Natural Resource Conservationist II

Position Title:  Natural Resource Conservationist II

Effective Date:   November 8, 2023

Reports to: Executive Director

Pay range: $ 30.00 – $40.00 / hour DOE

Hours: Weekdays 8:00 – 4:30, some evening/weekends may be required

FLSA Status:  Non-exempt    

Location: Goldendale, WA

Position Status (i.e., Full time, .6 FTE, etc): 1.0 FTE

Basic Job Purpose/Function:

The duties of the individual in this position will be to work collaboratively with private landowners, District staff, and partner organizations to develop and implement conservation plans, coordinate grant activities, complete project administrative duties, and conduct educational and outreach activities related to range and soil management and for the implementation of conservation practices on agricultural, forest, shrub-steppe, and riparian habitat on private lands. This position will serve as a liaison to NRCS to implement NRCS programs with private landowners.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop custom resource management plans for land managers using their goals, existing resources, and addressing natural resources concerns.
• Plan and conduct systematic ecosystem-based inventories of natural resources.
• Provide individual landowners with natural resource technical assistance including identification of necessary resource practices for the conservation of natural resources.
• Work cooperatively with landowners and coordinating agencies to effectively implement grant program requirements.
• Assist with the development and implementation of district projects as assigned.
• Provide education and outreach to public groups or organizations.
• Prepare educational and informational materials.
• Create and submit all necessary project and position reports for District and funding source needs.
• Attend evening and weekend meetings, functions, and training, including periodic overnight travel.
• Monitor and evaluate data to determine if land management goals are being achieved. Conduct short/long term monitoring of plant community, grazing impacts, and soil erosion hazards.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of rangeland and  upland/riparian habitat restoration projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Perform all actions while on official duty in a safe and healthful manner and of a nature to reflect favorably on the Central Klickitat Conservation District.

Requirements/Minimum Qualifications:

• This position requires a Natural Resource Conservation (NRCS) Conservation Planner Certification.
• This position requires 5+ years’ experience addressing and solving resource management concerns.
• This position requires a solid background in soil or range science, knowledge of agricultural operations and a bachelor’s degree in a compatible field of study from an accredited institution in rangeland management, natural resources, agriculture, agronomy, environmental planning, or closely related field.
• Education requirements can be met with an equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the applicant with the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform this job.
• Experience and understanding of local agricultural practices.
• Technical writing and research skills to develop and submit technical, educational, and informational documents to various audiences.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and timelines.
• Physically perform the tasks of the job in the field by traversing uneven ground in varied weather conditions and occasionally carrying heavy loads of equipment and/or materials.
• Ability to work with the public on natural resource and agricultural issues.
• Ability to work successfully with individuals one-on-one and in group settings.
• Ability to multi-task, and exercise discretion and judgment to resolve routine problems.
• Knowledge of principles, practices, techniques, and related tools/equipment to accomplish the basic function of this position, including any safety and/or legal requirements.  This may, but not necessarily, include specialized skills. 
• Knowledge and skills in computer use for word processing, database creation and maintenance, spreadsheet, drafting, scheduling, GIS, PowerPoint, and other uses as they arise.
• Be self-motivated, work efficiently, ethically, and honestly.
• Organize and plan own schedule of activities related to work goals and objectives set by the Executive Director.

Licenses, Certificates, and Other Requirements

• Valid state driver’s license in state of residence
• Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Planner Certification required.

Working Conditions:

•  Position requires the ability to perform activities to complete the essential functions of the job, either with or without reasonable accommodation.  Work is performed in an office, public forum or field location.  Requires continuous and/or frequent talking, repetitive motions of hand/wrists, hearing, and may require physical exertion while in the field.  Mental activities required by the employee in this position include leadership skills, decision making, interpersonal skills, supervisory skills, teamwork, creativity, customer service, mentoring, use of discretion, presentations/teaching, problem analysis, negotiation, and the ability to perform math and to read, write, speak, and understand English.  
• This position is under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. This position may train and supervise other employees as assigned by the Executive Director.

Compensation:

This position’s annual salary range is $62,400 – $83,200.  This position is eligible for vacation leave, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, Washington State DRS retirement benefits and Washington State PEBB healthcare benefits. Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the position appointment letter and may be amended at any time by the Executive Director.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but is not and should not be construed an all-inclusive listing of responsibilities, skills, work requirements, or working conditions.  While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, individuals may perform other duties and Klickitat County, Washington reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties, and assign other duties as necessary, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.