We are hiring a Habitat Specialist!
Thurston Conservation District seeks a dynamic, creative, and critical thinker with interest in designing and implementing habitat conservation projects and working with diverse communities to join our collaborative team in a fast-paced, hands-on and rewarding work environment.
Find the full job description and application instructions here (PDF).
Position Summary: This position provides technical assistance services to community members to promote water quality protection, fish and wildlife habitat enhancement, and natural resources stewardship. The Habitat Specialist will work collaboratively as a TCD Technical Team member to provide services to Thurston County residents including, but not limited to: the development and implementation of restoration and enhancement projects to benefit stream ecology, wetlands, and upland ecosystems for the improvement of conditions for fish, wildlife, pollinators, and native plant communities, assisting with public education during workshops and tours, and managing Thurston Conservation District’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.
Minimum Qualifications: The successful applicant has a minimum of a BA or BS in natural/environmental science, agriculture, agronomy, environmental planning, or closely related technical/scientific/natural resources field –OR– a BA/BS with demonstrated experience in the above fields –OR– an AA in the above fields with 2 years direct experience in natural resource management.
Applicants must also have a minimum of 4 years of professional natural resource management experience in ecology, botany, wetland science, upland or aquatic habitat restoration, or related work. This can come from experience within a government, corporate, or other post-secondary training environment –OR– a combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is welcome.
Find the full job description and application instructions here (PDF). An editable version of the supplemental application questions can be found here.
TO APPLY:
Priority application deadline is October 19th. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt. First round interviews will be scheduled immediately following the priority deadline.
Please include the following in your application package:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Three (3) professional/educational references
- Responses to attached Application Questions
Be sure to describe your interest and unique qualifications for the position and the skills that you bring to the Conservation District team. Your cover letter is not to exceed one page. Letters of recommendation may be included.
Send electronically (please no paper copies) to: job-applications@thurstoncd.com
Please include: Habitat Specialist – YOUR NAME in the subject line.
We sincerely thank you for your interest in joining the Thurston Conservation District team!
APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
Please read the following prompt and answer the questions below. Submit your responses with your application.
Prompt: The Old Greengrass Dairy is a 100 acre dairy farm with about 1,200 feet of salmon-bearing creek running through the farm fields. The property upstream has an existing riparian buffer project, and at first glance the Old Greengrass Dairy could potentially be an opportunity for increased habitat connectivity. You have identified this farm for a possible riparian buffer project. Please discuss the following:
- How would you prepare for your first meeting with the landowner of the dairy? What strategies for initial outreach would you use? What about a pitch for a potential project?
- What considerations would you discuss with the landowner to help determine whether this property is appropriate for a habitat project?
- Suppose that the landowner agrees to work with TCD on a riparian buffer project and gives you the go ahead to develop a plan. What are the main components of a riparian buffer restoration plan? Please list and briefly describe each.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: Here at Thurston Conservation District our employees and the people we serve come from all walks of life. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for everyone. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Please let us know if you need accommodation to participate in the application process.
We sincerely thank you for your interest in joining the work we do at Thurston Conservation District!