Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $5,503 – $7,338 Monthly

Community Planning and Economic Development is a fast-paced work environment dedicated to accountability, consistency, and transparency. 

The Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) department seeks a highly motivated Agricultural Community Program Manager to join our Community Planning Division. The Agricultural Community Program Manager will report to the Community Planning Manager or an assigned Senior Planner.
 
What you will be doing: 
The Agricultural Community Program Manager will use their skills county-wide to provide expert-level capabilities and guidance on planning and policy issues related to agricultural issues.
 
The focus of this position will be on several projects related to liaising with local farmers and agricultural producers on county permitting, economic development, and farmland conservation issues.
 
Being a great communicator, collaborator, project manager, and experience with agricultural policies and programs is key for this position. You will be working with county-wide elected officials, agricultural boards and commissioners, Thurston Conservation District, WSU Extension, local land trusts, farmers, and other organizations on your projects.
 
Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assist local farmers and prospective farmers navigate Thurston County code requirements and permitting processes unique to agricultural land uses.
  • Support Community Planning and Economic Development staff by providing a source of expertise on agriculture-related permitting issues.
  • Manage the Voluntary Stewardship Program including the development of contract scopes of work and tracking funding and expenditures. Coordinate the planning and development of the program’s budget.
  • Develop monitoring plans, perform research, prepare special studies, write reports, and collect and analyze various technical data to support the Voluntary Stewardship Program reporting requirements.
  • Develop and prepare planning documents, including drafting code amendments, regulations, and policies and procedures related to agriculture.
  • Provide technical and administrative assistance as staff for Voluntary Stewardship Work Group.
  • Respond to internal and external inquiries with information on agricultural rules and public policy.
  • Provide assistance, prepare reports, and presents information to County Officials, departments, external entities, and the general public related to agriculture.
  • May participate in intergovernmental committees at the request or on behalf of the Planning Manager or Director to analyze, evaluate, and propose a resolution to public policy issues related to agriculture.
  • May communicate and interact with executives and administrators of other organizations at the request and on behalf of the Planning Manager or Director.
  • May provide immediate supervision and training for assigned staff and interns in analyzing public policy issues related to agriculture.

To view the full job classification, click here: Community Program Manager
 
Why join the Community Planning team?
The Community Planning Division has a significant role in supporting Thurston County’s strategic initiative to balance development with preserving the County’s rural character, natural resources, and open spaces.
 
As a part of our Community Planning team, you will have the opportunity to plan for Thurston County’s future and solve complex community issues that have a county-wide concern. The Community Planning team works with other county team members, community groups, the cities in Thurston County, state and federal agencies, and more. The team focuses on:

  • Comprehensive planning and compliance with the Washington State Growth Management Act.
  • Coordination of joint planning activities with cities in Thurston County.
  • Planning for natural resource lands and critical areas.
  • Land use policy and ordinance development and amendment.
  • Water resources monitoring and management.
  • Administration of habitat and natural resources conservation programs.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Sociology, Soil Conservation, or a field specifically related to a specific community-based program of the County.
  • Three (3) years of experience related to the planning, administration, and delivery of community-based services, including one (1) year of working with volunteer boards and committees and various agencies.
  • Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, analysis, information retrieval and tracking.
  • Ability to communicate with co-workers as well as the general public.
  • Ability to identify funding sources and grants writing experience.    
  • Ability to oversee fiscal records and develop fiscal controls.

Desired Skills

  • Master’s degree in a related field.
  • Knowledgeable regarding issues pertaining to agricultural uses and activities such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation.
  • Knowledge in any combination of wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, and natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography).
  • Comprehensive knowledge of planning principles, practices, and techniques as they relate to soils conservation, agriculture, natural resources.
  • Technical expertise in a functional area of the comprehensive planning process and the associated methodologies and techniques.
  • Ability to prepare and administer work programs, budgets, grant requirements, and progress reviews.
  • Organized, self-disciplined, self-directed, and highly motivated.
  • Ability to understand and connect interests among diverse stakeholders.
  • Works well independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
  • Communicates at a high level both orally and in writing.

HOW TO APPLY

Agricultural Community Program Manager | Job Details tab | Career Pages (governmentjobs.com)