Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist

Thurston Conservation District is looking for an experienced self-starter who is a dynamic, energetic, highly organized creative thinker with an interest in natural resources conservation and supporting local agriculture. The successful applicant must have a strong work ethic to become part of a cohesive team of passionate individuals in a hands-on and rewarding work environment.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist works directly with community members to help them meet their land-based goals in a non-regulatory and voluntary environment.  This position works with farmers, landowners, and residents in Thurston County to assist with the planning and development of conservation plans for their properties and operations. This position conducts the Thurston CD’s Soil Testing Program and is responsible for providing soil test analyses, guidance, and technical education about soil management for the community. Additional experience in forage and pasture renovation, invasive weed guidance, and livestock husbandry is helpful.  The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist occasionally develops, coordinates, and implements other projects as assigned by the Conservation Program Manager. This position may occasionally supervise other volunteers, interns, work crews, and/or project contractors on specific projects.  

The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist is responsible for utilizing District and partner programs to benefit both the landowner/operator and the soil, water, air, plant, animal, human and energy natural resources present on the property. This position will work directly with a highly collaborative and professional technical team, under the mentorship of the Agriculture Programs Manager, to identify, develop and implement projects that address natural resources, habitat concerns, and agricultural priorities of cooperators. Thurston Conservation District offers a dynamic and passionate work environment with a supportive staff team.

Eligibility for this position is contingent upon the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking over difficult terrain and on construction sites, lifting up to 50 lbs., occasional travel and periodic evening and weekend work.

Thurston Conservation District is governed by volunteer community stakeholders who serve on our Board of Supervisors and bring additional knowledge, experience, and unique perspectives to support and strengthen the mission of the District.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist works directly with community members to help them meet their land-based goals in a non-regulatory and voluntary environment.  This position works with farmers, landowners, and residents in Thurston County to assist with the planning and development of conservation plans for their properties and operations. This position conducts the Thurston CD’s Soil Testing Program and is responsible for providing soil test analyses, guidance, and technical education about soil management for the community. Additional experience in forage and pasture renovation, invasive weed guidance, and livestock husbandry is helpful.  The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist occasionally develops, coordinates, and implements other projects as assigned by the Conservation Program Manager. This position may occasionally supervise other volunteers, interns, work crews, and/or project contractors on specific projects.  

The Natural Resource Specialist or Senior Specialist is responsible for utilizing District and partner programs to benefit both the landowner/operator and the soil, water, air, plant, animal, human and energy natural resources present on the property. This position will work directly with a highly collaborative and professional technical team, under the mentorship of the Agriculture Programs Manager, to identify, develop and implement projects that address natural resources, habitat concerns, and agricultural priorities of cooperators. Thurston Conservation District offers a dynamic and passionate work environment with a supportive staff team.

Eligibility for this position is contingent upon the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking over difficult terrain and on construction sites, lifting up to 50 lbs., occasional travel and periodic evening and weekend work.

Thurston Conservation District is governed by volunteer community stakeholders who serve on our Board of Supervisors and bring additional knowledge, experience, and unique perspectives to support and strengthen the mission of the District.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Option 1) Bachelor’s Degree (B. A. / B. S.) from an accredited institution in natural/environmental science, agriculture, agronomy, environmental planning, or closely related technical/scientific/natural resources field –AND— A minimum of 2-year professional experience working in the fields of natural resource management, soil science, crop science, agronomy, , farm or ranch management, ecology, botany, or related work. Work experience can come from a government, corporate or other post-secondary training environment. Three or more years of professional experience is preferred and could qualify applicants for the Senior Specialist role, depending on overall qualifications.

Option 2) An associate degree in natural resource management from an accredited institution in combination with 3 years direct experience in natural resource management as described above.

Option 3) Five years of on-the-ground working experience in natural resource management as described above.

Applicants who feel they have 5-year minimum combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position are welcome to apply.

Experience writing professional reports and technical guidance is essential. Knowledge of local and regional agricultural and conservation issues is important, as is interest in supporting and working with an active and sustainable farming community in South Puget Sound. This position must have the ability to respect, collaborate, and work with diverse populations and perspectives and experience participating in discussions on contentious resource management issues with community members and other stakeholders. This position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite.  Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license.

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:       

• Robust experience in the field of soil science, testing, and analysis
• Knowledge of agricultural industry and/or farming experience
• Experience with vegetable and fruit crop production.
• Familiarity with pasture management, grass species identification, forage restoration, and grazing systems
• Interest in working with diverse types of farms, equestrian communities, and other small agriculture operations
• Familiarity with conservation project implementation, regulatory requirements, permitting, and critical areas
• Experience developing and completing conservation plans
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Conservation Planner Certified from NRCS or interest in becoming certified
• Familiarity with Washington’s Growth Management Act, Shoreline Master Program and policies, and various local ordinances and policies
• Knowledge of the local, state, and federal regulations and permitting processes
• Experience managing data and databases
• Proficiency in GIS

ADDITIONAL PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:       

• Robust experience in the field of soil science, testing, and analysis
• Knowledge of agricultural industry and/or farming experience
• Experience with vegetable and fruit crop production.
• Familiarity with pasture management, grass species identification, forage restoration, and grazing systems
• Interest in working with diverse types of farms, equestrian communities, and other small agriculture operations
• Familiarity with conservation project implementation, regulatory requirements, permitting, and critical areas
• Experience developing and completing conservation plans
• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) and Conservation Planner Certified from NRCS or interest in becoming certified
• Familiarity with Washington’s Growth Management Act, Shoreline Master Program and policies, and various local ordinances and policies
• Knowledge of the local, state, and federal regulations and permitting processes
• Experience managing data and databases
• Proficiency in GIS

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is permanent, overtime non-exempt, and full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible work hours. Local and out-of-town travel, occasional evening and weekend hours are possible. Work is hybrid between remote and in person, with more in office time during probationary period.

At times, this position spends as much as 45% of work time in the field conducting site visits with farmers, land operators and community partners. Employees are provided with necessary TCD-owned equipment to perform their job responsibilities outside and inside the office.

SCHEDULE & WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position is permanent, overtime non-exempt, and full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible work hours. Local and out-of-town travel, occasional evening and weekend hours are possible. Work is hybrid between remote and in person, with more in office time during probationary period.

At times, this position spends as much as 45% of work time in the field conducting site visits with farmers, land operators and community partners. Employees are provided with necessary TCD-owned equipment to perform their job responsibilities outside and inside the office.

TO APPLY:

Please submit:

1. Resume (no more than 2 pages)
2. Cover letter (1 page)
3. Three (3) professional references

Be sure to describe your interest and unique qualifications for the position. Highlight the skills that you can offer to our entire conservation district team. Your cover letter is not to exceed two pages. Letters of recommendation may be included.

Send electronically (please no paper copies) to:  job-applications@thurstoncd.com

Please include Natural Resource Specialist/Senior Specialist – YOUR NAME in the subject line.

First review of applications: July 8, 2024

Position open until filled with an ideal start date on or before September 1, 2024.

Thurston Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please let us know if you need any accommodation to participate in the application process. 

We sincerely thank you for your interest in joining the work we do at Thurston Conservation District!