[PCA] JOB: Community Based Conservation Coord. (Central MN)

[Plant Conservation]

POSITION DESCRIPTION

TITLE:  Community Based Conservation Coordinator
JOB NUMBER: 8033 - Program Coordinator
SUPERVISOR: Central Minnesota Program Director
LOCATION:  Weaver Dunes Preserve, Kellogg, Minnesota
PREPARER:  Louise Morgan, Tom Landwehr
DATE PREPARED: February 2005

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Community-Based Conservation Coordinator (Coordinator) will
collaborate with the Conservancy's existing Upper Mississippi River (UMR)
staff and staff in other UMR states to implement the goals of the UMR
Program.  S/he will identify conservation priorities in key watersheds,
evaluate conservation programs that can be implemented to achieve
Conservancy goals, and develop funding proposals to further the program.
The Coordinator will work with Cargill staff to identify local priorities
and disseminate communications materials in the focus areas.  The
Coordinator will develop and implement a "Private Lands Conservation
Learning Network" for the UMR to disseminate information learned by field
practitioners and facilitate replication of successes.  The Coordinator
may assist in helping refine rules for conservation programs, and work
with other agencies  (such as Dept of Natural Resources, US Fish &
Wildlife Service or Army Corps of Engineers) on projects in support of the
UMR Program goals and objectives.  The representative will seek to play a
key role in creating and sustaining related conservation partnerships in
the area.

A key responsibility for the Coordinator will be to work with farmers and
farm agencies (e.g., Soil and Water Conservation Districts) to identify
high priority farms for conservation work.  S/he will assist agencies and
landowners in enrolling lands into programs like the Conservation Reserve
Program (CRP), Conservation Security Program (CSP) and Wetland Reserve
Program (WRP).  S/he will also recommend specific practices to maximize
conservation benefits to both terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.  This
is a full-time, year round position, exempt from the provisions of the
Fair Labor Standards Act.  The Coordinator is supervised by the Central
Minnesota Program Director and coordinates closely with UMR leadership.
The position will be based out of the Weaver Dunes Preserve near Kellogg,
MN but may ultimately create another office near a priority area if that
would be beneficial for work purposes.

DUTIES
1. Work closely with UMR and Minnesota Field Office (MNFO) staff to
identify conservation priorities for key watersheds including: Root River
(MN), Zumbro River (MN), and Upper Iowa River (IA).
2. Collaborate with other conservation agencies and organizations (e.g.
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil & Water Conservation
Districts, watershed districts) in the priority watersheds to develop and
implement on-the-ground conservation tools; assist with enrolling farmers
into relevant Farm Bill and other conservation programs.
3. Act as MNFO liaison to Conservation Drainage Working Group, local
conservation initiatives, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture technical committees,
specified UMR collaboratives, and other groups to ensure consideration for
conservation of biological diversity in planning and implementation of
programs.
4. Identify potential funding sources to assist in planning and
implementation of program; cooperate with MNFO staff to write and submit
proposals; implement grant-funded projects; oversee accounting and
reporting for approved projects.
5. Other tasks as assigned by Supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental studies or related
field and two years related work experience, or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
- Ability to independently plan and complete tasks and plan project time
frames.
- Ability to coordinate the work of a team and delegate tasks to
accomplish multiple priorities.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.  Experience utilizing
databases for data entry and report production may be required.
- Strong administrative skills including attention to detail and numerical
ability.  Ability to plan, administer, and record results of work-team
meetings and activities.

COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING:
- May resolve individual and work team problems independently.
- Consult with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or
complex problems.

DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING:
- Independently make decisions related to individual work.
- Consult with supervisor to address any issues that affect the work of
others or affect the program as a whole.

RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT -FINANCIAL & SUPERVISORY:
- May supervise one or two administrative staff.  Will oversee the work of
program assistance teams, which may consist of staff members, volunteers,
interns, or a combination of those.
- Purchase equipment and supplies as provided for in budget and in
consultation with supervisor.
- Assist with program budget preparation and monitoring.

COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS:
- Ability to work cooperatively with a number of staff, sometimes under
pressure.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability
to communicate with the public, donors, partners and members.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or physical strain.  Work
environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
- Ability to travel around Central and Southeast Minnesota and Northern
Iowa. Valid driver's license and good driving record required.


Send resume and cover letter by May 6, 2005:
By email: CentralMNrecruitment_ at tnc.org  Please state position title
"Community-Based Conservation Coordinator" in subject line or your email
may not be opened.  By US mail:
The Nature Conservancy of Minnesota
7163 Bear Road
Cushing, Minnesota 56443
FAX: 218-575-3065

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER