Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $21-$23 per hour ($43,680-$45,840 per year) depending on qualifications
Deadline: Aug 07, 2023

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled individual to join our small, energetic team as a Natural Resource Technician with knowledge of wildfire preparedness and experience with shrub steppe wildlife ecology. This position implements and provides program oversight and project-based support for the newly developed Fire in the Shrub Steppe Program and various wildlife ecology related projects. The position will be directly supervised by the Grants and Contracts Manager, with oversight and guidance from the District Manager and will carry out the directives of the Foster Creek Conservation District Board of Supervisors. The Natural Resource Technician will be expected to work cooperatively with private landowners, other district staff, and local, state, and federal agency staff. The position will also assist with other District programs and functions such as rangeland surveys and education and outreach activities.

This position has the opportunity to help develop and lead additional projects with a focus on conservation best management practices and the monitoring of those practices in cooperation with Douglas County agricultural producers. It is anticipated that this position will be working 60% in the field and 40% in the office.  Ongoing training and growth opportunities will be provided throughout the length of this position.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage tasks within the District’s Fire program, including coordination with partner agencies, work towards recovery, resilience, and preparedness with local community members. Continue and adapt the program to support the current needs of affected landowners and meet grant deliverables.
  • Implement assigned natural resource-related field activities including noxious weed mapping and control, habitat surveys, conduct Individual Stewardship Plan assessments, and other associated work such as data entry and reporting.
  • Provide weed identification, weed mapping and weed control services.
  • Operate within established project budgets.
  • Use ArcGIS Pro to perform data management, mapping, and some data analysis.
  • Support development of grant application(s), project reports and outreach projects.
  • Assist District staff with general office duties, participate in regular staff meetings and other committee meetings, as required.
  • Work to advance the goals of the Multiple Species General Conservation Plan.
  • Work with producers to obtain Incidental Take Permits for target threatened and endangered species.
  • Complete required Conservation Planning courses and webinars to become an apprentice conservation planner, with the potential to advance to a certified planner.
  • Organize and lead presentations in education and outreach programs.
  • Monitor project status to ensure progress toward completion.
  • Provide technical/field assistance as needed for project implementation and monitoring efforts.
  • Establish and maintain effective communication among all project partners, including grant and resource agency staff and local, private landowners.
  • Maintain effective, accurate records for all projects.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree, or higher, in natural resource management, environmental or agricultural sciences, water quality, wildlife management, or related fields. A minimum of one year of professional level experience is preferred. 
  • Must have demonstrated ability in handling multiple projects and be capable of working with diverse individuals and small groups.
  • Ability and desire to motivate individuals to adopt and implement conservation practices on their property.
  • Must be able to work in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions, traverse difficult upland and instream terrain, and carry field equipment necessary to complete required job tasks.
  • High level of literacy in MS Office applications (Word, Excel are essential)
  • Knowledge and experience with the use of Arc GIS Pro (or ArcMap), ESRI online, Field Maps (or Collector), Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and hand-held tablet computers.
  • Knowledge of Eastern Washington flora, fauna and ecology.
  • Ability to work closely with others in both a public office and field environment.
  • Very strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills, capable of maintaining accurate records, including time-keeping and authorized expenses.
  • Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license.
  • Adaptable and willing to take on other job assignments.
  • Willingness to receive additional training to enhance knowledge and skills.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with conservation districts is beneficial.
  • Background in range science or rangeland management is beneficial.
  • Knowledge of fire ecology and experience working with wildfire management agencies is beneficial.

Salary and schedule:

This position is a full-time non-exempt position with compensation starting at $21 – $23 per hour ($43,680 – $45,840 per year), based on experience and/or qualifications. Benefits include substantial contribution towards employee health insurance, accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 12 paid public holidays and retirement contributions after one year of service, all of which start upon first day of employment with FCCD. Terms of compensation and benefits are set by position appointment letter and may be amended at any time by the Board of Supervisors. Position may require some work on Saturdays or after regularly scheduled work hours. 

HOW TO APPLY

Access the job announcement at: www.fostercreekcd.org and submit a maximum of six pages, including a cover letter describing the experience and skills you bring to this position, a current resume, three references and your contact information to the Foster Creek Conservation District.

Position is open until filled.  The first review of applicants will occur after August 7th.  Please submit application either electronically to:  info@fostercreekcd.org