Soil & Water Resource Conservationist (Ecological - Non-Dakota County Recruitment)

About the Department

POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive Recruitment posted on behalf of the Soil & Water Conservation District  Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
HOURS: Full Time, 40 hours/week
SALARY RANGE: $73,515 - $114,868/year (108 grade level)
LOCATION: Dakota County Extension and Conservation Center, Farmington, MN
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 11, 2026

Who We Are:
The Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) provides technical assistance and financial incentives to Dakota County residents, municipalities and businesses to conserve and manage land and water resources. This is done in partnership with federal, state and local governments as well as local watershed management organizations. 

We value our employees and offer strong benefits including generous flex leave (starting at 4 weeks a year), twelve paid holidays, Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA), health and dental insurance, Minnesota Paid Family and Medical Leave, long-term disability insurance, flexible work schedule, and opportunities for career growth.

General Position Description:
The primary objective of this progressively responsible, professional position is to plan, coordinate and implement projects relating to soil health, habitat improvements, and water quality within urban and rural landscapes including the establishment of native plant communities, vegetated buffers, wetland and shoreline restorations, stormwater retrofits, agricultural best management practices, research, and related education activities. 

The Resource Conservationist will report to the Project Management Supervisor but will work in a team environment with staff from the SWCD, County Departments, Natural Resources Conservation Service, cities and various other organizations including watershed management authorities. The position will coordinate work with landowners, residents, stakeholders and contractors and at times help direct the work of assigned or temporary staff through coordination with senior staff.  Creativity and organizational skills will be required to simultaneously manage a range of activities and multiple projects.

Position Duties

• Bachelor's Degree in natural resource management, ecology, horticulture, or a closely related field; OR
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience totaling at least six (6) years.   Education and work experience must be directly related to planning, coordinating, and implementing conservation practices, establishing native vegetation, or ecological restorations in order to be considered; AND
• Valid driver's license. 

 Preferred Experience:

• Master's degree in natural resource management, ecology or horticulture.
• Four (4) years or more of direct work experience with contractors and communicating with the public
• Job Approval Authority for ecological sciences through USDA-NRCS.
• Certified Minnesota Wetland Professional

Minimum Qualifications

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. 

1. Plan and coordinate the installation of native plantings and vegetative buffers.
2. Provide technical components to establish native vegetation including project planning, design, installation, and maintenance.
3. Conduct natural resources inventories and assessments.        
4. Coordinate Tree Sale Program.
5. Develop and manage cost-share contracts and operation and maintenance plans. 
6. Coordinate establishment of native vegetation or alternative seed mixes for conservation projects.
7. Conduct educational workshops and assists with research or demonstration projects.
8. Conduct monitoring and compliance inspections on conservation easements. 
9. Coordinate with various agencies, local units of government and watershed management organizations to conduct feasibility studies, watershed assessments or capital improvement projects.
10. Provide information necessary to develop annual work plans, Board meeting documents, project fact sheets or budget documents. 
11. Prepare grant applications and public outreach documents. 
12. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:  1-12

Other Qualifications

• Knowledge of ecological principles to establish and sustain native plant communities.
• Strong technical and project management skills with ability to manage projects from beginning to completion.
• Soil science and plant identification skills with knowledge of plant community types.
• Ability to use GPS survey equipment and GIS software.
• Public presentation skills and strong organizational skills.
• Knowledge of Federal, State and local laws pertaining to the position.
• Ability to analyze needs and problems related to natural resource restoration projects and develop efficient and effective solutions.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to work cooperatively, productively, and effectively, with others in a public-sector environment dedicated to customer service and teamwork.
• Ability to work effectively with local and regional government officials and employees, state agencies, consultants, contractors, public officials, property owners, volunteers and residents.  
• Proficient in personal computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams (or their equivalents).
• Ability to ensure safety of self, co-workers and clients.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a County office building and outdoors. Driving is required.  Employee will be frequently required to work in outside weather conditions, being exposed to cold and hot temperatures, precipitation, direct sunlight, wind, dust, and pollen.  Work involves uncleared areas, standing/walking on uneven or slippery terrain and working near construction equipment.  Limited weekend and evening work is expected. Lifting requirement (team lift to 50 pounds), on an occasional basis. Types of equipment used include telephone, computer, printer, copier, projector, survey or monitoring equipment and GPS devices.

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications 
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer 
• Soil & Water extends an offer and Dakota County conducts the background check

This position reports directly to the Soil and Water Conservation Manager:
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District
4100 220th Street West, Suite 102
Farmington, Minnesota 55024

Provides public services and infrastructure to county residents.