Natural Resource Planner

The Natural Resource Planner is a full-time, non-exempt hourly, benefited position that reports directly to the Executive Director and is mentored by the Senior Natural Resource Planner for adherence to technical standards associated with the conservation planning process. This position must be able to build and maintain trusted relationships while working productively with our diverse community of landowners, land managers and partners including but not limited to farmers, forest landowners, residential homeowners, community organizations, tribes, and government agencies. The primary function of this position is to deliver one-on-one technical assistance, education, and resources to land managers, via site visits and land use plans. The work will span the natural resource priorities relevant to our island. The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of water resources issues such as stormwater, shoreline, and/or water quality issues, as well as some experience with forestry, agronomy, and/or on-the-ground experience on working lands like farms and forestlands. We recognize that no one candidate will likely have the full background we seek; we are searching for a candidate who brings some content knowledge paired with an eagerness to learn new disciplines to help us serve a wide range of natural resource concerns.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to landowner and land manager requests and deliver technical assistance and associated deliverables
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with land managers, local partners, other conservation districts, political representatives, and community leaders as well as local, state, and federal agencies, and tribes
• Provide exceptional customer service and maintain confidentiality
• Assist communities with wildfire planning efforts and participation in the Firewise USA Program
• Support and/or perform grant-funded project administration and project management duties
• Participate in outreach and educational events as needed
• Deliver planning assistance using the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 9-step conservation planning process and practice standards
• Participate in the District’s technical training plan under the Senior Natural Resource Planner

We do not expect any single candidate to possess all the qualifications listed. Research tells us that some individuals will only apply to roles if they meet all the listed qualifications, but we will train you and we expect you to learn in the role. We are looking for team members who round out our current skill base. If this is you, we encourage you to apply

Please visit our Job Opportunities page at https://www.whidbeycd.org/job-opportunity.html for more details about this position and our application process.