KENOSHA COUNTY CONSERVATIONIST
The Kenosha County Conservationist performs professional work as it relates to the development and management of land conservation programs and coordinates activities between the Kenosha County Division of Planning and Development, Kenosha County Land & Water Conservation Committee, the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection.
2026 Hiring Range: $72,961 - $86,858
Position Summary and Job Duties
- Implement the Kenosha County Land & Water Resource management plan including preparing plan updates, development of annual workplans and tracking progress for implementation of NR 151 agricultural standards.
- Coordinate Land & Water Conservation Committee meetings including preparing agendas, taking minutes and present information as needed.
- Administer the Soil & Water Resource Management Grant including preparing applications, reporting, tracking funding, and requestions reimbursements.
- Conduct landowner/operator contacts and provide recommendations for soil and water resource issues.
- Provide technical assistance including survey, design, and installation of conservation practices to meet state and federal standards.
- Prepare landowner cost-share contracts, administer cost share reimbursements and track cost share funding.
- Provide support to the Kenosha County Regenerative Producer group.
- Participate and collaborate in strategic and long range inter-departmental and regional land and water resource planning.
- Serve as the county Shoreland Zoning Permit Administrator.
- Serve as county Floodplain Administrator including the coordination of FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and FEMA Community Rating System (CRS).
- Serve as the county Stormwater Management and Construction Site Erosion Control Coordinator.
- Maintain Land & Water Conservation website and content.
- Provide Information and Education outreach to individuals or groups on various conservation topics.
- Coordinate invasive and nonnative species management and control.
- May assist with the administration and implementation of Farmland Preservation, Working Lands, and related agricultural resource programs, should such programs be reinstated or assigned to the department.
- Perform other work as required or assigned.
Job Requirements, Education, Training, and Experience
- Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related field.
- 5 years of experience in natural resource management, conservation, or a related field.
- Or, a combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Licenses or Certifications
- Wetland Delineator
- Erosion Control Inspector Certification
- Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
- Possession of a Master of Science degree.
- 5+ years of familiarity and experience with a variety of surveying equipment and global position systems in addition to the minimum qualifications.
Success Factors
- Knowledge of Geographic Information system (ESRI ArcMap).
- Knowledge of GPS survey equipment, and related design software.
- Knowledge of state and federal laws and practices pertaining to floodplain management, flood proofing standards, FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NIFP), FEMA Community Rating System CRS), shoreland and wetland disturbance.
- Knowledge of Kenosha County Storm Water Management and Erosion Control.
- Knowledge of state and local codes and regulations pertaining to NR151 Agricultural Performance Standards.
- Skill in use of computer software relevant to hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling.
- Skill in verbal communication and public speaking.
- Skill in MS Publisher and PowerPoint.
- Skill in basic invasive and non-native plant and animal identification.
- Ability to research, author, and review for adoption the Kenosha County Land & Water Resource Management Plan.
- Ability to keep up-to-date on program changes, legislative policy modifications and form/application revisions.
- Ability to prepare and administer grant applications and other funding requests.
- Ability to plan and implement conferences and workshops.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, county departments, public officials and the general public in varying situations.
- Ability to remain professional and courteous at all times.
- Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment.
Benefits
- Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
- Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System pension which includes county-paid life insurance
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Time to Volunteer
- Twelve Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Voluntary Pet Insurance
Work Environment
The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Office or similar indoor environment, outdoor environment, street environment (near moving traffic), construction site environment, in the community (homes, businesses, etc.), warehouse environment, and shop environment. Will be exposed to individuals who are rude or irate, extreme cold temperatures (below 32 °F), and extreme heat temperatures (above 100 °F).
- Will be exposed to moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, vibration, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and loud noises (85+ decibels).
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally.
SELECTION PROCESS:
- Application Review - Qualifying.
- Oral Interview - Qualifying.
- Background Check - Qualifying.
- Physical Examination/Drug screen - Qualifying.
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
For more information about Kenosha County Planning & Development, please visit:
Planning & Development | Kenosha County, WI - Official Website (https://www.kenoshacounty.org/656/Planning-Development)
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, July 31, 2026, at 12:00 pm.
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
The full pay grade for this position is E9 (Min. $72,961 – Max. $100,756)
This position is located in Kenosha County, a growing community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/ (https://www.visitkenosha.com/)
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
Preferred
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Certified Floodplain Mgr
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Driver's License
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Erosion Contrl Insp Cert
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Wetland Delineator
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.
