Resource Specialist 1

Cascadia Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join the District as a Resource Specialist 1. This part to full-time position is an essential element of Cascadia’s natural resource programs by implementing technical assistance programs, cost share activities, and public outreach. Our programs are focused on implementing highly impactful projects with private landowners where coordination with state and federal partners can help achieve large landscape scale improvements to natural resources.

Cascadia’s programs have been steadily growing over the last two decades routinely engaging with thousands of members of the public each year. This is accomplished through participating in community events, development and distribution of a quarterly newsletter, engaging the public through social media, hosting workshops and farm tours and doing direct outreach to priority areas. Cascadia CD is located in Chelan County, Washington with physical office space located in the city of Wenatchee. This position is funded through grants from several state and federal grant programs and relies on successful future grant applications to continue its funding. This position reports directly to Cascadia CD’s Executive Director and is eligible for partial remote work opportunities.

Typical Work

The Resource Specialist 1 will work cooperatively with Cascadia CD staff to develop and implement grant activities such as technical assistance, conservation planning, conservation practices cost share administration, public outreach, and researching and writing grants to support future work.

This position will require adaptability, creativity, dedication and passion for conservation, natural resources, and working with members of the public.

For a full list of duties for this position, please see the job description posted at: https://cascadiacd.org/employment-opportunity_293.html

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s degree involving a major study in environmental or physical science, one of the natural sciences or closely related field and one year of professional level experience. An Associate’s Degree in environmental or physical science or technology or other closely related field may be substituted for a Bachelor’s Degree if the applicant has three years or more of applicable experience.
• Minimum one year of professional experience in either conservation planning, or technical assistance, or educational programming.
• Very strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt written and spoken communication to various audiences using formal and informal communications.
• Advanced desktop computer literacy and computer software skills. Ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Smartsheet, etc., and learn new technologies to perform the functions of the position.
• Experience working independently in remote locations under a variety of weather conditions, carrying field equipment to complete required job tasks.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license or able to attain one upon employment.

Desired Attributes

A well-qualified candidate will have some or all of the following qualifications:

• Experience providing technical assistance to the public, including private landowners, farm operators, and managers.
• Knowledge/experience implementing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 9 steps of conservation planning.
• Knowledgeable in natural resource project development and conservation practice implementation on private lands.
• Capable of conducting outreach to landowners, farm operators, and managers to generate new voluntary conservation projects.
• Strong skills in multi-tasking and the ability to meet multiple deadlines with an exceptional standard of quality control.
• Experience designing and editing print and digital education and outreach materials.
• Demonstrated commitment to the practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.
• Knowledge/experience working within grant deliverables and budgets.
• Ability to write grants to promote future District work.
• Spoken and/or written proficiency in Spanish.

Position responsibilities and pay scale will be based on the number of desired attributes the candidate meets. Those meeting 25% or more of the desired attributes are encouraged to apply.

Service Area

The quality of life in Chelan County is unsurpassed, evident by a steadily increasing population and a strong, diverse economy. The area’s natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities are two of the many reasons people come to Chelan County. It’s a place characterized by sparkling clear rivers, clean air, flowered hillsides, expansive views, spectacular mountains, brilliant skies, and productive orchards and farms. From the ridge tops to the valley bottoms, Chelan County is a spectacular place to live, work and play.

About Us

Cascadia Conservation District’s mission is to encourage wise stewardship and conservation of all natural resources for current and future residents in Chelan County by:

• Being an active advocate for wise land use and water management decisions.
• Promoting a reasonable approach to environmental problems.
• Providing locally-led, voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to local environmental problems.
• Educating both adults and youth about natural resources stewardship.
• Monitoring and responding to future trends that affect the environment.

Cascadia CD consists of a small team of dedicated staff focused on providing technical assistance, cost share and building programs that serve our community and the natural resources in Chelan County. Cascadia CD is a non-regulatory political sub-division of Washington State and is governed by a 5-member volunteer Board of Supervisors.

Benefits

WA State Retirement (PERS)

Annual Leave, Sick Leave, Holidays

Medical & Dental Insurance

Optional Aflac policies

Hours

Up to 40 hours per week, depending on candidate preference.

Location

Office located in Wenatchee, Washington

Travel within Chelan County frequent.

Partial remote work