Research & Monitoring Coordinator

Position Summary

The Research and Monitoring Coordinator’s primary purpose is to assist the Research and Monitoring Program Manager, the Director, and the Board of Supervisors in the development and implementation of monitoring programs that assess the effectiveness of conservation practices implemented by the district. Serving as an integral member of a team of conservation professionals working both in the field and office. The position will plan, organize, and coordinate stream, wetland, soil, habitat, and other monitoring programs and projects; manage and analyze data associated with the programs and projects; assist with writing and managing grants; help to organize and coordinate public events; supervise staff, interns, and volunteers; and assist other staff in carrying out miscellaneous grant or contract-related tasks as part of the district’s annual plan of work. The successful candidate will become a member of the district’s team of conservation professionals working together to enhance and protect natural resources within the district’s boundaries.

Position Details

FTE: Full Time (40 hours/week)

Compensation: $28.83 – $41.27/hour (DOE)

Position Type: Regular (benefit eligible)

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree (MS) in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Soil Science, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and 3 years of related experience. Qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.
• Knowledge of soil science and watershed management with an emphasis on hydrology, stream ecology, geomorphology, water quality, and wetlands.
• A background or working knowledge of dryland agricultural farming practices, the issues and challenges facing farmers, and the best management practices applied to these systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience with ESRI GIS programs including but not limited to ArcGIS Pro, AGOL, Survey123, and Field Maps.
• Experience working with and processing remote sensing imagery from Landsat and Sentinel satellites.
• Proficiency with programming languages, specifically R, Python, and JavaScript.
• Experience collecting field data including water and soil samples and vegetation metrics.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting water quality monitoring stations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Physically able to carry up to 50 lbs. over steep and rough terrain in inclement weather conditions.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience calibrating and running watershed models.
• Experience with statistical analysis of soil, water quality, and vegetation data including both parametric and nonparametric tests.
• Experience managing and working with SQL databases specifically, Water Information System by KISTERS (WISKI).
• Experience with Smartsheet work collaboration software.
• Experience writing and managing grants and managing budgets.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot; has a current remote pilot certificate issued under the FAA’s small UAS Rule (Part 107)
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs through Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Services currently available to landowners such as EQIP, CRP, CREP, etc., and related conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Experience with environmental education and outreach.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly motivated, creative, curious, and organized

Palouse Conservation District offers benefits for regular and project employees that include:

• ​Medical/dental/vision, basic life and long-term disability insurance through the Washington State Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) 
       o    100% of the premium cost for the employee is covered by PCD
       o    35% of the premium cost for spouse and dependents is covered by PCD
• Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)
       o    Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 
       o    Optional participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)
• Annual LifeFlight Membership that covers employee and dependents
• Medical Flexible Spending and Pre-Tax Dependent Care Assistance Programs
• 12 days paid annual and sick leave per year
• 12 paid holidays
• WSU Tuition Waiver that covers up to 6 credits per fall/spring semester