Conservation Planner

Nature & Purpose of the Position 

The Conservation Planner provides technical assistance, planning and outreach on conservation practices to agricultural operators, forestland owners, and residents. The Planner performs in-field site visits, conducts site-specific resource evaluations, and develops natural resource conservation management plans that provide detailed recommendations for nutrient, pasture, and manure management, livestock exclusion, forest health, and habitat restoration. Goals of this work include protecting water quality, improving soil health, and enhancing wildlife habitat — all while improving operations and meeting landowner needs.  

As a part of the District’s outreach and education efforts, this position will help coordinate and present at a variety of virtual and in-person events and workshops on conservation planning and farm best management practices. The Planner will coordinate financial assistance contracts for landowners implementing best management practices and may manage related grants or contracts. This position will also lead project teams to implement targeted outreach, technical assistance, and Best Management Practices (BMP) implementation. 

The Conservation Planner will also help support the District’s equipment rental program which includes a manure spreader, no-till drill, and poultry processing unit. The applicant must be willing to learn about and teach renters about how each piece of equipment works. Additionally, the Conservation Planner will be expected to collaborate with partner agencies. 

Clark County is home to a variety of important habitat types, including streams, wetlands, oak woodlands, and prairies. The District’s habitat program provides financial support and planning services to private landowners who are interested in improving the quality of habitat on their property. While this position will primarily work with agricultural operations, the Conservation Planner may also assist in riparian planning, prairie oak habitat planning, technical assistance site visits, and urban habitat support. 

The Planner is expected to provide exceptional customer service to a wide range of farmers, land managers, and other conservation specialists; to work collaboratively with District staff as part of project and grant work teams; and to perform all duties in a timely, courteous, and professional manner.  

Primary Job Responsibilities 

Duties 

• Work with landowners, residents, and land managers to write detailed conservation plans.
• Effectively use District systems to track work progress, prepare and record program/project data, and maintain thorough and organized records. Prepare professional and informative written documents and reports documenting activities, program progress, and accomplishments.
• Connect landowners with potential funding including internal cost-share funding as well as grants and NRCS Farm Bill programs. As needed, complete landowner agreements, coordinate engineering involvement, maintain before and after photo documentation, manage project funds and reimbursements, and provide ongoing assistance to landowners throughout their involvement in these funding programs.
• Aid in the coordination of the District’s Equipment Rental program, making sure renters understand how to safely use and transport equipment.
• Creation of maps as necessary for project requirements and as a communication tool.
• Work collaboratively with NRCS, Clark County, Department of Ecology, cities, tribes, and other conservation partners to address resource concerns on private lands.
• Assist outreach staff in developing educational materials for land users and organizations. Write educational fact sheets and articles and assist with the development of publications.
  • Technical assistance site visits and guidance on many topics, including: