Conservation Program Support Specialist

INTRODUCTION:

The Whidbey Island Conservation District (WICD) is seeking a Conservation Program Support Specialist (Support Specialist) to support and deliver WICD programs. This position is located in Coupeville, the county seat of Island County, on Whidbey Island in Washington State. 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. The Support Specialist serves a critical role in enhancing WICD’s capacity to deliver exceptional services to this island community.

ABOUT US:

WICD was established in 1967 to assist landowners on Whidbey Island with conservation of natural resources. The District is a legal subdivision of the Washington State government organized under “Conservation District Law,” RCW Chapter 89.08. Conservation districts are non-regulatory, thus landowner engagement is voluntary and incentive-based. WICD employees are recognized for their ability to assist the Whidbey Island community with a high level of professionalism and expertise. WICD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NATURE OF WORK:

The Conservation Program Support Specialist is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried, benefitted position that reports directly to the District Manager. The primary functions of this position are to lead WICD’s database management, support general office operations, Technical Assistance (TA) programs, Marketing, Education, and Outreach (ME&O) programs, and to coordinate the District’s annual Native Plant Sale. The Support Specialist supports ME&O programs by working with WICD team members and various media types to promote conservation practices and provide educational opportunities/resources for landowners. Support for TA programs involves assisting technical staff to deliver technical resources and services to landowners as well as tracking and reporting conservation practice data. As coordinator of the Native Plant Sale, the Support Specialist takes a lead role in all aspects of this highly regarded annual event including marketing, sales, and distribution.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS OF THE CONSERVATION PROGRAM SUPPORT SPECIALIST:

  • Operates and maintains client/contact/volunteer database(s)
  • Assists with data entry, tracking, and reporting
  • Greets walk-in clients and answers main phone line
  • Assists new clients with intake process
  • Delivers introductory resources and/or assistance to clients
  • Develops, produces, distributes, and maintains printed and/or digital media
  • Serves as primary coordinator of annual native plant sale
  • Coordinates WICD-hosted events and represents WICD at partner events
  • Establishes and maintains strong working relationships with landowners and partner organizations
  • Provides exceptional customer service, maintaining confidentiality
  • Performs other duties as directed by the District Manager

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Associate’s degree in a relevant field such as communications, database management, or natural resources
  • 1-5 years of experience with marketing, education, and/or outreach
  • Experience in forestry/agriculture/stormwater disciplines
  • Experience administering databases and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office suite of programs (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, etc.)
  • Familiar with social marketing techniques
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize work
  • Experience preparing and delivering presentations to the public
  • Possess a valid driver’s license and a personal vehicle available for work travel
  • Physically capable of performing job tasks including driving, working outside in inclement weather, walking on uneven ground, bending, and lifting up to 40lbs

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Knowledge of WA native plants and/or experience managing a native plant sale
  • Familiar with conservation-related best management practices
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, landowners, and partners
  • Strong creative, organizational, and time-management skills
  • Basic understanding of Adobe suite of programs (Acrobat, In-Design, etc.)
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with staff, partners, and members of the public
  • Acquainted with Whidbey Island’s natural resources and/or local agriculture
  • Knowledge of WA State Conservation Commission and USDA NRCS programs and conservation planning processes

WORK CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment with desk, phone, and computer provided. Position involves extensive computer and telephone work, periodic travel to events and meetings, and requires lifting, bending, and working on varied terrain in all weather conditions. Availability for evening and weekend work is required, as is occasional overnight travel. Individual must provide own transportation for work-related travel which is reimbursed per mile at current WA State rates; WICD does not own a vehicle.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$40,000 – $45,000 DOQ

WICD provides sick and vacation leave; medical, dental, and vision insurance; a Simple Retirement plan (WICD is not part of the WA State Public Employees Retirement System – PERS); and 11 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.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

Please submit cover letter, fillable application (available at the WICD website www.whidbeycd.org), and resume to wicd@whidbeycd.org ; subject line: Conservation Program Support Specialist. Three professional references will be required and contacted if applicant is selected for an interview. Application materials must be received on or before Friday, March 8, 2019. Position will remain open until filled.