Description

The Okanogan Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a Range Planner position. The Range Planner – Team Lead will work closely with landowners, coworkers, conservation partners, and others to develop and implement voluntary conservation plans specific to each landowner’s needs.

The Okanogan Conservation District is a dynamic organization comprised of volunteer board members and paid staff members that are leaders in “on the ground conservation”. We seek highly motivated individuals that will complement our productive, energetic, and skilled staff to deliver quality conservation programs.

The Okanogan Conservation District is primarily grant funded and the employee will be required to develop partnerships and additional grants for continued funding and program implementation.

This position requires the employee to have earned at a minimum a bachelor’s degree with major course work in range management and/or directly related plant, animal, and soil sciences; wildlife management; watershed management; fire ecology; forestry; botany; agricultural science; natural resource management, or a related discipline. Experience may be substituted for education.

Wages and Benefits
This position’s annual salary range starts at $45,288 per year and increases based upon skills and experience. You will also be eligible for the District benefits package which includes medical insurance, Washington State retirement benefits, 10 paid holidays per year, vacation leave, and sick leave.

Application Deadline and Instructions
This position is open until filled. First review of applicants for interviews is 12:00 PM, May 14, 2021. Contact the Okanogan Conservation District office for detailed position descriptions.

Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (at least two of which are professional) directly to:
Okanogan Conservation District
1251 2nd Ave. South, Room 102
Okanogan, WA 98840
jess@okanogancd.org

Duties

1. Work proactively with land managers to develop custom resource management plans using their goals and existing resources to address natural resource concerns.
2. Inventory and assess landscape characteristics and natural resource concerns using NRCS and local partner strategies.
3. Monitor and evaluate data to determine if land management goals are being achieved.
4. Develop, implement, and evaluate habitat restoration projects.
5. Provide technical assistance to land managers.
6. Represent the District in local agricultural producer meetings and community meetings to support the participants and identify emerging opportunities.
7. Provide education and outreach to the public on the value of sustainable and resilient ecosystems. This typically includes tabling at community events, speaking at meetings, and teaching classes.
8. Connect agricultural producers and other community members with technical resources from partner organizations.
9. Communicate project activities to co-workers, granting agencies, the Okanogan CD Board, project partners, and the community.
10. Write grant and project funding applications and assist with contract negotiation and administration. Develop cost estimates and manage multiple budgets associated with a variety of grant funding sources.
11. Supervise staff and/or volunteers as assigned.
12. Perform all actions while on official duty in a safe and healthful manner and of a nature to reflect favorably on the Okanogan Conservation District.

Qualifications

1. Two years of experience related to the Core Functions of the position. Relevant graduate education may be accepted in place of experience.
2. Bachelor’s degree with major course work in range management and/or directly related plant, animal, and soil sciences; wildlife management; watershed management; fire ecology; forestry; botany; agricultural science; natural resource management, or a related discipline.
3. Possess or earn Level 3 (or higher) Conservation Planning certification from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.  Equivalent planning certification may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
4. Knowledge of range science and grazing strategies. Ability to learn the native and introduced plant species (including grasses) and wildlife common in Okanogan County.
5. Knowledge of a broad range of farm and ranch soil and water conservation principles and techniques to evaluate resource concerns and apply to complex and diverse land uses.
6. Ability to import data and develop maps using ArcGIS.
7. Able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a diversity of ranchers, private landowners, agency and organization partners, co-workers, and others. Able to work positively and successfully with individuals one-on-one and in group settings.
8. Experience facilitating groups of multiple stakeholders to resolve land use and natural resource issues using collaborative problem solving.
9. Ability and desire to motivate individuals to adopt resource management practices on their property.
10. Research, report, and informational writing skills.
11. Ability to organize and plan own schedule of multiple projects and activities related to work goals set by the Conservation Director. Self-motivated, able to work independently and in groups, work efficiently and honestly.
12. Computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheets, and database management) at an intermediate level or higher.
13. Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time-keeping and authorized expenses.
14. Must be able to  traverse uneven ground in varied weather conditions and occasionally carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment and/or materials.
15. Ability to travel, sometimes over-night, for field visits and meetings.

Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Supplemental Information