Salary: $28.06 - $35.56 HourlyLocation : Long Prairie, MNJob Type: Full-timeJob Number: 421DDepartment: Soil & Water/ Planning & ZoningDivision: SWCDOpening Date: 12/18/2024Closing Date: ContinuousPurpose of PositionPrimary Assignment: Agricultural Management and Nutrient ManagementThis posting will remain open until filled with first review of candidates 1/2/2025.The purpose of this position is to provide technical expertise in natural resource protection and programming to meet the Todd County SWCD Annual Plan of Work, local watershed management objectives and the County Comprehensive Plan. The position is responsible for conducting property reviews and inspections, developing sound and reasonable solutions regarding water quality, soil health, and natural resource conservation, and assisting property owners and other stakeholders in conservation initiatives and wise land management in regards to long-term sustainability, resiliency, and natural resource protection. The position also assists the general public and landowners with programs overseeing any associated local and state regulations. At times, this position will be involved in County and State program enforcement procedures. Work is performed in the field approximately two thirds of the time and one third is deskwork, year-round.Basic Performance Expectations of all Todd County Staff
- Serve as a positive example to other County personnel with regard to workplace actions, decisions, work skills, attitude and adherence to workplace policy and procedures.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, is honest, fair and dependable.
- Embody teamwork and cooperation within and across County departments and with the public.
- Communicate effectively with the Department Head and keep supervisor apprised of important matters ongoing in the department.
- Respect all colleagues, co-workers, board members and the public and lead those around you to do the same.
- This position requires regular and timely attendance in accordance with the department schedule.
- Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
Position Specific Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe following duties are normal for this position. These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required as assigned. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function as assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Serves as the primary field staff for SWCD and County programs
- Maintains understanding of county and division policy.
- Maintains understanding of SWCD work plans and goals.
- Assists in the development of voluntary easement applications per customer request.
- Seeks problem resolution, financial assistance, and recommends best management practices to landowners.
- Designs conservation and site-specific project plans, estimates material volumes, creates bid packets, develops contracts, oversees construction installation, and certifies projects as complete to design specs. Job Approval Authorities must be earned in order to design, oversee, and certify these projects.
- Completes surveys, elevation checks, and stake-outs using a GPS Trimble Unit.
- Reviews permit applications, contractor and landowner liability forms, issues permits, Notices of Decisions, Letters of Warning, and/or Notices of Violation in accordance with program rules.
- Assists in the maintenance of an accurate, up to date program inventories.
- Provides technical and informational assistance to property owners.
- Responds to complaints regarding natural resources and reports on findings.
- Assists customers on program permit applications.
- Reviews County Ordinances, variance requests, county forfeited lands, plats and permit applications per direction of the Division Director, and collaborates with District Manager in providing technical expertise, findings, suitable controls, or conditions for permitting or other decision-making processes.
- Coordinates, advertises, and organizes outreach events and advertising.
- Conducts regulatory compliance inspections, as certified, in accordance with state and county program regulations and delegation agreements/
- Prepares letters of compliance and inspection reports.
- Provides courteous and prompt customer service to inquiries including program setbacks, zoning restrictions, permitted uses, and compliance status.
- Prepares technical reports and facilitates presentations to the SWCD Board and other groups.
- Collaborates with associative partners such as agricultural groups, contractors, lake associations, townships, cities, BWSR, DNR, NRCS, FSA, MPCA, MDH, BAH, FSA, Pheasants Forever, UMN Extension, neighboring counties, SWCDs, and Watershed Districts.
- Assists in the development of grant applications.
The following services and associated duties shall be assigned depending on the agency needs with consideration given to employee strengths. Employees shall be expected to be assigned in multiple program areas.
- Agricultural Best Management Practices (BMPs)
- AgBMP and Department of Ag Grants and Loan Opportunity Assistance
- MN Ag Water Quality Certification (MAWQCP)
- Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
- Buffer Law
- Construction Stormwater and Erosion Control Certification- Construction Installer
- Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Observation Well Monitoring
- Forest and Prairie Grass Management
- Irrigation Scheduler Program
- Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA)- Delegated Feedlot Program
- Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Job Approval Authority
- Nutrient Management Conservation Planning
- Lawns to Legumes
- One Watershed, One Plans (1W1P) and Implementation
- Re-Invest In Minnesota (RIM) and other associated easements
- Riparian and Shoreland Assistance Program
- Soil and Water Conservation Grants
- Soil Health
- Surface Water Assessments
- Walk- In Access Program
- Wetland Conservation Act (WCA)
Minimum Education and Experience/Special Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in agriculture, livestock operations, environmental studies, natural resources or related field and experience in agriculture, livestock operations or natural resources or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Certification in Construction Stormwater and Erosion Control- Construction Installer within one year of hire.
