Soil Conservationist jobs in Saint Cloud, MN

Position Purpose:

The Swift County Soil and Water Conservation District Soil Health Conservationist I/II/III career ladder positions are responsible for on the ground activities that improve the natural resources of Swift County. This individual will be responsible for promoting sustainable land management practices aimed at improving soil health, conserving natural resources, and enhancing agricultural productivity. This role involves collaborating with farmers, landowners, and community stakeholders to implement conservation strategies and provide education and outreach activities related to soil health principles. This position will provide expertise and support to the Swift SWCD through the planning and implementation of conservation practices that have a soil health emphasis.

A main component of the position will be reaching out to landowners and discussing their goals related to soil and water conservation. This job will include site visits conducted with individual landowners/operators to discuss conservation opportunities on their land. This position is under the general supervision of the District Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

· A combination of four years of work experience and/or education in Agronomy, Soil Science, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Soil Health, Environmental Studies, or a closely related field.

· Must be self-motivated with the ability to multi-task, be extremely organized and detail oriented, and serve as a positive, professional example to colleagues and constituents with regards to workplace actions, attitude, decision making, and adherence to policy.

· The ability to work with little direction, manage multiple projects and maintain a high level of efficiency.

· Background in agriculture or natural resources with an interest in conservation, engineering, or enhancement of natural resources.

· Have a working knowledge of the standard Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Publisher).

Employment Terms:

Full-Time, (40 hours/week)

Salary:

Soil Health Conservationist I: Pay Grade 4, $22.82-$36.06

Soil Health Conservationist II: Pay Grade 5, $24.81-$38.94

Soil Health Conservationist III: Pay Grade 6, $26.95-$42.06

Promotion potential based on position specific career ladder.

Benefits:

$750/month health insurance stipend

$30/month cell phone stipend

Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) with employer match

13 paid holidays

Annual leave

Earned Sick and Safe Time leave

Annual Cost of Living Adjustment

Access to the Employee Assistance Program through MCIT

Private office with door; furniture, equipment, and supplies budget

Closing Date:

May 8th, 2024 at 4:00pm CDT

Application Procedure:

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and a completed Swift SWCD application for employment by email to andy@swiftswcd.org or by mail to Andy Albertsen, 205 14th St. North, Benson, MN 56215.

The application can be found at www.swiftswcd.org/employment.html, or picked up at 205 14th St. North, Benson, MN 56215, or they may be mailed or e-mailed to the applicant by calling (320) 289-6033 or sending an e-mail message to: andy@swiftswcd.org. Individuals selected for interviews will be contacted by phone.

A full position description can be viewed at www.swiftswcd.org/employment.html

About Swift SWCD:

Our District is grateful for the opportunity to work with members of the community to facilitate voluntary initiatives to conserve land, water, forests and wildlife in our area. We are one of 89 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) across the state – and nearly 3,000 across the nation – that provide a neighborly presence to help preserve and protect the natural resources that we all love.

The Swift SWCD was formed in 1950 and is a local government agency providing conservation and resource management services. In cooperation with federal, state and local agencies, the District provides technical assistance, cost-sharing and natural resource management information and education. Landowners, businesses, industry and agencies may request these services. In addition, we provide trees sales and planting, native seed sales and no-till drill rental, work with the Minnesota Water Quality Certification Program, and provide education and support on several additional programs.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.82 - $36.06 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Benson, MN 56215: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person