INTRODUCTION:

The Whidbey Island Conservation District (WICD) is seeking a Natural Resource Planner (Planner) to deliver WICD’s conservation programs mainly focused on providing farm and stormwater technical assistance. This technical 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. This position serves a critical role delivering technical assistance programs, WICD’s primary service 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 Natural Resource Planner is a full-time, non-exempt, salaried, benefitted position that reports directly to the District Manager. Individual must be able to build and maintain trusted relationships while working productively with a 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 provide technical assistance and resources to landowners including writing conservation plans, designing conservation practices, applying for cost-share funds, managing practice implementation projects, and performing education and outreach tasks. This individual will also assist with grant research, writing, project management, and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS OF THE NATURAL RESOURCE PLANNER:

  • Respond to land owner and land manager requests for assistance
  • Deliver technical planning assistance using the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) planning process and practice standards
  • Provide exceptional customer service and maintain confidentiality
  • Participate in outreach and educational events
  • Assist with securing funding from a variety of local, state, federal and NGO’s to support district operations
  • Support and/or perform grant-funded project administration and project management duties
  • Establish and maintain strong working relationships with landowners, local partners, other conservation districts, political representatives, and community leaders as well as local, state, and federal agencies
  • Serve on relevant local, regional, or state committees

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong background, work experience and understanding of natural resources
  • Bachelor’s degree in relevant field such as natural resources, conservation, agriculture, environmental science
  • 1-5 years of relevant work experience in farm, forest, and/or stormwater disciplines
  • Knowledge of NRCS conservation practices and planning process
  • NRCS/WSCC Certified Conservation Planner or ability to earn certificate within 1 year of employment
  • Experience using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues and a proven commitment to land stewardship and conservation practice implementation on private lands
  • 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:

  • Strong work ethic; exceptional integrity
  • Ability to use good judgement and maintain confidentiality
  • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, with staff, partners, and members of the public
  • Ability to work independently and cooperatively with staff, landowners, and partners
  • Grant writing and project management experience
  • Familiarity with Whidbey Island’s natural resources, local agriculture, and stormwater issues
  • Basic understanding of WA State Growth Management Act (GMA) and critical areas protection
  • Knowledge of cost-share, landowner incentive programs including WA State Conservation Commission and USDA Farm Bill programs
  • Understanding of data bases and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) systems
  • Experience working with outreach programs
  • Experience with meeting facilitation

WORK CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment with desk, phone, and computer provided. Position involves regular visits to farm and forest sites, 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:

$48,000 – $54,000 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: Natural Resource Planner. Emailed applications are preferred. Three professional references will be required and contacted if applicant is selected for an interview. Application materials must be received on or before March 8, 2019. Position will remain open until filled.