Environmental Technician

Description

The purpose of this position is to assist in administration and enforcement of County Environmental Ordinances and Plans. This position will assist with three Comprehensive Watershed Management Plans (1W1P) coordinate all planning aspects of the AIS prevention program serve as the County Feedlot Officer and administer the Riparian Protection Law (Buffer Law 103F.48). The position is also responsible for overseeing the Countys Public drainage system which includes ensuring it is in compliance with MN Statute 103E. The position plans and completes physical ditch inspections and documents the condition of the drainage systems; determines if there is a need for a repair or other work on the system and presents information to the County Board on the subject; prepares bid packages to send out to contractors and oversees the work they do on the systems; helps guide (with assistance from Attorneys County Engineer and the County Auditor) legal proceedings related to ditches including: redetermination of benefits reestablishment of records abandonments drainage conservation projects.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: Associate Degree and 2 years of experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge skills and abilities. Bachelor degree in Environmental Science Natural Resources Wildlife or Fisheries Biology Community and Regional Planning or other similar major is preferred.
CREDENTIALS: Must be certified AIS Inspector within 12 months of hire valid drivers license Continuing education - AIS Certification Feedlot Officer Training.

JOB KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Attention to detail is required
• Ability to think logically analytically and use reasoning skills
• Must have excellent math skills
• Must possess the desire and ability to learn
• Ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria to determine consequences and identify and select alternatives
• Must maintain knowledge of current technical matters regarding the department
• Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to effectively present to groups
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts to define problems and draw valid conclusions
• Must be able to read and apply federal state and local laws and regulations.

JOB RELATIONSHIPS: This position reports to the Environmental Services Director and receives work direction from the County Engineer.

EQUIPMENT TOOLS or MACHINERY: computer printer copy machine scanner phone and calculator. Must be able to use county vehicle pickup trucks ATVs and drones. Must be able to use water testing equipment and AIS decontamination units occasionally. Must be proficient with Microsoft Office products or other similar software including Word and Excel.

PART III ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.

• Administer and enforce the Buffer Law 103F.48.
• Inspects and surveys drainage ditches for needed repair using GPS and/or laser technology.
• Inspects tile and drainage systems for obstructions damage buffer strip violations and necessary repairs to determine maintenance needs.
• Plans and budgets future drainage system work in accordance with County policy and 103E.
• Monitors and supervises contractors work on ditch and tile repair.
• Performs minor maintenance activities on ditches and in County parks.
• Operates equipment to repair tile lines ditches park facilities and grounds.
• Sprays brush and trees on ditch banks. Controls invasive vegetation.
• Records and verifies general office expense reports and grants.
• Assists County Engineer and Environmental Director with writing and administrating grants.
• Serve as County Water Planner and administer One Watershed One Plans for various watersheds
• Develop and implement Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Plan
• Educate and inspect/interact with surface water users on AIS
• Provide excellent customer service and assist citizens with all aspects concerning department
• Develop and implement general education programs to secure voluntary cooperation/compliance with ordinances and Department environmental regulations
• Must identify funding sources to support environmental programs determine County grant qualifications and prepare grant applications
• Must monitor grant requirement compliance and prepare grant-required reports
• Interact with State and local government personnel
• Provide technical advice and assistant to County public officials committees boards commissioners contractors and public
• Coordinate committee meetings and report to Director and County Board
• Serve as County Feedlot Officer by conducting feedlot inspections assisting producers with environmental updates and administering MN Rules 7020
• Complete Minimum Program Requirements to stay delegated with the State and administer program to complete work to secure Performance Credit Funding
• Assist with the administration and enforcement of all Department programs and responsibilities
• Determine zoning compliance on new construction.
• Assist with County hazardous waste and electronics collections.

In addition to the functions described above this position may include other responsibilities and duties as assigned on occasion based upon the needs or requirements of Big Stone County. NOTE: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Full Job Description: Environmental Technician

Veterans Preference

The Minnesota Veterans Preference Act (VPA) grants most veterans a limited preference over non-veterans in hiring and promotion for most Minnesota public employment positions as granted in Minnesota Statutes 197.447 43A.11 and 197.455.

For more information please see ourVeterans Preferenceinformation page.

*If you require assistance in the application process please contact Human Resources ator email.

Required Experience:

Senior IC