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District seeking Seasonal SESC Inspector

Cass County Conservation District – SESC Seasonal Inspector POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT 

The Cass County Conservation District (CCCD) is a local unit of State government, assisting landowners with conservation and management of their natural resources and is currently seeking qualified applicants for a seasonal Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (SESC) Inspector to assist in enforcement of the State of Michigan Part 91 SESC Act requirements for Cass County. Part 91 requires no soil or sedimentation may cross property lines or enter a body of water. A permit is required for any “earth change” within 500 feet of a lake or stream or over an acre in size. Inspections are conducted to ensure protection of the environment and adherence to Part 91 rules. 

Primary functions of the job are to conduct field inspections, complete inspection logs, utilize and upkeep ESRI computer program with relevant data pertaining to permits, complete correspondence to permittees regarding inspection should improvements to controls be needed, assist with outreach educational efforts, and assist with general SESC program support as needed.

The inspector will be expected to drive using a personal vehicle to assigned sites within the County. The work environment is split between the office and outdoors. Clerical work includes the completion and maintenance of related reports and files.  Basic writing and filing skills as well as basic computer skills. The inspector will be trained to utilize the ESRI mapping software program utilized by the District. The work will be performed under the supervision of the Cass County Conservation District Board of Directors and District SESC Administrator and is subject to review by the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE). The position is funded with SESC program funds only. 

Education: The applicant must possess a High School diploma. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent work experience is preferred. The applicant must have a current Storm Water Operator certification from Michigan EGLE.  

Experience: Must have one to two years of related experience such as related college-level coursework, such as landscape architecture, municipal code official training, earth sciences, or construction trade work, or demonstrated knowledge, ability and skills to perform the work. Must have a valid driver’s license, a cell phone and vehicle. 

Location: The individual will be employed by the Cass County Conservation District and report to work at the Cassopolis USDA Service Center, with remote work as assigned. Assignments will include properties in all Townships and Cities within Cass County. 

Salary: Compensation up to $18.40/hour depending on experience. 

Hours: Flexible schedule for up to 100 hours of compensated time until October 1, 2024.  Inspections must be conducted Monday – Saturday between the hours of 7:30am – 7:30pm. Mileage reimbursement at current Federal rate. No benefits are included. Desired starting date: immediately upon hire. How to Apply:  On or before July 18, 2024 submit your application or resume and cover letter in person, via regular mail or e-mail to the Cass Conservation District, Attn: District Administrator, 1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis, MI 4903, Email: [email protected] or call 269-445-8641 x 5 with questions.

Annual Meeting and Election

November 28, 2023

The Cass County Conservation District will be holding their Annual Meeting with election and fundraising auction on Tuesday November 28, 2023 from 6-8pm at the Sister Lakes Brewing Company in Dowagiac, MI.

Karen Nelson is running unopposed to the open 4-year term Board of Directors position. See this public notice for election details.

The annual meeting features presentations: Dowagiac River Restoration on Tribal Properties by Jennifer Kanine with the Pokagon Band Kowabdanawa ode ke and Shorelines & overdevelopment with Paul Sniadecki of the Michigan Lakes and Streams. Plus, the event features our annual awards and an exciting new silent auction fundraiser! See this poster for details.

Budget Hearing Notice

Cass County Conservation District
PUBLIC NOTICE
Budget Hearing
September 18, 2023, 4pm

To all residents of Cass County, notice is hereby given that the Cass County Conservation District (CCCD) will hold a public hearing at the Cass County Conservation District located at
1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031 on the 18 th  day of September 2021, at 4pm. 
The purpose of the hearing is to consider final approval of the proposed budget of estimated expenses and revenues of the CCCD for the 2023-2024 fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023.  The proposed budget will be presented to the CCCD board before the regular monthly board meeting.

You are invited to attend and help build the conservation efforts in Cass County.  All people interested will be given an opportunity to present comments. A copy of the proposed budget will be posted for public inspection one week prior to the meeting at the District office located at 1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031.

This notice is posted in compliance with applicable law. 

Cass County Conservation District will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting to individuals with disabilities, upon reasonable notice to the District.  For more information contact Jake Young, Executive Director at 269-445-8641 extension 5 or [email protected]

Jim Kings, Chairman
Cass County Conservation District

Board of Director Election Nomination Forms

Cass County Conservation District

NOTICE

Nominating Petitions

Due by Friday, September 29, 2023, 4:30pm

Cass County Conservation District is currently accepting nominations for conservation-minded county residents to serve on the Board of Directors.

The Election will be held at the

Annual Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 28, 2023 to fill a new term for one (1) Board of Director position

(Terms are not limited; Board position is a 4-year term)

The Conservation District Board consists of a
total of five (5) Directors.

As locally elected public officials, Directors are responsible for the overall operation and management of the district, while the staff carry out the day-to-day activities. Board members develop and implement policy for staff as well as guide the district in conservation and stewardship activities to best serve our County’s future and strive to fulfill our mission to protect and enhance Cass County’s natural resources.

Blank nominating petitions are available at the Cass County Conservation District Office at 1127 E. State Street, Cassopolis, on the www.cassccdistrict.org website, or by email request to [email protected] 

Any resident in the Cass County Conservation District (County of Cass, Michigan) is eligible to become a candidate.

For more information contact

Jake Young, Executive Director at 269-445-8641 x 5.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.

Updated Election Notice

PUBLIC NOTICE

Cass County Conservation District Board of Directors Election

To all residents of the Cass County Conservation District, this notification supersedes the Election notice printed on 10/15/2022 and includes important corrected candidate information. Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, between the hours of 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Cassopolis VFW a District Board of Directors Election will be held. 

The election is being held to fill new terms for two (2) Board of Director positions. (2) 4-year term position candidates include Alexander M. Bozymowski Jr. and Byron (Burne) Miller.

The election will be conducted during the District Annual Meeting being held on Tuesday, November 29, 2022, from 5:30pm-8:00pm at the Cassopolis VFW, 131 S. Broadway Street, Cassopolis, MI 49031.  The Annual Meeting agenda includes highlights of conservation activities in fiscal year 2022, announcement of conservation awards, presentations by the Cassopolis FFA chapter and the US EPA Region 5 Water Division, along with the district annual report.

Voting is open to Cass County residents only. Absentee ballots are available at the Conservation District located at 1127 E. State St., Cassopolis, MI weekdays 8:00am-4:30pm except Federal Holidays.  Eligible voters are individuals of legal age who can demonstrate residency in Cass County, Michigan via one (1) piece of identification. For more information call (269) 445-8641 extension 5.

This notice and the original 10/15/22 notice meet the requirements of Conservation District Law. Cass County Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer.

Karen Nelson
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Cass County Conservation District