Job Type: Permanent
Salary Details: $43,680 – $47,840
Deadline: Sep 06, 2023

Natural Resource Technician 

Foster Creek Conservation District (FCCD) is a special purpose district that delivers a range of grant-funded programs and services throughout Douglas County, in Central Washington. Our mission is to serve the community through providing quality technical assistance for natural resource stewardship. 

Position Description 

We are seeking a skilled and talented individual to join our small team as a Natural Resource Technician. This position will help support current grants associated with the Direct Seed, Soil Health, and Rangeland Programs, as well as work with partner agencies on contract work and planning. This position has the opportunity to help develop and lead additional projects with a focus on dryland agriculture and rangeland regenerative practices for Douglas County producers.  

The position will be under the direction and guidance of the District Manager and the Grants and Contracts Manager and will carry out the directives of the Foster Creek Conservation District Board of Supervisors. It is anticipated that this position will be working 60% in the field and 40% in the office.  Ongoing training will be provided. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:  

  • Manage tasks within the District’s Direct Seed program, including soil monitoring, and provide back-up support for water quality monitoring activities. 
  • Help develop a broader regenerative agricultural program including dryland farming and rangeland management.  
  • Assist in gathering and assembling preliminary data for resource concerns for use in developing complete basic farm conservation plans, primarily focused on dryland agricultural and rangeland management. 
  • 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 
  • Support development of grant application(s), project reports and outreach projects. 
  • 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 resource management 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) and GIS software. 
  • Knowledge and experience with the use of ESRI online, Collector, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and hand-held tablet computers is beneficial. 
  • 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.  
  • Experience with soil sampling is beneficial.  

Salary and schedule: 

This position is a full-time seasonal, non-exempt position with compensation starting at $21 – $23 per hour ($43,680 – $47,840per year), based on experience and/or qualifications.

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 September 6th.  Please submit application either electronically to:  info@fostercreekcd.org