Foster Creek Conservation District (FCCD) is a special purpose district that delivers a range of grant-funded programs and services throughout Douglas County, in Central Washington. Our mission is to serve the community through providing quality technical assistance for natural resource stewardship.

We are seeking a skilled and talented individual to join our small team as a Seasonal Natural Resources Technician. The basic function of this position will be to assist the Natural Resource Specialist. The position implements and provides project based support to weed control projects, riparian restoration and stream enhancement projects. The position will be directly supervised by the Natural Resource Specialist, with oversight and guidance from the District Manager. You will be expected to work cooperatively with private landowners, other District staff, and local, state, and federal agency staff. You may also be asked to assist with other District programs and functions, such as Outreach and Education. This is a seasonal field position with an expected term of 6-8 months.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implementation of assigned natural resource related field activities including weed control and mapping, restoration planting projects and maintenance, and other associated work such as data entry and reporting.
• Provide weed identification, weed mapping and weed control services.
• Assist with riparian restoration planning and implementation projects.
• Operate GIS to perform data management, data upkeep, and some data analysis.
• Support development of grant application(s), project reports and outreach projects.
• Monitor project status to ensure progress toward completion.
• Provide technical/field assistance as needed for project implementation and monitoring efforts.
• Attend meetings on behalf of the District.
• Establish and maintain effective communication among all project partners, including grant and resource agency staff and local, private and public landowners.
• Assist District staff with general office duties, participate in regular staff meetings and other committee meetings, as directed.
• Other duties as assigned by the District Manager or Natural Resources Specialist.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental or agricultural sciences, water quality, wildlife management, or related fields.
• Must have demonstrated ability in handling multiple projects and be capable of working with diverse individuals and small groups.
• Ability and desire to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices on their property.
• Must be able to work in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions, traverse difficult upland and instream terrain, and carry field equipment necessary to complete required job tasks.
• Preference given to applicants that currently possess a WA Public Operator Pesticide license, or have the ability to obtain this license within 90 days.
• High level of literacy in MS Office applications (Word, Excel are essential) and GIS software.
• Knowledge and experience using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and hand-held tablet computers to collect point, line, and area information; downloading data for further analysis.
• Experience using ESRI online and Collector are beneficial.
• Have, or gain, advanced knowledge of natural resource conditions, agricultural practices, and critical area resources in Douglas County.
• Knowledge of Eastern Washington flora, fauna and ecology.
• Ability to work closely with others in both a public office and field environment, provide project administrative duties as needed, and conduct outreach and educational activities.
• Very strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills, capable of maintaining accurate records, including time-keeping and authorized expenses.
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license.
• Adaptable and willing to take on other job assignments.
• Willingness to receive additional training to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Knowledge of and experience working with conservation districts is beneficial.

Physical Demands:  The working environment for the NRT is primarily outdoors, in remote and rugged locations. The individual will be expected to navigate to off-site locations, under a variety of weather conditions, and traverse difficult upland and shrub-steppe terrain.

Salary and schedule:

This position is a full time seasonal, non-exempt position with compensation starting at $18 – $21 per hour ($37,440 – $43,680 per year), based on experience and/or qualifications. Benefits include a significant health insurance subsidy, accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 12 paid holidays and retirement contributions after one year of service.  Terms of compensation and benefits are set by position appointment letter and may be amended at any time by the Board of Supervisors.  Position may require some work on Saturdays or after regularly scheduled work hours.