POSITION OVERVIEW

The District Conservation Technician will work with MCD and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) staff in natural resource project planning and implementation. This position will have a strong emphasis on forestry technical assistance and planning for private landowners, but will also address other natural resource areas, including erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, soil health, and grazing management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Forestry Activities

• Conduct technical assistance outreach and education to landowners on forest ecology and management
• Discuss and develop forest management plans with landowners that identify and address individual resource concerns and needs
• Collect and analyze forest inventory data
• Write forest management plans
• On-the-ground project layout; flag boundaries, mark trees with paint or flagging, use GPS units
• Conduct pre- and post-implementation monitoring using common forest inventory techniques and equipment

Other Natural Resource Planning

• Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to identify and address resource concerns, including: erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, soil health, and grazing management.
• Work with landowners/producers to develop individualized conservation and management plans. This includes reviewing and/or developing designs, conducting field surveys, providing quality control services, and other related activities.
• Provide resources to landowners for financial assistance programs through the NRCS and MCD.

Relationship to NRCS

Because of MCD’s partnership with NRCS on this position, many aspects of the work described above occur within the context of NRCS planning processes and funding programs. Therefore, this position will also:

• Regularly communicate and attend relevant meetings with NRCS employees
• Complete conservation planning courses and trainings through NRCS
• Follow NRCS planning processes and fill out documentation to identify natural resource concerns, develop conservation plans and practices, conduct surveys for NEPA compliance, and assist landowners in applying for NRCS funding
• Utilize NRCS software such as Conservation Desktop and Protracts

These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the MCD and NRCS.

NECESSARY SKILLS

Soft Skills

• Possess a genuine interest in the conservation of natural resources
• Work collaboratively with people and be a team player
• Highly organized and efficiently manage time, tasks, projects, computer files, etc.
• Self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
• Flexible to perform a variety of duties and adaptable to changing situations
• Excellent communication, both verbal and written
• Ability to build relationships with a diversity of individuals and community groups
• Problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and customer service skills
• Maintain a positive attitude, enjoy working with people, respect and tolerate different viewpoints and personalities
• Committed to safety, quality, and professionalism
• Assures that programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or physical or mental handicap.
• Discretion in maintaining confidentiality of business records

Hard Skills

• Possess a working knowledge of general ecological principles, resource management techniques, Southwestern Colorado ecosystems, and forest and fire ecology in the Western United States
• Ability to read and interpret scientific and technical information related to natural resources and the environment
• Technical writing – write effectively and efficiently on topics pertaining to natural resources
• Ability to develop and deliver visual presentations for a variety of groups
• Efficient in basic computer use, and able to learn new technology and software

Required Job Functions

• Work safely outdoors, alone and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions to complete required fieldwork; walk and hike over steep, uneven terrain all day; use a map, compass, GPS, and other equipment; carry up to 30 pounds
• Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in rural settings on- and off-road
• Comfortable with towing a trailer and learning how to operate a wood chipper
• Employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for fieldwork during all seasons

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

• Able to pass a criminal background check
• Strong preference for a Bachelor’s degree AND at least 12 months prior job experience in forestry, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, botany, biology, or a related field
• Proficient in the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience working outdoors doing the duties described above
• Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license
• Experience driving a vehicle in the mountains
• Able to work weekend or evening hours (after 6pm) 3-5 times per year

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in forestry in the Western United States
• Experience operating and maintaining equipment including: wood chipper, no-till seed drill, cover crop roller crimper, manure spreader
• Experience working with private landowners
• Experience working with logging contractors
• Experience with ESRI ArcMap
• Experience working with NRCS