- Certification in two Job Approval Authorities (JAA) NRCS practice codes or certification in wetland delineation within three years of hire.
- Computer data entry skills.
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
- Must pass a criminal background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Wetland delineation certification.
- Certified manure management conservation planner.
- JAA experience in riparian or agricultural best management practices/ NRCS codes.
- Experience working with GPS Trimble Unit/Work Station, and ARCGIS Pro.
- Work experience in and knowledge of Todd County rural landscapes and livestock operations larger than 50 animal units.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to communicate with elected officials, staff, outside governmental agencies, consultants and the public in a friendly, positive, professional manner.
- Comprehensive knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, processes and procedures of the Todd County SWDC Division.
- Ability to understand and interpret ordinances, policies and regulations.
- Ability to read maps, blue prints and scale.
- Knowledge of legal descriptions and basic survey techniques.
- Ability to prepare reports and maintain records.
- Ability to review and compute bids and build contracting documents.
- Ability to learn and operate different measurement tools, field accessories, and monitoring equipment.
- Base knowledge of general land use practices.
- Ability to conduct inspections and assess situations, safety, and field conditions.
- Ability to work independently and willingness to learn from and contribute to a team environment.
- Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
- Willingness to share creative ideas, new approaches, or different perspectives.
Physical RequirementsThis work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work frequently speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and reaching with hands and arms and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and night vision; 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, operating machines, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).2025 Todd County Summary of BenefitsThe following is intended to be a general overview of benefits provided for full-time positions. County contributions to health insurance may differ by collective bargaining agreement, please refer to your union contract. Group Health Insurance benefits become effective the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Further details and a complete copy of the applicable contract/policy are available at the time an employment offer is extended. If you have questions about benefits, please contact the Administration Department at ...@co.todd.mn.us. Health Insurance offered by Sourcewell - Blue Cross Blue ShieldEmployees have three (3) medical insurance plans to choose from. The rates shown are effective 1/1/2025. 2025 HSA Maximum Contributions: Single $4,300 /Family $8,550, Catch-up contributions $1,000.Disclaimer: 2025 employer and employee contributions to premiums are subject to determination as part of the 2025 collective bargaining process and subject to change. Plan $1,650/$3,300 High Deductible - 100% & Health Savings Account (HSA) Employer Contribution per Month / Employee Cost per Month / HSA Employer Contribution per Month Single $1,037.00 / $0.00 / $125.00Employee + Child(ren) $1,225.00 / $621.00/ $125.00Employee +Spouse $1,500.00 / $912.00 / $125.00Family $1,650.00 / $1,131.00 / $125.00Plan $4,300/$8,600 High Deductible -100% & Health Savings Account (HSA) Employer Contribution per Month / Employee Cost per Month / HSA Employer Contribution per Month Single $874.00/ $0.00 / $165.00Employee + Child(ren) $1,225.00 / $331.00 / $125.00Employee + Spouse $1,500.00 / $533.00 / $125.00Family $1,650.00 / $694.00/ $125.00Plan $8300/$16,600 High Deductible -100% & Health Savings Account (HSA) Employer Contribution per Month / Employee Cost per Month / HSA Employer Contribution per Month Single $713.00/ $0.00 / $165.00Employee + Child(ren) $1,225.00 / $44 / $125.00Employee + Spouse $1,500.00 / $158.00 / $125.00Family $1,650.00 / $262.00 / $125.00Dental Insurance offered by Health Partners Monthly CostEmployee $40.14Employee+1 $80.27Family $120.43Vision Insurance offered by Avesis Monthly CostEmployee $6.03Employee+1 $10.53Family $15.64 Flexible Spending Accounts offered by Select Account Plan options include medical reimbursement and dependent day care FSAs as well as pre-tax deductions of medical and dental insurance premiums. Actual cost of pre-tax deductions is an average of 27% - 39% depending you're your bracket. Life Insurance offered by Lincoln FinancialTerm life offered at no cost for $20,000 basic life/ADD insurance coverage. Rates for voluntary additional coverage for employee or spouse vary according to age category: Age of Employee Your Monthly Cost or Spouse per $1,000 Under age 25 $.05725 - 29 $.05730 - 34 $.05735 - 39 $.09540 - 44 $.11445 - 49 $.16250 - 54 $.23855 - 59 $.42860 - 64 $.64665 - 69 $1.22670 - 74 $1.976 Child Life: $1.30 per month $15,000 PERA Term LifeVoluntary supplemental decreasing term life offered by the Public Employees Retirement Association of Minnesota that may be continued into retirement, $16.00. See for additional information. Short Term Disability offered by Lincoln FinancialProtect your income for the 1st three (3) months of disability. Rates vary by age category and you select your level of coverage from weekly benefits of $100 - $2,000 in $100 increments, not to exceed 60% of weekly gross earnings. Long Term Disability offered