AUTHORIZING THE CREATION OF ONE FULL TIME (1.0) WATERSHED COORDINATOR FOR THE LAND RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT WITHIN THE 2020 BUDGET

Background: The purpose of the Watershed Coordinator is to work on programs and grants within the Land Resources      and Environment Department in an effort to improve water quality in the County.  Primary responsibilities include serving as the primary facilitator and core staff person for partnership-based management and stewardship in watersheds as well as working on watershed management planning.  The coordinator will work closely with stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, other conservation partners, and individual citizens to accomplish the requirements of the position and each project.  The Watershed Coordinator may be dedicated to one or more watersheds at any given time.

This position will take a project position tied to in one watershed (Baraboo River Watershed) and create a permanent full-time position for an individual that can branch out and focus their efforts in other watersheds as well.  In recent years, residents and groups are more interested in making improvements and tackling environmental issues within other watersheds throughout the County.  These groups are seeking technical assistance and guidance from County staff.  By making this position permanent and expanding its scope, we have the opportunity to provide assistance to these groups now and into the future.

In addition, the position is very hard to keep staffed, as individuals in the position feel as though they need to pursue full-time permanent employment elsewhere.  A permanent position would be more appealing to applicants and will promote longevity in the position for the department.  Longevity and institutional knowledge is necessary to build long-lasting relationships with landowners and groups within the County.