Nature & Purpose of the Position

The Resource Specialist assists property owners in Clark County to plan and apply natural resource conservation practices using the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) specifications as detailed in the Field Office Technical Guide. This position provides technical assistance to landowners to solve natural resource concerns using creativity, best practices, and establishing long-term relationships with these clients. The Resource Specialist will also work with other partner agencies, organizations, and individuals as necessary to deliver assistance to improve water quality, soil health, and endangered species recovery in a fast-growing county. This position reports directly to the Clark Conservation District Manager.

This position is part-time, 32 hours per week with the potential for full-time dependent on funding. CCD provides medical, dental, and vision insurance as well as leave (vacation, sick, and 11 paid holidays per year, all pro-rated based on full-time).

About the Clark Conservation District

Established in 1942, the Clark Conservation District (CCD) is a legal sub-division of state government enabled under statute is RCW Chapter 89.08 et seq. CCD seeks to conserve and enhance natural resources by assisting land managers with their conservation choices. With our high rainfall, their biggest challenge is to manage their lands to prevent pollution of surface and groundwater often carried in runoff. CCD work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens.

CCD is a non-regulatory agency bridging the gap between local landowners and government (at the local, state, and federal levels). Landowners engage with the CCD on a voluntary basis.

Primary Job Responsibilities

The Resource Specialist works directly with farm owners and landowners within the district. Metrics for success include the number of conservation plans and conservation practices implemented to improve water quality, soil health, fish & wildlife habitat enhance the resilience of farms and other landowners.

Major duties include the following:

• Perform outreach on CCD programs, opportunities, and natural resource information.
• Build trusting, long-term relationships with farmers and landowners to promote CCD programs and services.
• Provide technical assistance to develop resource management plans for farmers and landowners emphasizing water quality improvement, soil conservation and health, nutrient management, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement.
• Assist and encourage farmers and landowners to implement management plans utilizing standard Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) specifications and designs.
• Work collaboratively with government agencies and non-profit partners to carry out the mission of the CCD.
• Communicate with farmers, landowners, government, and tribal representatives, and others that may be interested in promoting CCD programs on farms.
• Help develop educational materials for land users and organizations, such as brochures, informational articles, visual presentations, newspaper press releases and articles, and newsletter
  articles, among others.
• Organize and conduct educational events for landowners and farm owners/operators within CCD boundaries.
• Track, evaluate, and report activities to demonstrate impact, such as acres planted, stream miles of habitat restored, fencing installed, numbers and types of conservation practices implemented, workshops, etc.
• Prepare reports on activities and progress as directed by the District Manager.
• Operate standard office equipment.
• Other duties as assigned by the District Manager or Board of Supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possess a bachelor’s degree with academic training and/or experience in agricultural operations, natural resource management, or a related field. A minimum of four years of job experience related to the duties of Resource Specialist may be considered in lieu of a degree on a case-by-case basis.
• At least two years of experience directly related to the duties and qualifications of the position.
• Possess a valid driver’s license and current vehicle insurance at time of hire and throughout employment.
• Pass a job-related driving record check and criminal background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Intermediate to advanced skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Typical uses include writing reports, tracking work progress, preparing educational and informational materials, and recording field data.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in natural resources enhancement and public education.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience implementing a broad range of soil and water conservation principles, methods, and practices involving complex and diverse agricultural and other land uses.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices on their property and ability to explain or demonstrate to farmers and landowners methods for installing those conservation practices.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication skill to address groups, to prepare and explain conservation plans, to prepare informational articles, and to prepare summary work reports.
• Experience working closely and collaboratively with others in a public office environment.
• Experience organizing and planning a schedule of activities related to work plan goals approved by the District Manager
• Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time-keeping and authorized expenses.
• Service-oriented attitude and constructive problem solving skills. Apply critical thinking in problem solving and making decisions.
• Basic skill in using Arc GIS mapping software and/or CAD.
• Experience with the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically InDesign and Illustrator.
• NRCS Conservation Planning certification or experience with another Conservation District is a plus.
• General knowledge of Clark County and its residents, including their natural resource problems and concerns is ideal.
• We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building, are results-oriented, the ability to multitask, prioritize actions and have strong project management

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

The District is a smoke-free and drug-free environment. This position involves both field and office work. You must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle to visit farmer and landowner facilities. These activities will occur outside in inclement weather conditions and require you to traverse difficult terrain, structures, fences, etc. You may occasionally lift and carry tools and other materials weighing up to 50 pounds. Position will require occasional work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours.

The Resource Specialist will have an assigned desk, telephone, and computer at the CCD office. The position involves computer work that may include long periods sitting, typing, and reading from a computer screen. It is necessary to have adequate vision and motor skills to perform the duties of the position including hearing voice conversation and the manual dexterity to operate a computer.

Compensation & Benefits

The base starting salary is $22 per hour which may be adjusted upward depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision for the employee, as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, and eleven paid holidays per year (pro-rated based on full-time). This is a part-time position consisting of 32 hours/week. CCD pays into a SIMPLE IRA retirement after 6 months of employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The CCD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, religion, color, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, gender orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable state, federal, or local laws. This policy covers all programs, services and procedures of the CCD.

To Apply

Screening of applications for this position begins January 14th; the position is open until filled. Applicants must submit the following: 1) an application letter that specifically demonstrates how the applicant meets the minimum and preferred qualifications for this position, 2) a detailed resume or CV that shows all work/volunteer experience in enough detail to demonstrate how the applicant meets qualifications, and 3) the names and phone numbers of three professional references. All applications must be submitted electronically in PDF format to zoppenheimer@clarkcd.org. Failure to submit all required materials will remove an applicant from consideration.

The projected start date for the position is in late January or February, subject to negotiation.

For further information, visit www.clarkcd.org/employment, or contact Zorah Oppenheimer, Interim District Manager, at 360-859-4784 orzoppenheimer@clarkcd.org.