Soil & Water Conservation Technician (non-Dakota County Recruitment)

POSTING TYPE: Non- Dakota County Recruitment
DEPARTMENT: Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD)
HOURS: Full Time, 40 per week
PREFERRED HIRING RANGE: $65,638 – $
FULL SALARY RANGE: $65,638 – $102,560 /year (107 Grade Level)
LOCATION: Farmington, Extension Center
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 27, 2026
What You’ll Do:
The primary objective of this position is to plan, survey, design and implement projects for water quality improvements within urban and rural landscapes. The Conservation Technician will take projects from the inventory and assessment phase through project installation and certification. The position will work with Resource Conservationists to design projects, and work towards independently designing projects. Projects include but are not limited to water retention and infiltration, erosion prevention, sediment control, streambank stabilizations, and wetland restorations.
The Conservation Technician will report to the Project Management Supervisor but will work in a team environment with staff from SWCD, County Departments, and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS). The position will coordinate work with landowners, residents, stakeholders and contractors. Creativity and organizational skills will be required to simultaneously manage a range of activities and multiple projects.
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 flex leave, eleven 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.

• Associate degree in land survey, civil engineering technology, natural resource management, water resources, or a closely related field AND one year experience with land survey and/or project design. Degree must be completed by June 1st, 2026
  OR
• An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience to total three years directly related to land survey and project design.
  AND
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Certifications/Experience:

• Job Approval Authority (JAA) for engineering principals through USDA-NRCS.
• Professional Certificate in land survey, stormwater management, or sediment and erosion control.
• Direct work with structural conservation projects and construction management.
• Experience working with GPS survey equipment and/or software programs such as CAD and GIS to develop conservation plans, reports, and project designs.

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. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.

1. Provide field assessment, survey, planning, and design of structural conservation projects.
2. Oversee construction and certification of agricultural and stormwater best management practices.
3. Prepare sub-watershed analysis to identify, determine cost effectiveness, and prioritize water quality improvement projects.
4. Conduct monitoring and compliance inspections on existing conservation practices.
5. Set, manage, and communicate project expectations with landowners, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
6. Provide technical assistance to implement state and local easement programs.
7. Provide information necessary to develop annual work plans, Board meeting documents, project fact sheets or budget documents.
8. Assist Programs Team staff with various field work needs related to water monitoring, Landscaping for Clean Water (i.e. raingardens), stream and ditch buffer inspections, and others as needs arise.
9. Other duties as assigned.

Essential Job Functions:
Duties 1-8 are essential functions of the position.

• Ability to conduct field surveys using GPS survey equipment, laser levels, or other instruments and use software programs such as CAD and GIS to develop conservation plans, reports, and project designs.
• Ability to apply project standards including USDA Field Office Technical Guide or comparable professional standards.
• Strong project management skills with ability to manage projects from beginning to completion.
• Knowledge of soil mechanics for construction planning and oversight.
• Strong communication skills and an ability to communicate technical information effectively, both verbally and in writing, with courtesy and tact.
• Ability to use innovation and creativity for problem solving.
• Ability to ensure safety of self, co-workers and clients.
• Proficient in personal computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams (or their equivalents).

WORKING 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. Some 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, various water monitoring equipment, survey equipment and GPS devices.
Work Location
Dakota County Soil and Water Conservation District
4100 220th Street West, Suite 102
Farmington, Minnesota 55024
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
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks