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A full time, technical position that is responsible for providing technical assistance, including the survey, design, and installation of best management practices under the policies established by the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District. Other responsibilities of the position include, the promotion of conservation best management practices as stated in the Mission and Vision of the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District, through newspapers, newsletters, workshops, field days, social media, and other innovative means, carrying out the duties of the Dodge County Ditch Inspector, and providing education and outreach for the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District to citizens. Additional duties include carrying out any special projects as assigned. This position will work directly under and report to the District Manager of the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District.

Education:

Requires minimum of Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or an equivalent combination of education and experience and one (1) year of full-time paid experience in similar field.

-OR-

A Bachelor’s degree (B.A. / B.S.) in agricultural science or related field from an accredited school

-OR-

The combination of education and experience equivalent to three (3) years of paid work in a position similar to a Conservation Technician

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Services:

Perform and carry out the technical functions of the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District’s conservation cost-share programs, including the survey, design, layout and inspection of best management practices. Administer the Conservation Contracts program (formally State Cost-Share) by keeping track of hours spent on projects. Assist and administer the Cedar – Wapsipinicon Watershed, Root River Watershed, and the Watershed Alliance for the Greater Zumbro (WAGZ) partnerships in their watershed cost-share activities, and assist Dodge County landowners in their conservation planning activities, including meeting with landowners to develop a conservation plan for their land, providing conservation BMP options for the landowner, and providing assistance to landowners wishing to participate in a technical or financial assistance programs for the practice installation.

Education and Outreach:

Assist with the design and creation of program and educational press releases and the Dodge SWCD Newsletter. Assist with workshops and/or field days showcasing and promoting the district programs and best management practices (including but not limited to soil health, innovative/new practices, urban/agricultural practices, and the Dodge County Free Fair).

Water Plan/Monitoring:

Monitor the water level in each of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources monitoring wells in Dodge County quarterly. Assist the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with the Denitrification Bioreactor Discovery Farms Program.

Dodge County Ditch Inspections:

Manage the Dodge Soil and Water Conservation District’s technical responsibilities as they relate to the maintenance of the Dodge County’s Public Ditch and Tile Main Drainage Systems. Serve as the Dodge County Ditch Inspector.

Administration and Performance of Other Duties:

Perform administrative duties of completing timesheets, employee development including identifying and requesting appropriate trainings, and attending training sessions, courses, classes, seminars, conventions, conferences, and other meetings in order to continue to keep up to date with career development by improving relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, and other duties a similar nature or level as assigned by the District Manager.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Knowledge of technical engineering methods, techniques, principles, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of ecological best management practice, including buffers, and native plantings.
  • Use of computer software, including Microsoft Office Suite, and Conservation Desktop.
  • Working knowledge of ArcGIS / ArcGIS PRO mapping software.
  • Ability to apply concepts to field surveying and engineering computations.
  • Ability to work with mathematical concepts from basic math computations through trigonometry.
  • Ability to perform technical engineering procedures.
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general professional periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to contribute to written reports, grants, professional correspondence, and interpret procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and general public.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Requires the skill and persuasion in dealings with others, both in and outside of the office. Interactions with others generally require influencing, instructing and negotiating with individuals to gain their understanding, cooperation, and action. Interactions may involve efforts to persuade and negotiate with other representatives or officials outside of the district but does not have the authority to act on behalf of the SWCD in matters where there are legitimate differences of opinion.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

  • Computer aided engineering tools such as AutoCAD or other design software.
  • Experience with farming and livestock operations.
  • Ability to operate drafting and surveying instruments and related equipment.

Application Procedure:

Applicants must submit a resume, and employment application by 4:00 PM on Friday, April 25, 2025 to: Jessica.Klingfus@dodgeswcd.org or 

Jessica Klingfus, District Manager

Dodge Soil & Water Conservation District

916 2nd St. S.E. 

Dodge Center MN 55927

Applications are available on the Dodge SWCD website, by emailing Jessica.Klingfus@dodgeswcd.org or calling 507-374-6364 Ext. 117.