Lakeshore Specialist/Conservation Technician

Position Summary

This position will serve as the primary contact for matters relating to the health of the lakes and riparian areas of Barron County including riparian habitat preservation/creation, shoreline runoff, and aquatic invasive species (AIS) management. The incumbent will perform outreach and educational activities to engage lake organizations, landowners, and the general public as well as coordinating with WI DNR and other state/county/local agencies to promote lake health.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Coordinate with and support county lake districts and lake associations. Foster creation of new lake organizations. Attend lake organization meetings which may occur on weekends and/or evenings.
• Lead AIS monitoring, education, prevention, and control activities for the county. Provide technical assistance, perform outreach, and conduct inventories. Apply for AIS grant funding; manage grant reporting, associated documentation, and possible intern staff. Coordinate with DNR AIS staff.
• Develop, coordinate, and manage volunteer programs focusing on lake health such as Citizens Lake Monitoring Network as well as providing technical assistance.
• Assist landowners with riparian conservation practices including design, planting/installation, and compliance with best management practices.
• Promote outreach, including DNR Healthy Lakes Program, for landowners via in-person meetings and media outlets. Educate and empower landowners to implement shoreline restorations and/or maintain healthy riparian areas.
• Complete lakeshore surveys. Analyze information, recommend mitigation projects. Educate landowners. Create demonstration practices on county riparian properties.
• Research/utilize additional funding and educational opportunities
• Serve as a community and staff resource regarding lake issues and projects. Perform outreach and education. Create/maintain social media presence.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge in the use of Geographical Information Systems, Global Positioning Systems, personal computers and associated software (ESRI software).
• Knowledge of current office practices and procedures and knowledge of the operation of standard office equipment and software.
• Ability to establish and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to interpret and implement local policies and procedures; written instructions, general correspondence; Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Skill in organizational and time management to prioritize duties to accomplish a high volume of work product while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Ability to perform detailed work accurately and independently with minimal direction and supervision.
• Ability to think quickly, maintain self-control, and adapt to stressful situations.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations required of this position.
• Ability to understand and effectively carry out verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Ability to communicate detailed information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle sensitive interpersonal situations calmly and tactfully.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of open records laws.
• Ability to work the allocated hours of the position which will include occasional night/weekend hours as necessary. This position is expected to work mainly in the office.
• Obtain WI DNR Boater’s License certification within 6 months of hire.
• Obtain Certificate of Completion of WI DNR Aquatic Plant Identification within 2 years of hire.
• Obtain Certificate of Completion of WI DNR AIS Verifier exam within 2 years of hire.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications

· Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four-year College or university in water resource management,, soils, limnology, environmental science, hydrology, natural resources management, biology, agriculture or related field

· Demonstrated equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, and abilities.

· Prior work experience in this field type preferred.

· Familiarity with the property of soils, soil maps, limnology, plant identification, topographical surveying and drafting preferred.

Physical and Work Environment

The physical and work environment characteristics described in this description 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 or as otherwise required by law.  Employees needing reasonable accommodation should discuss the request with the employee’s supervisor. 

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Work setting shall include office, site visits, and various educational outreach locations. This position is not intended to be a telecommuting position.
• Field work may be in adverse weather conditions where variations and extremes in environmental factors such as temperature, odors, noise, wetness, and/or dust, may cause some discomfort and where there is a risk of minor injury.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.  The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.  The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.51 - $30.37 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

• Barron, WI 54812: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person