-organizational dynamics of local, regional, state, and federal government and their boards, commissions, agencies, and affiliated associations.
• Knowledge of political and fiscal processes related to water and soil conservation.
• Skills: Oral and written communication skills that include the ability to explain technical matters to the staff and officials of local government units and the general public. Being self-motivated and able to work independently.   Negotiation, mediation, and interpersonal management skills to resolve personnel and interagency conflict

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working for or with local units of government.
• Procedural understanding of the grant programs administered by the Board of Water and Soil Resources.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally lifting and/or carrying such articles as file folders, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. 

Additional Requirements

This position requires an unrestricted Class D Driver’s License with a clear driving record

It is policy of the Board of Water and Soil Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. All job offers are contingent upon passing the following components:

• Driver’s License DMV Check
• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/License Verification

How to Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of the MN careers page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

If you have questions about the position, contact Marcey Westrick at marcey.westrick@state.mn.us or 651-284-4153.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Patricia Sweep at patricia.sweep@state.mn.us.

Why Work for Us

Diverse Workforce

We are committed to continually developing a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state and the populations we serve. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve the people of Minnesota.

A recent engagement survey of State of Minnesota employees found:

• 95% of employees understand how their work helps achieve their agency’s mission
• 91% of employees feel trusted to do their jobs
• 88% of employees feel equipped to look at situations from other cultural perspectives when doing their job
• 87% of employees report flexibility in their work schedule

Comprehensive Benefits

Our benefits aim to balance four key elements that make life and work meaningful: health and wellness, financial well-being, professional development, and work/life harmony. As an employee, your benefits may include:

• Public pension plan
• Training and professional development
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 11 paid holidays each year
• Paid parental leave
• Low-cost medical and dental coverage
• Prescription drug coverage
• Vision coverage
• Wellness programs and resources
• Employer paid life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Health care spending and savings accounts
• Dependent care spending account
• Tax-deferred compensation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Federal Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. The State of Minnesota recognizes that a diverse workforce is essential and strongly encourages qualified women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply.

We will make reasonable accommodations to all qualified applicants with disabilities. If you are an individual with a disability who needs assistance or cannot access the online job application system, please contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and indicate what assistance is needed.