What are the responsibilities and job description for the Land and Water Scientist position at Dane County?
COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION
As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customers’ needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence - the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.
DEFINITION
Under general supervision provide development, tracking, implementation and reporting of the Dane County Land & Water Resources Department (LWRD) ecosystem services and projects. Examples of services include, but are not limited to carbon, phosphorus, runoff volume retention, wetlands and stream restoration. Create workflows and procedures for quantifying and measuring environmental metrics. Coordinate conservation project planning and project implementation. Collect, analyze, and evaluate measured and modeled metrics.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Identify, develop, and implement workflows for quantifying and measuring ecosystem service metrics. Provide support and serve as a technical expert in assisting department staff complete workflows. Monitor and evaluate the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of workflows. Develop data storage solutions for analytical and digital file formats. Develop a department restoration and reforestation work plane to prioritize and budget for ecosystem service generating projects. Engage and assist department divisions with coordination, design, funding and projects’ implementation. Conduct field surveys for project design and certification. Coordinate and conduct infield sampling, lab sample delivery and data entry. Develop and implement continued monitoring plans for ongoing sampling and project maintenance. Advance, simulate and validate environmental models for quantifying ecosystem services metrics. Develop queries and reports to access and organize department data. Perform data analyses, prepare written and oral reports, website content, and informational maps. Assist in fulfilling department information requests and other duties as assigned.
Education, Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in soils, agronomy, forestry, engineering, natural resources, construction, physical science or related field. Professional experience working as a project manager is preferred.
Special Requirements:
Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent.
Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:
Must be able to traverse a wide variety of field conditions (e.g., wet, muddy terrain; steep slopes; livestock operations; construction sites; stream corridors; etc.) and carry equipment up to 50 pounds. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Ability to stand, sit, stoop, bend and walk. Ability to use finger, wrist and arm motions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Experience working with diverse teams and across program areas to plan and implement environmentally beneficial projects. Experience in developing and implementing workflows and work plans to ensure timely and accurate data collection and analysis. Applied experience using field data collection systems such as RTK GPS, drones, mobile cell phone or tablet applications, etc. Knowledge and ability to use environmental models for quantifying nutrients, runoff volume and carbon. Knowledge and ability to plan and implement soil and water conservation practices, workflows and work plans. Knowledge and ability to collect field samples, complete lab sheets and evaluate lab results. Ability to work effectively with a variety of individuals, stakeholders, public and private agencies. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, ESRI ArcGIS software and databases. General knowledge of local, state and federal agencies and polices related to land and water resources. Effective written and oral communication skills. Ability to work independently and creatively on complex problems and projects with limited direct supervision.
Salary : $40 - $51
