Terms: Permanent, non-exempt, full-time position (40hrs/week), with benefits

Salary: $36,500 to $57,500 annually

Deadline to apply: Tuesday, January 29th, 2019 at midnight

The Snohomish Conservation District works cooperatively with a diverse community of landowners to encourage conservation and responsible use of natural resources through actions that promote clean water, healthy habitat, and a viable agricultural community. This position serves on the Natural Resources Team, a group of nine experienced and dedicated team members that work with landowners and partners to improve water quality and soil health on local farms, restore salmon streams through native plantings and in-stream projects, and build community around responsible use of natural resources in our rural areas. We are looking for a self-starter with a high level of motivation, versatility, and independence to coordinate restoration projects and direct our Washington Conservation Corps crew.

The position of Restoration Project Coordinator is a full-time position with benefits that will work out of our office in Lake Stevens, WA. The Coordinator will work with landowners who reside within the boundaries of the Snohomish Conservation District, which includes most of Snohomish County and Camano Island. The Coordinator is directly responsible to the Natural Resources Program Manager.

Qualifications:

An Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in an environmental field with coursework related to habitat restoration, aquatic ecosystems, forest ecology, hydrology, or natural resources. One to three years of experience restoring northwest stream, wetland, estuarine, and/or near shore ecosystems is preferred. Alternative combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Job Duties:

The Coordinator will be an integral member of the Natural Resources Team, providing support for habitat restoration projects on public and private land and natural resources technical assistance to a diverse set of landowners throughout Snohomish County and Camano Island.

Primary job duties are as follows:

• Oversee Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew to include managing crew schedule, providing training, implementing habitat restoration projects (primarily riparian planting), overseeing herbicide applications, working with crew leader to ensure project quality, and proper implementation of project plans.
• Oversee the WCC Individual Placement (intern) in management of the native plant nursery to include plant inventory, crew maintenance and potting activities, volunteer potting events, irrigation system management and supply ordering.
•  Work with Habitat Restoration Specialists to develop planting and fencing plans for stream and wetland restoration sites and order and inspect plant deliveries.
• Coordinate the maintenance of restoration project sites as necessary to ensure survival of plants.
• Implement the vegetation monitoring program to include setting up transects and photo points, training crew members to collect data, and analyzing data.
• Oversee herbicide applications on project sites and manage spray reporting and Aquatic Noxious Weed Control permit.
• Coordinate volunteer planting and maintenance events. Some weekend events required.
• Communicate with private landowners to develop restoration planting plans and schedule project work.
• Provide site visits and technical assistance to private landowners on topics such as weed management, plant recommendations, salmon habitat, local codes and regulations, water quality, and other best management practices.
• Coordinate restoration project supply procurement and delivery and oversee WCC Crew field equipment and supplies.
• Assist with the Conservation District’s Annual Plant Sale.
• Assist with educational workshops for landowners.
• Write grant applications and reports.
• Weekend and evening work will be required at times.
• Other duties as assigned depending on skill set and interest.

Skills and Knowledge:

• Knowledge of natural resource issues such as stream, wetland and riparian ecology, native plants, water quality, salmon habitat, and soils.
• Experience implementing riparian restoration projects in the Pacific Northwest to include knowledge of non-native plant removal techniques and establishment of native species.
• Experience or the ability to provide direction to a crew.
• Ability to communicate effectively with private landowners, project partners, and co-workers.
• Proficiency communicating technical information to a variety of audiences including private landowners on one-on-one site visits, at workshops, and at volunteer events.
• Capacity to engage diverse communities (youth, minorities, farmers, veterans, seniors, etc.).
• Proficiency writing reports, outreach materials, technical assistance letters to landowners, and/or grant applications.
• Ability to use computers to write reports, prepare maps using ArcGIS, and record field data.
• Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities and to set priorities related to work goals set by the Habitat Restoration Specialists and Natural Resources Program Manager.
• Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time-keeping and authorized expenses.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle, including full-size pick-up and trailer, on both public and private roads during daylight and occasionally after dark.
• Ability to work in all types of terrain on foot and operate hand and power tools. Physical effort is occasionally required; lifting weights of up to 50 lbs. Work conditions involve all types of topography, weather, or related outdoor features and frequent travel.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license (can acquire upon hire).

Additional desirable skills:

• Experience maintaining plants in a nursery setting.
• Understanding of land-use issues, especially related to natural resources and agriculture.
• Washington State Pesticide Operator license with Aquatic endorsement (can acquire upon hire).

Benefits

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes paid vacation and holidays, medical and dental, support for trainings, and participation in the State of Washington Retirement System (PERS).

To apply for this position:

Applicants must provide a cover letter, resume, and a list of three professional references (references may be provided after the interview). Application materials must be received on or before January 29th, 2019, midnight. Emailed applications are preferred. Faxed or mailed applications received by the
deadline will be accepted. Post-marked applications shall not be considered a substitute for the above deadline requirement.

For more information, contact Cindy Dittbrenner at 425.377.7005 or cindy@snohomishcd.org.

Please submit the application materials to cindy@snohomishcd.org or:

Snohomish Conservation District
Attention: Cindy Dittbrenner
528 – 91st Ave. NE.
Lake Stevens, WA 98258