The primary purpose of the Conservation Coordinator is to assist Managers, the Director, and the Board of Supervisors, in delivering conservation services to landowners of the Palouse Conservation District. This includes planning and application of conservation practices, as well as the development and execution of grants. The Conservation Coordinator is an advocate for natural resource conservation
through conservation planning with the demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals. Knowledge of conservation agriculture, livestock best management practices, habitat and riparian restoration techniques, conservation planning,
and conservation practice implementation is recommended. The Conservation Coordinator must be a team player who values building partnerships and a non-regulatory approach to natural resource conservation activities, including a proven commitment to land
stewardship.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest and resume to Laura Heinse at laurah@palousecd.org (Subject line ‘Conservation Coordinator Position) by January 11, 2019. Any application materials received after January 11, 2019 will be reviewed on a need-to-fill basis. Applications that do not include both a letter of interest and resume will not be considered.

Conservation Coordinator Duties Include:

• Conservation planning.
• Technical assistance.
• Conduct inventories to identify project opportunities and landowner needs.
• Administer project funds related to conservation on agricultural and urban lands.
• Administer cost-share and incentives on agricultural and urban lands.
• GIS and mapping.
• Run conservation models and tools.
• Grant writing, planning, implementation, and overall grant management.
• Seek and secure on-going stable funding for agricultural programs and services identified in the Annual Plan of Work and Long-Range Plan of Work through various avenues including grant writing.
• Monitor of project success and associated soil, water, and habitat responses.
• Coordinate projects to support salmon recovery efforts.
• Supervise volunteers and/or work crews.
• Coordinate with NRCS to inform producers about financial assistance available through EQIP, CSP, and ACEP.
• Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops and other District sponsored events.
• Coordinate of and participate in outreach programs.
• Promote farmland preservation activities.
• Support efforts to increase producer to producer networks for dissemination of conservation knowledge.
• Maintain partnerships for an increase in conservation activities to decrease erosion, increase water quality, increase air quality, and improve fish and wildlife habitat.
• Maintain and expand a mentor team of local agricultural producers.
• Ensure all projects and grants are successfully implemented on time, within budget, and in accordance with grant contract terms and agency requirements.
• Maintain and improve relations with funding sources to support future financial awards for District programs and services related to production agriculture.
• Provide the Board, Director, Grants & Development Manager, and Financial Coordinator with accurate records of projects, mileage and expenses on a monthly basis.
• Closely coordinate schedule with Grants & Development Manager to most efficiently meet District workload and goals.
• Attend regular Board Meetings and staff meetings to provide reports on activities and progress.
• Proper use and maintenance of District office and field equipment, obtaining necessary repairs and maintaining an inventory.
• Responsible for limited clerical tasks such as mailing, filing, typing, etc.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervision

The Conservation Partnership Manager in coordination with the Director will provide direct oversight and supervision of this position. The Conservation Coordinator is also responsible to the Board of Supervisors. The Conservation Coordinator provides daily technical supervision of volunteers, work-study, interns and other subordinate staff, as assigned.

Required Skills & Knowledge

• Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Natural Resources, Agriculture, Range Management, Environmental Science or related field.
• Knowledge of watershed management, with an emphasis on streams, floodplains, and riparian zones.
• Team player who values building partnerships and a non-regulatory approach to natural resource conservation activities, including a proven commitment to agriculture and land stewardship.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals.
• Demonstrated organizational sk
• Personable with excellent communication and interpersonal skills (both written and verbal).
• Possess skills in public relations, negotiation, coordination and diplomacy.
• Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and travel, as needed.
• Experience in collecting field data, and in using GPS. Must be willing and physically able to assist with field data collection and restoration of streams located in the District.
• Must be able to hike for extended periods, carry equipment (up to 40 lbs.) over rough terrain, at times in inclement weather conditions.
• Possess a valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
• Provide own transportation with proper vehicle insurance and registration upon the first date of hire; be able to travel statewide using all modes of transportation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, internet navigation and communication via email.
• Familiar with Microsoft Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, etc.
• Familiar with current water quality issues facing local land owners/operators and also have experience with monitoring, data recording, and reporting.
• Familiar with current issues facing dryland farmers and livestock owners in the region and have experience with implementation of conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• A Master’s degree in Natural Resources, Agriculture, Range Management, Environmental Science or related field.
• Supervisory/program management and funding development experience.
• Knowledge of policies and practices of conservation districts.
• Working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and policies that directly affect natural resource conservation on private lands in Washington.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with conservation planning & implementation.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with environmental and cultural resource permitting.
• Project management and project budgeting experience.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs currently available to landowners such as EQIP, CSP, CRP, CCRP, CREP, etc. and related conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Proficient in ARC GIS.
• Experience with natural resource education and outreach. Focus of education efforts will be on local land managers, K-12 schools and college students.
• Working knowledge of NRCS conservation practices, standards, and planning process.

Work Environment: Work may be performed in an office setting or in the field with site visits, training, local and out of town travel and occasional extended hours (including some Saturdays). This position is labor intensive, multi-faceted and requires a high level of motivation, versatility, and ability to work independently. This position requires both indoor and outdoor work. Outdoor work includes hiking, wading in streams, carrying equipment, and physical labor such as planting trees and vegetation maintenance activities. Vegetation maintenance activities include use of heavy brush mower, gas powered weed trimmers and various hand tools.

Compensation: Salary starting at $42,823 depending on experience. Medical and dental insurance provided in addition to retirement, paid holidays, vacation and sick time.

Employment Classification: Regular; Full-Time, At-Will, Exempt. The Conservation Coordinator position is funded on the WA state fiscal year schedule based on available grant funding and the position will continue if additional adequate grant funding and or financial support can be obtained.

Palouse Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer.