Urban Conservation Planner

[Lisa Knauf Owen]

The Oklahoma Conservation Commission recently entered into an agreement with NRCS to hire an Urban Conservation Planner for the Oklahoma City metro area. Do any of you have a job description for an Urban Conservation Planner that you can share with me?

[David Copeland]

I reached out to a colleague who has an older PD that he thought had some relevance and value still. I have a word document I can share if contacted.

Dave Copeland
MN Board of Water and Soil Resources

[Matt McDonald – Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship]

Job Description
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) is looking to fill a Statewide Urban Conservationist position within the Division of Soil Conservation (DSC). The position oversees Urban Conservation work, developing and directing the implementation on the objectives of urban conservation programs and activities, urban conservation development and application of practices, information and education and other related activities essential to urban conservation programs throughout the State of Iowa. The activities will address areas of environmental concerns that may include sedimentation, nutrients, pesticides, proper development, run off control, and other water quality issues in urban areas.

The Urban Conservation Officer takes the lead in developing promotional efforts and collaborating with appropriate urban conservation staff, agencies, industry, design professionals, municipal officials, and private individuals that can affect the success of urban conservation activities. The Officer will perform professional and technical duties that relate to water quality monitoring, information and education, technical writing, project development, infield technical assistance, and implementation of urban best management practices.

Duties Performed:

On a state wide basis serves as a liaison and develops strong leadership between the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, developers , County supervisors, City Councils, engineers, Planning and Zoning Boards, realtors, home builders, and home-owners on existing laws and regulations for land disturbing activities, erosion control and water quality. Work with other urban conservationists to develop and provide training on urban issues. Responds to requests for technical assistance and guidance for urban conservation issues. Develops ways to evaluate the effectiveness of services provided and practices implemented to protect the environment and resources.

Develops programs, projects, and plans for urban conservation issues. Develops written information sheets on controlling erosion and improving water quality. Coordinates the development of comprehensive land use plans, work shops, field days, demonstrations, conferences and other events. Develops procedures and policies that will be used for implementation of urban conservation issues. Works for IDALS to build a rural/urban interface, where everything fits together. Assists with the development of grants for urban projects.

Assists all types of organizations and entities with urban questions and concerns. Develops and utilizes multiple sources of technical information, research and demonstrations to recommend solutions for urban issues. Takes this information and assists in developing manuals, fact sheets, charrettes, meetings, conferences and demonstrations. Provides direct assistance and does presentations on conservation to different individuals, groups, organizations and the legislature. Work for IDALS and with the state legislature on urban conservation, budgets, environmental, and flooding issues.

Coordinates the evaluation of accomplishments and environmental benefits. Coordinate the development of strategies to solve those problems and seek out resources to implement strategy. Promote projects and practices to show what best management practices look like and where they can achieve positive effects and provide environmental benefits.

[Matt McDonald – Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship]

Position Description – Regional Urban Conservationist

DISTRICT REGIONAL URBAN CONSERVATIONIST

This is an advanced position established by the XXXX Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). Under general supervision by the SWCD Personnel Committee and day-to-day coordination by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) District Conservationist, the employee will manage and coordinate the implementation of the objectives of water quality conservation projects and activities, conservation planning and application of practices, information and education and other related activities essential to the SWCD and NRCS. This may include assisting supervisor/coordinator by instructing other employees, answering questions and checking work. The activities will address areas of environmental concern that may include but are not limited to sedimentation, nutrients, pesticides, proper development, runoff control, and other water quality issues.

Duties will primarily be performed during normal weekday business hours. Some evening and weekend work is required. This is a project position with potential to renew the project agreement, and the employee will serve “at will” to the Polk SWCD Commissioners.

Duties Performed:

Technical Assistance (70%)

Perform lead duties for a regional urban conservation program assisting Watershed Management Authorities, County Conservation Boards and other watershed groups; County Boards of Supervisors, County Engineers, City Councils, Planning and Zoning Boards and other units of government; developers; consulting engineers, realtors; homebuilders; landowners; educational institutions; non-profit organizations; and others with conservation questions and concerns. Promote and implement best management practices (BMPs) designed to maintain or improve the quality of water in urban development areas. Review site plans/designs and conduct field reviews to evaluate existing conditions and ensure adequate stormwater management, water quality, and sensitive area measures are in place. Examples of BMPs may include stormwater wetlands, bioretention cells, bioswales, permeable pavement, soil quality restoration, stream corridor stabilization, native landscaping, and other management practices. Participate in research as needed to stay current with new trends and advances.

Assist local government entities, watershed groups, commissions and boards with technical review and policy and ordinance development. Identify and evaluate issues with projects and determine applicable regulations. Perform complex/sensitive evaluations, reviews, and inspections and make recommendation under potentially stressful situations. Assist other SWCD employees with urban conservation questions and concerns. Respond to public inquiries.

Assist with development and drafting of program concepts, rules and policies for the State of Iowa’s urban conservation program. Review and update materials as needed.

Provide technical assistance to other SWCD staff, partner agencies and organizations to ensure technical soundness for Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ State Revolving Fund (SRF) projects, Iowa Economic Development Authority’s programs- which must meet their green streets criteria, and the Iowa Stormwater Education Program (ISWEP) (i.e. Rainscaping Program and training for MS4 or other ISWEP members.

Outreach and Information (20%)

Plan and conduct an information and education program to raise awareness and encourage implementation of urban BMPs. Create technical resources and public materials for the promotion and understanding of urban conservation practices and concepts to be used locally, regionally and statewide. Conduct tours, field days and other methods to reach out to urban audiences. Develop and maintain SWCD websites and social media. Audiences may include architects, builders, attorneys, contractors, engineers, government entities, developers, homebuilders, Boards of Supervisors, local-planning commissions, city councils, citizen groups and the general public.

