The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District (TSWCD) is hiring a Habitat Conservation Specialist 1 (Specialist) to join the Habitat Conservation Program. The Specialist furthers existing conservation efforts within Washington County that support the TSWCD’s mission and goals for habitat conservation.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a current resume (maximum two pages), cover letter (maximum one page), and three references in PDF format. In your resume and cover letter, please highlight your experience in relation to the “Essential Functions” as listed in the position description below.

All application materials are due by 11:59pm on Friday, August 29, 2025. Send your completed application materials (mail or email accepted) to:

Kelly Dawes, Director of Finance and Operations

Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District

7175 NE Evergreen Parkway, Suite 400

Hillsboro, OR 97124

Kelly.dawes@tualatinswcd.org

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Tualatin Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status.

Veterans Preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for TSWCD positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for veterans’ preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents with your application submittal.

General Position Summary

The Habitat Conservation Specialist 1 furthers existing conservation efforts within Washington County that support the TSWCD’s mission and goals for habitat conservation. The position manages restoration projects to enhance the health of habitat and natural resources in the county. These projects include improving river and stream health in the Tualatin River watershed through planting and maintaining riparian buffers and conducting instream projects along the Tualatin River and its tributaries, enhancing and creating oak habitat, improving wetlands, and working in other habitat types across the county. The Conservation Specialist also works with members of the public and partner organizations to further the TSWCD’s habitat goals. This position will also collaborate with TSWCD staff to plan and implement other TSWCD objectives and activities.

Salary and Benefits

This position is full time at $60,886.00 – $70,019.00 per year plus benefits. Medical and dental insurance are available after 60 days. 100% TSWCD-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance are available after 180 days. TSWCD will contribute 5% of the gross earnings per pay period to a 457(b)-retirement plan after 180 days.

Essential Functions/Major Assignments

Plan and Implement Habitat Conservation Projects

Implement phased project planning and management objectives for the Habitat Conservation Program, as identified in TSWCD’s Strategic Plan. Duties to support this function include:

• Identify project opportunities.

• Prepare project plans, scopes, and schedules.

• Coordinate contracted labor to implement project activities.

• Evaluate project deliverables, track progress, inspect work, and adaptively manage in response to changes.

• Respond to landowner issues and implementation challenges.

• Prepare, implement, and manage project budgets.

• Track practices eligible for cost share.

• Support collaborative partnerships within and outside TSWCD to develop, prioritize, and implement projects.

Conduct Site Visits with Enrolled and Interested Landowners

Build relationships with residents within the community to implement conservation measures to protect natural resources. Duties to support this function include:

• Conduct site visits and provide program information to interested residents.

• Work cooperatively and maintain good relations with residents and partner agencies.

• Provide recommendations to residents on the natural resources that they steward.

Monitor and Report on Project Outcomes

Duties to support this function include:

• Conduct site visits to monitor project progress on existing projects.

• Submit qualitative monitoring data to project partners.

• Collect qualitative monitoring data and photo points annually.

• Certify and monitor contractor treatments.

Secondary Functions

Implementation of TSWCD Policy

• Maintain TSWCD files according to established policy.

• Maintain time and attendance reports according to TSWCD policy.

District Support and General Activities

• Assist TSWCD staff with the development of an annual work plan, strategic plan, annual meeting, and reports.

• Other duties as assigned.

Specific Job Ability

This position is detail oriented and technical, requiring performance of the following essential job functions:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills (email, phone, one on one conversations in the field, presentations, etc.).

• Strong time-management, organization, and project-planning skills;

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft products.

• Knowledge of natural resources and/or agriculture, and the ability to apply such knowledge to various projects.

Education, Experience, and Certification/Licensure

The following experience and special qualifications are required to perform the duties of the Specialist position:

• Minimum of two years’ professional experience in a natural resources-related field.

• Experience managing projects and coordinating activities with landowners, partners, and community organizations.

• Experience working with diverse set of stakeholders to achieve program goals.

• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office products (i.e., Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

• Working knowledge of ESRI products (i.e., ArcGIS, Field Maps).

• Must have a valid Oregon driver’s license and clean driving record (as determined by the TSWCD insurance carrier).

The following experience is preferred to perform the duties of the Specialist position at a proficient level:

• Bachelor’s degree with major course work in environmental science, natural resource management, or related fields.

• Current NRCS Level 1 Conservation Planner certification or able to complete coursework within one year from hire date.

• One or more years of project management experience with project monitoring.

• One year’s field experience in Washington County, Oregon.

Supervisory Responsibility

The Specialist is not responsible for any supervisory functions or responsibilities but may occasionally be asked to manage outside contractors and orient and/or train new employees.

Interpersonal Contacts

The Specialist will regularly work with the public and may serve as a designated spokesperson for TSWCD. Interactions can be non-routine, complex and require extensive discussion or explanation. Highly refined communication and/or interpersonal skills are a significant aspect of the job responsibilities.

Job Conditions/Physical Effort

The position requires some physical effort or manual labor such as lifting, carrying (up to 50 pounds), or constant movement while carrying or wearing tools for long distances, walking on uneven terrain, steep slopes in riparian (streambeds and banks) and upland forest environment, as well as agriculture fields and road rightsof-way. Job conditions outside of the office are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, and dirty conditions. The Specialist will regularly be responsible for driving a TSWCD vehicle.