by Lincoln FinancialProtect your income beginning the 4th month of a disability and benefits are payable for injury, sickness or pregnancy up to your normal retirement age, as defined by Social Security. You may elect any level of coverage, in increments of $100 between $500 and $5,000 per month, provided you don't insure more than 60% of your monthly income. Deferred Compensation Pre-tax 457(b) and post-tax IRA programs available. PERA Pension PlanPublic Employers Retirement Association (PERA); the following contributions are mandated by state law: Coordinated Correctional Plan Law EnforcementCounty Contribution: 7.50% 8.75% 17.70% Employee Contribution: 6.50% 5.83% 11.80% PERA handbooks are available at Minnesota State Retirement Systems (MSRS) Health Care Savings Plan (HCSP) A post retirement health care savings plan is an employer sponsored program that allows employees to save money to pay medical expenses and/or health insurance premiums after termination of public service. Group Voluntary Plans Available through Cigna * Accident Insurance * Critical Illness Insurance * Hospital Indemnity InsuranceFull details available at the time of hire. Paid Vacation Employees earn vacation as follows: Hours earned Years of Service Per month 1 thru 3 8 4 thru 5 10 6 thru 10 12 11 thru l5 14 16 thru 20 17 21 thru 24 18 25+ 19 See applicable union labor agreement for vacation schedule, some accrue per pay period. Employees may carry over up to 192 hours of available vacation per year. Paid Sick Leave Employees earn 8 hours of sick leave per month and may accrue up to 1040 hours (6 months) paid leave. Paid Holidays New Years DayPresident's DayMartin Luther King DayGood FridayMemorial DayJuneteenthIndependence DayLabor DayVeteran's DayThanksgiving DayDay after ThanksgivingChristmas Eve Day (4 hours) - unless holiday falls on Friday, Saturday, or SundayChristmas DayNew Years Eve Day (4 hours) - unless holiday falls on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday * See applicable union labor agreement for negotiated holidays.Funeral LeavePaid funeral leave of absence up to 40 hours. * See applicable union labor agreement for negotiated funeral leave. AFFINITY PLUS Credit UnionFinancial Services including competitive loan rates, VISA, Savings Clubs, bill payments, investments and other services. Fitness RoomThe Todd County Wellness Committee sponsors a fitness room available to County employees and their immediate family members. Minnesota Benefit AssociationServing Minnesota makes you a member of the association, rewarding you with great services and savings, including: Student Scholarships, Life Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance, etc. See pr 800.###.####Verizon Wireless DiscountAs a benefit of your employment with Todd County, you may be eligible for a discount for Verizon Wireless service and equipment. go to for more information.01 Do you have a bachelor's degree in agriculture, livestock operations, environmental studies, natural resources or related field and experience in agriculture, livestock operations or natural resources or equivalent combination of education and experience?
02 If you answered 'Yes' to the previous question, please explain your field of study. 03 Are you certified as a Stormwater and Erosion Control Construction Installer or will you have within one year of hire ?
- Yes
- I am able to gain certification within one year of hire.
- No
04 Do you have certification in two Job Approval Authorities (JAA) NRCS practice codes or certification in wetland delineation or will you have within three years of hire?
- Yes
- I am able to gain certification within three years of hire.
- No
05 If you answered that you have certifications in the question above, please explain which certifications you have. 06 Which option best describes your experiences with crop farming in Todd County?
- Managed or worked for a crop farming operation in or adjacent to Todd County
- Trained to serve or support the crop farming/agronomy industry in any County
- Raised some crops or grew up on a crop farm
- No direct experience
07 If you answered that you have experience in the question above, briefly describe that experience. 08 How many years have you been working with soil and/or soil health practices?
- 3+ years experience
- 1 to 3 years experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- No experience
09 If you answered that you have experience in the question above, briefly describe that experience. 10 What is your level of experience related to conservation related work such as grazing, plantings, or forestry?
- 3+ years experience
- 1 to 3 years experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- No experience
11 If you answered that you have experience in the question above, briefly describe that experience. 12 What is your familiarity with water quality, land or manure management?
- 3+ years experience
- 1 to 3 years experience
- Less than 1 year experience
- No experience
13 If you answered that you have experience in the question above, briefly describe that experience. 14 Do you have experience working with ARC GIS?
15 If you answered that you have experience in the question above, briefly describe that experience. 16 Do you have a valid driver's license?
17 Are you able to perform all physical requirements of the position with or without reasonable accommodation?
18 If you claimed Veteran's Preference above, do you have your DD214 to include as an attachment to this application?
- Yes - Qualified Disabled Veteran (10% or higher disability rating)
- Yes - Qualified Vet or Spouse of Deceased Vet
- No
Required Question