Evaluation and Prioritization (10%)

Evaluate past accomplishments and prioritize future activities/projects. Assist the SWCD in identifying water quality and urban conservation issues and develop strategies to address these problems. Seek out resources to implement strategies identified.

Plan and conduct annual program review to demonstrate progress. Report activities and accomplishments and prepare reports to the SWCD and the Division of Soil Conservation and Water Quality.

Maintain a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws and regulations. Maintain an awareness of new trends and advances in the profession. Read professional literature. Maintain professional affiliations. Attend workshops, conferences and training sessions as appropriate.

Minimum Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in natural science and should possess a minimum of eighteen (18) semester hours of education, six (6) months of experience, or a combination of both in any of the following areas: biological sciences, ecology, environmental science, geographical information systems, geology, hydrology, meteorology, nutrient management, regional planning, landscape architecture, engineering, soil conservation, or water resources.
• Knowledge of various methods of financing local and regional environmental projects, with at least 2 years of grant writing experience in a non-profit or public sector setting with demonstrated success in securing targeted funding.
• Understanding of state, federal and local environmental laws, rules and regulations and their application, including but not limited to Code of Iowa Chapter 466, Water Protection, Flood Mitigation and Watershed Management; Title V Agriculture, Subtitle 1 (Agriculture and Conservation of Agricultural Resources) and Title XI Natural Resources, Subtitle 2 (Lands and Waters); and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Iowa Stormwater Management Manual Standards and Specifications
• High level of initiative, effort, attention to detail and commitment displaying ability to complete assignments efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to interpret and apply policy, cooperate with supervisors, provide assistance to other professional and technical personnel, and align behavior with the goals of the District.
• Ability to plan work, think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, make sound decisions and recommendations under potentially stressful situations, and report findings and analyses, orally or in written form.
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and activities during project coordination and administration.
• Awareness of biological systems and resource management relating to basic water quality and flood risk issues, including hydrogeological principles relating to transport of contaminants, in rural and urban areas including, but not limited to, stormwater management, soils and their capabilities, wetlands, streams and aquatic and biologic resources.
• Ability to complete practice designs on a computer, lay out the practice on the land, and inspect and certify the installation of a practice.
• Skills in effectively exchanging ideas and information with individuals or groups by listening and responding appropriately, both orally and in writing, displaying ability in mediation, negotiation and consensus building.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with agency staff, government officials, private sector business representatives and the general public.
• Ability to establish a baseline, monitor and show changes that occur.
• Ability to prepare monthly and quarterly reports, annual plan of operations, budget, and annual narrative report.
• Skills in operating a computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data in computer database and to use and evaluate information using geographical information systems to organize, display and evaluate information.
• Valid license to drive in the state of Iowa and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Work both indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to handle various technical tasks in the field while encountering rough terrain, i.e., wetlands, hills, rocks, tilled ground, shallow water, embankments, and slippery surfaces.
• Ability to manipulate small and large hand devices and tools as required in performance of duties.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to hear (aid permitted).
• Travel within the project area, county and state.

Supervision

This position is under the supervision of the XXXX SWCD Commissioners. Day-to-day activities will be coordinated by the District Conservationist who will also assist in resolving any conflicts in assignments. This position does not supervise other employees. All duties and actions taken by the incumbent of this position while on official duty will be performed in a safe and healthful manner and will be of a nature to reflect favorably on the XXXX SWCD.

Performance Review

Performance of this position will be reviewed annually by the XXXX SWCD Commissioners, the District Conservationist and the employee.

Civil Rights Requirements

Delivery of programs and services is carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or handicap.

[Johnna McHugh]

Job purpose

The individual will work to connect more individuals to urban agriculture and local food production through helping people better understand their soil resources and to manage those resources for sustainable production. The position will focus on backyard gardening, particularly extending the growing season to enable the production of fresh fruits and vegetables over a longer period of time. This work concentrates on urban areas that are historically underserved in challenged environments including diverse populations that have suffered economically.

Duties and responsibilities

● Attend monthly meetings of the Board of Supervisors
● Organize newsletter and promotional materials to distribute
● Publish articles in local and state newspapers and magazines
● Develop an Urban Agriculture database
● Identify and contact schools and churches within the food desert
● Educate homeowners in the food desert on opportunities in Urban Agriculture
● Host workshop on garden cover crops and hoop house production
● Attend community and neighborhood festivals to promote local food initiative
● Maintain an edible buffer demonstration site
● Provide Urban Agriculture technical assistance
● Partner with churches and schools to promote Urban Agriculture education
● Promote backyard gardening
● Host workshop on backyard gardens, rain barrels and pallet gardening
● Attend local Earth Day celebrations and provide Urban Agriculture display
● Promote grant at the NACD Spring Fly-In in Washington DC
● Set up display at KY Association of Conservation Districts annual convention
● Close out grant
Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in fields of earth science: agriculture and biology are desired. Equivalent experience and background will be weighed in lieu of an education degree.

Required Skills:
● Excellent communicator
● Good written & oral skills
● Good organization: time management, reporting, tracking clients & follow-up
● Knowledge of gardening, soils, plant growth, and water quality initiatives
● Ability to develop brochures, flyers and communicate initiatives in a public arena
● Ability to manage time independently, coordinate events and file reports to ensure milestones of grant are met and followed

[Bill Smith]

Lisa,

We do not have such a position in South Dakota.

Bill

[Author]

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