Working Title: Regional Training Conservationist
Job Class: State Program Administrator, Coordinator
Agency: Board of Water & Soil Resources
Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
Date Posted: 08/21/2023
Closing Date: 09/11/2023
Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Board of Water & Soil Resources/MAPE
Division/Unit: BWSR/ Conservation Section
Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
Days of Work: Monday – Friday
Travel Required: Yes – Up to 20% of the time
Salary Range: $33.30 – $49.53
Classified Status: Classified
Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 – MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hybrid work Eligible: Yes
Job Summary
This posting is being used to fill one (1) position in one (1) of the following locations: St Paul, Mankato, Rochester, Marshall, or St Cloud. Location is negotiable upon hire.
This position provides expert ecological sciences training, coordination, leadership and associated functions, in collaboration with other Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) leaders of the Technical Training and Certification Program. The position holder provides ecological sciences and conservation planning training, consultation and technical quality assurance spot checks to develop and maintain conservation technical assistance capabilities of BWSR clientele staff, with a focus on SWCD staff. This includes assistance to facilitate applicable Job Approval Authority (JAA) certification by the NRCS for Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG) practices.
The position holder serves as a technical expert, trainer and regional ecological sciences training coordinator having expertise for a wide variety of ecological sciences practices. This includes erosion and sediment control, water quality protection, wetland restoration and protection, agronomic, soil health, wildlife habitat, other vegetation management, and nutrient management practices.
Qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in soil conservation, agronomy, biology, forestry, animal science, agriculture, natural resource science, soil science, or a related field.
Three (3) years of advanced professional experience including investigation, planning and implementation of ecological sciences conservation practices in the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide. *A related Master’s degree may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.*
Knowledge of planning processes and methods in order to plan, schedule, and organize work in order to concurrently manage multiple clientele needs, sources of information, regulation implementation, and requests for assistance.
Ability to advise or direct the work of others including providing training, consultation, review, and related assistance for a wide variety of ecological sciences conservation practices.
Demonstrated writing, presentation and oral communication skills sufficient to clearly communicate ecological sciences practice information and train others.
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and clientele.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience and demonstrated skills coordinating a program or function related to conservation, including associated communication skills.
Experience serving as an NRCS Area Resource Conservationist, or other local, state or federal lead conservation planning and ecological sciences expert, including developing and providing training.
Advanced knowledge and experience regarding the use of various erosion prediction, nutrient management, and other conservation planning methods and tools.
NRCS Certified Conservation Planner in Minnesota.
Successful participation of the State of Minnesota Star of the North Fellowship program.
Physical Requirements
Requires occasionally lifting articles such as 50 pounds maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. 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. The background check may consist of the following components:
Employment Reference Check
SEMA4 Records Check
Criminal History Check
Driver’s License DMV check
Conflict of Interest Review
Education/License Verification
Application Details:
How to Apply
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 Thomas Gile at tom.gile@state.mn.us or 507-696-1974.
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.
