The Palouse Basin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Coordinator, serves as the program coordinator for the development and implementation of the Palouse Basin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). Reports to the Palouse Conservation District Projects and Grants Manager. Requires excellent communication skills in working with private landowners in a non-regulatory environment. Knowledge of habitat restoration techniques, conservation planning, and conservation practice implementation is required.
Must be able to hike for extended periods and carry equipment over rough terrain, at times in inclement weather conditions. Requirements: B.S. in natural resources or closely related field and min. two years experience working in natural resources. Full-Time, At-Will, Exempt status; Salary range $40,000-$50,000 (DOE) plus full benefits package. View complete job description below.
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CREP Coordinator Search
Palouse Conservation District, 1300 NE Henley Ct. #6, Pullman, WA 99163
Review begins August 24, 2015. Open until filled.
Position Description for Palouse Basin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) Coordinator
The primary purpose of the Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator position is to develop and implement the Palouse Basin Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP). The Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator assists the Palouse Conservation District Projects and Grants Manager in delivering conservation services to local landowners and cooperators eligible to participate in the Palouse Basin CREP Program. This includes planning and application of conservation practices, as well as the development and execution of grants and contracts.
The Natural Resource Coordinator is an advocate for natural resource conservation through conservation planning and conservation practice implementation. The Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator will be responsible for duties including the following: conservation planning; conservation practice implementation; monitoring; GIS; grant writing; coordination of and participation in Palouse Basin CREP outreach programs; supervision of volunteers and/or work crews; overall Palouse Basin CREP Program management; and other duties as assigned.
Duties and Responsibilities
Understand and promote the organization, role, mission and goals of the District and its programs. Understand relationships and partnerships with other agencies. Become familiar with dryland farming, local livestock practices and conservation needs of both.
Assist in writing grant proposals. Operate as project coordinator by assisting in the coordination and implementation of District grants and projects. Ensure that grant
Palouse Conservation District
provisions are followed such as completion of scope of work and all legal considerations. Track grants (tasks and financial), keep District Projects and Grants Manager informed of grant/project status and write reports as required.
Organize and coordinate meetings, workshops and other District sponsored events.
Provide the Board, Director, and Projects and Grants Manager with accurate records of projects, mileage and expenses on a monthly basis.
Closely coordinate schedule with Projects and Grants Manager to most efficiently meet District workload and goals (Time management and cost effectiveness will be evaluated during personnel evaluations).
Attend monthly Board Meetings and staff meetings. Provide reports on activities and progress.
Responsible for 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.
And all other duties as assigned.
Supervision
The Palouse Conservation District Projects and Grants Manager provides direct oversight and supervision of Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator. The Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator is also responsible to the Director and Board of Supervisors. The Palouse Basin CREP Coordinator provides daily technical supervision of volunteers, work-study, interns and other subordinate staff as assigned.
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) expected. 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 planting maintenance activities. Planting maintenance activities include use of heavy brush mower, gas powered weed trimmers and various hand tools.
Work Schedule
This is a Full-Time, Regular position (averaging 40 per week). The normal PCD workday schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. This position is classified as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA).
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture, public administration or a related field and a minimum of three years of supervisory and program management experience is required. Additional qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement. The applicant must have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues and a proven commitment to land stewardship on private lands.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:
 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.
 Knowledge of watershed management, with an emphasis on streams, floodplains, and riparian zones.
 Experience in collecting field data, and in using GPS. Must be willing and physically able to assist with field data collection and restoration of riparian areas.
 Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively.
 Must be able to hike for extended periods, carry equipment over rough terrain, at times in inclement weather conditions.
 Excellent organization and communication skills (both written and verbal).
 Demonstrated skills in public relations, negotiation, coordination and diplomacy.
 Proficient computer skills including: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access.
 Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs currently available to landowners such as EQIP, CRP, CREP, etc.
 Familiarity with current conservation issues facing local landowner owners in the region.
 Experience with implementation of riparian related conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).
 Working knowledge of FSA and NRCS conservation programs and other local, state, and federal conservation funding programs.
 Working knowledge of NRCS conservation practices, standards, and planning process.
 Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and travel as needed.
 Ability to communicate, both written and oral, effectively to a diverse audience.
 Experience with Microsoft Office Software.
 Obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Preferred knowledge, skills and abilities:
 A Master’s degree in natural resources, agriculture, public administration or a related field and a minimum of five years of supervisory and program management experience.
 A professional knowledge of policies and practices of conservation districts.
 A 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.
 Experience with GIS, QuickBooks and WA BARS accounting System.
Employment Classification: Regular; Full-Time, At-Will.
Compensation: Salary range is $40,000-$50,000 (depending on experience). Retirement, paid holidays, plus vacation and sick leave. Medical insurance provided.
All programs and services of the Palouse Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status or disability.
Revised 8/10/2015