Natural Resource Planner

INTRODUCTION:

The Whidbey Island Conservation District (WICD) is seeking a Natural Resource Planner to deliver WICD’s conservation programs by providing technical assistance and conservation planning. WICD is an important part of Whidbey Island’s fabric of life and serves the population in important ways involving land management and natural resource conservation, both with individual land managers on properties throughout the island, as well as partner organizations and local government. This position serves a critical role sharing expertise and resources with our island community. It is based at the WICD office in Coupeville, Whidbey Island, Washington. We are excited to find an experienced self-starter who is energetic, with a great work ethic and strong interest in becoming part of our team!

POSITION OVERVIEW:

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, as requested, including writing conservation plans that address soil, water, air, plant, animal, and energy considerations on properties, as well as designing conservation practices, assisting land managers in applying for financial assistance opportunities to implement these practices, managing contracts, and performing education and outreach tasks with various partners. The planner will also assist with grant research, grant writing, and project management. 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 agronomy, forestry, and/or on-the-ground experience on working lands like farms and forestlands.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Respond to landowner and land manager requests for assistance
• Deliver planning assistance using the USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) 9-step conservation planning process and practice standards
• Assist with securing funds from a variety of local, state, federal and NGOs to support district operations
• Support and/or perform grant-funded project administration and project management duties
• 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
• Participate in outreach and educational events as needed
• Serve on relevant local, regional, or state committees as needed
• Participate in the District’s technical training plan under the Senior Natural Resource Planner

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong background, work experience, and understanding of natural resource issues
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, agronomy, forestry, environmental science or another closely related field
• 1-5 years of relevant work experience in water resource, farm, and/or forest disciplines
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues in a professional manner
• Strong work ethic; exceptional integrity
• Ability to use good judgement and maintain confidentiality
• Experience preparing and delivering presentations to the public
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Possess a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle available for work travel

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with staff, partners, and members of the public
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, land managers, and partners
• Grant writing and project management experience
• Familiarity with Whidbey Island’s natural resources, local agriculture and forestry, and water resource issues
• Basic understanding of WA State Growth Management Act (GMA) and critical areas protection
• Knowledge of USDA NRCS conservation practices and planning process
• NRCS/WSCC Certified Conservation Planner or ability to earn certificate within 2 years of employment
• Knowledge of financial assistance programs to incentive implementation of conservation practices, including WA State Conservation Commission and USDA Farm Bill programs
• Experience using GIS mapping technology and software
• Understanding of databases and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems, such as Salesforce
• Experience working with public outreach programs
• Experience with meeting facilitation

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Based at the WICD office in Coupeville, Washington with remote access opportunities
• Shared office space; significant computer and telephone work (repetitive movement – typing)
• Frequent sitting, standing, walking on uneven ground, bending, and occasional lifting (50 lbs)
• Periodic travel to events and meetings
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and overnight travel required
• Regular visits to property sites (e.g. farms, forests, bluffs) and working on varied terrain in all weather conditions
• Individual must provide own transportation for work-related travel which is reimbursed per mile at current WA State rates

The incumbent must be able to perform each requirement of the position as outlined in the job description.  Essential Qualifications are representative and essential for satisfactory job performance.  The Work Environment characteristics are representative of those that may be encountered while on the job.  WICD will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Entry to Mid Level: $60,569 – $66,626 DOE

Senior Level: $70,116 – $77,128 DOE

WICD provides sick and vacation leave; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance (or equivalent health stipend); an Edward Jones IRA Traditional IRA with 3% match; and 12 paid holidays per year.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Typical: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; 40 hours per week with occasional evening and/or weekend work