Sauk County is home to a vast array of lakes, rivers, and creeks with 22,000 acres of natural parks and open spaces that allow for 100 miles of biking, hiking, and walking. Sauk County is the ultimate destination where anyone can happily live, work, and play. We are searching for the right candidate to educate and support the Sauk County community and be a part of our Land Resources and Environment team.

The purpose of the Conservation Educator is to develop and implement a comprehensive information and education program focusing on agricultural, environmental, and zoning issues affecting the county. This position will also provide technical guidance to the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department and technical advice and assistance to area property owners, organizations, and governmental units regarding soil and water conservation practices.

Essential Duties
Organize and coordinate conservation education programs for landowners including: field days, tours, demonstrations, award programs, and the development and distribution of educational materials and services.

Create, plan, and prepare new educational programs that further the goals and objectives provided for within the Land and Water Resource Management (LWRM) Plan.

Set up and facilitate special meetings or workshops for target audiences regarding environmental and zoning issues affecting the county.

Create and coordinate a team of farmers and agriculture professionals to promote agricultural conservation practices, particularly those pertaining to soil health, rotational grazing, and grass fed beef, and specialty crops, by utilizing the Sauk County Farm as a working classroom demonstrating proper farm conservation practices.

Execute and coordinate a media program such as:
Interviews
News articles
Public service announcements
Department website
Feature stories for newspaper
Radio and television
Developing, publishing, distributing, and editing the countywide newsletter

Oversee the Ag Plastic Program and Hazardous Waste Program (Clean Sweep) in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP), waste disposal companies, and county departments; prepare and submit applicable grant applications for reimbursement programs.

Create and manage environmental education and coordinate special programs for K-12 educators and local youth group leaders including: youth days for area students, classroom presentations, teacher workshops, development of outdoor classroom experiences, water quality monitoring field experiences, countywide contests, and other activities.

Oversee the Backyard Conservation program by promoting urban conservation practices (e.g. rain barrels, rain gardens, composting), managing the sale of materials, providing information regarding proper installation, and providing yard signs for citizens who implement these practices.

Act as the department education liaison with other departments, agencies, and school districts, businesses, and organizations.

Provides supervision and oversight of the Education Program Assistant LTE; assigns day-to-day work responsibilities.
Manage department literature by maintaining and distributing program brochures and bulletins.

Research and identify funding sources including grants and donations from public and private sources to implement educational and outreach programs and then apply for and manage short term or grant projects.

Disseminate information collected from studies and evaluations in a concise format for publication.

Conduct programs that may be held in the evening or on weekends to accommodate the intended audience(s).

Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Working Hours

Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 4:30 pm. Please note these hours are subject to change and additional hours may be needed or required. Compensation for additional hours beyond normal working hours are subject to applicable state and federal regulations.

Minimum Training and Education
Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Soil and Water Conservation, Natural Resources, Agronomy, or another related field

Two (2) years of experience in soil and water conservation planning

Two (2) years of experience conducting conservation outreach and education programs

Licenses/Certifications:

Valid Wisconsin State Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Preferred:

Agricultural experience

Inventory management software experience

ArcMap/GIS software experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Sauk County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.