Natural Resources Technician

Foster Creek Conservation District (FCCD) is a special purpose district that delivers a range of grant-funded programs and services throughout Douglas County, in Central Washington. Our mission is to serve the community through providing quality technical assistance for natural resource stewardship. 

We are seeking a skilled and talented individual to join our small team as a Natural Resources Technician.  The basic function of this position will be to assist the district with natural resource data collection, project development and implementation.  You will be expected to work cooperatively with private landowners, other District staff, and local, state, and federal agency staff in the course of collecting and analyzing natural resource data. You will also be involved with other District programs and functions, such as managing the Multiple Species General Conservation Plan (MSGCP) program, assisting with farm planning contracts ad Outreach and Education activities. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Lead the implementation of natural resource related measuring and monitoring activities for water quality and groundwater, including field work, data entry, analysis, and reporting to grantors and the state under the Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP).
2. Provide sound technical services, advice and information to landowners and cooperators to improve natural resource conditions in a voluntary manner through proven best management practices.
3. Assist landowners applying for Habitat Conservation Plans, creating farm plans and coordinating with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
4. Manage FCCD’s MSGCP program including writing an annual report on habitat conditions for the 4 species of concern and holding quarterly work group meetings with involved agencies.
5. Independently, or with the FCCD team, plan, organize and coordinate the implementation of projects with and for landowners and land managers.
6. Develop and maintain resource inventories and evaluations, as needed for projects.
7. Assist other District staff with projects, as required.
8. Assist with public outreach efforts on conservation and natural resource issues, as required.
9. Assist with developing and writing grant applications to fund priority conservation projects.
10. Assist with general office duties, participate in regular staff meetings and other committee meetings, as directed or required.
11. Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.

Desired skills:

• Knowledge of a broad range of soil and water conservation principles, techniques, methods and practices, which involve complex and diverse agricultural and other land uses.
• Experience with farm planning or NRCS methods.
• Grant writing experience.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with the flora and fauna of Eastern Washington.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource science or related field, or proven knowledge of relevant natural resource management activities. 
• Must be self-motivated, detail oriented and organized, with an aptitude for problem solving; able to work efficiently and honestly.
• Must have the ability to work on multiple projects and adjust priorities as needed or requested, based on program needs. 
• Must be able to work independently and in close cooperation with others in a non-confrontational manner, in office and field situations. 
• Must be able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with cooperators, co-workers, and others. This may include educational presentations to public groups, organizations, or clubs.
• Advanced computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheets, and database management) is required. Proficient with data analysis and ArcGIS. 
• Willingness and ability to learn use of new equipment and related software as needed.
• Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities related to work goals set by the District Manager or their designee.
• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Physical Demands:  During the field season, the position will work primarily outdoors, at times in remote and rugged locations. The individual will be expected to navigate to off-site locations, work in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions, traverse difficult upland and instream terrain, and carry field equipment necessary to complete required job tasks. Field work may require standing, walking, maintaining balance, climbing stairs and inclines, kneeling, stooping crouching, reaching, pulling, twisting; requires sense of touch, finger dexterity, ability to grip with fingers and hands and ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently; constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Salary and schedule:

This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours/week. The position may require some work on Saturdays or after regularly scheduled work hours. 

Starting pay is $20 - $22 per hour, depending on qualifications.  Benefits include accrued paid sick leave, medical insurance and paid holidays, and retirement contributions after 1 year. Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the Board of Supervisors and may be amended at any time.  This is a grant funded position and is subject to an “employee at will” doctrine. The omission of specific statements of duties and responsibilities does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter and resume, and provide three (3) references by email to:

 info@fostercreekcd.org

This position is open until filled. 

Foster Creek CD is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary : $20 - $22