We are now recruiting for a Livestock Conservation Planner. A brief summary of the position is below. See job announcement for full position description and application details.

Nature & Purpose of the Position
The position of the Livestock Conservation Planner will assist livestock farm owners and operators in Clark County in planning and applying natural resource conservation practices. Clark CD is the lead agency on a new project – Poop Smart Clark. Poop Smart Clark is an innovative Pollution Identification and Correction (PIC) program leveraging local, state, and federal funds and partnerships to address a primary source of bacteria pollution limiting water quality in Clark County. This position will act as the technical lead on livestock planning for this program. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with residents, landowners, and land managers to solve natural resource concerns using best management practices, creative thinking, and long-term relationships with clients. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a growing region on some of the most pressing natural resource challenges related to water quality, soil health, and endangered species recovery. The person hired for this position will report directly to the District Manager.

Primary Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Livestock Conservation Planner is to work directly with agricultural farm owner/operators and landowners within the District. The measurement of success is conservation plans and practices applied on the land to improve farm operations and water quality and soil health. In year one, we expect to have a minimum of 12 plans written.

We’re seeking candidates who excel in relationship-building, are creative thinkers and results-oriented, have the ability to multi-task, prioritize actions, and have strong project management skills. You must be able to work independently and collaboratively with others and have a service-oriented attitude.

Duties include the following:

  • Provide technical guidance and assistance to individuals and groups on sustainable livestock management, mud and manure management, pasture health and rotational grazing practices, soil health testing and analysis, erosion control measures, invasive species control, water quality improvements, and wildlife habitat improvement.

  • Assist and encourage livestock farm owners and operators in implementing their plans using Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) standards, specifications, and designs.

  • Inform and educate individuals and groups about financial assistance available for Best Management Practice (BMP) implementation.

  • Work in collaboration with landowners to write detailed conservation plans (livestock farm plans, BMP specific plans, etc.) and Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs). Provide complete implementation documents and support, including BMP design, layout, inspection, and certification, and provide financial and/or implementation assistance.

  • Lead farm owner/operators from initial contact with the CD through contracting and project completion while following potentially complex funding regulations.

  • Outreach and present on District programs to farm owners and operators.

  • Work collaboratively with NRCS, Clark County, Department of Ecology, cities, tribes, and other conservation partners to address resource concerns on private lands.

  • Build trusting, long-term relationships with residents of Clark County.

Applications open until the position is filled. The first round of application reviews will be mid-November.
Projected Start Date: December 2020 / January 2021

Apply here: https://clarkcd.org/employment