Position Summary:

The Research and Monitoring Coordinator’s primary purpose is to assist the Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator, the District Manager, and the Board of Supervisors in developing and implementing monitoring programs that assess the efficacy and impacts of conservation practices on natural resources. Serving as an integral conservation team member working in the field and office. The position will plan, organize, and coordinate soil, water, habitat, and other monitoring programs and projects; manage and analyze data associated with the programs and projects; assist with writing and managing reports and grants; help to organize and coordinate public events; train and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers; and assist other staff in carrying out miscellaneous grant or contract-related tasks as part of the district’s annual plan of work. The successful candidate will join the District’s team of conservation professionals working together to enhance and protect natural resources within Franklin and Benton Conservation District boundaries.

Position Details:
FTE:                                 Full-time (40 hours/week)
Compensation:               $65,000 – $75,000 ($31.13 – $35.92/hr) (DOE)
Position Type:                 Regular (benefits eligible)
Closing Date:                  September 26, 2024

Job Duties:

• Assist in developing 2-Year Monitoring Plans (i.e., the Position and District’s scope of monitoring work) starting July 2025 based on the VSP Monitoring Framework to assess conservation concerns and BMP efficacy outlined in the VSP Work Plan.
• Coordinate with District staff, partners, contractors, and/or volunteers to complete the scope of work.
• Assist in the hiring, onboarding, and supervision of seasonal research and monitoring support staff as funding allows.
• Conduct field monitoring efforts consistent with the VSP Monitoring Framework.
• Help to develop a program around offering ecological monitoring as a service to the community.
• Use and help refine spatial models developed to identify areas that would benefit from implementing conservation practices.
• Identify emerging or novel conservation practices that show promise for addressing natural resource concerns that require alternative approaches. Collaborate with Technical Assistance Staff in developing pilot projects as funding allows.
• Track monitoring activities and manage data collected with Excel, SmartSheet, ArcGIS, or other data management software/programs.
• Analyze environmental data and contribute findings to the VSP 2- and 5-Year VSP Reports.
• Share research findings with staff and other stakeholders. With assistance from other FCD staff, presentations will be provided to work groups, boards, commissioners, planners, technical committees, and other partners.
• Document processes and develop standard operating procedures for recurring and standardized activities.
• Apply for grants in collaboration with other staff, programs, and/or partners to support Research and Monitoring goals and objectives; manage associated budgets and fulfill deliverables.
• Support ongoing monitoring efforts by other District Programs as needed. • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree (MS) in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Soil Science, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and three years of related experience. Qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.
• Experience developing and executing experimental designs and research questions.
• Knowledge of soil science and landscape management, emphasizing water quality, soil health, and landscape ecology.
• A background or working knowledge of farming practices, the issues and challenges facing farmers, and the best management practices applied to these systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience with ESRI GIS programs, including but not limited to ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and Field Maps.
• Experience collecting field data, including water, soil samples, and vegetation metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Physically able to carry up to 45 lbs. over steep and rough terrain in inclement weather conditions.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

• Experience calibrating and running spatial models.
• Experience with statistical analysis of soil, water, and vegetation data.
• Experience with Smartsheet work collaboration software.
• Experience writing and managing grants and tracking budgets.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to identify common plants and animals of the Columbia Plateau, native and nonnative/invasive.
• Experience working with remote sensing and/or UAS imagery.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting water quality monitoring stations.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and related conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Experience with environmental education and outreach, particularly in public communication of research findings.
• Highly motivated, creative, curious, and organized.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience managing multiple, diverse issues.
• Demonstrated ability with multi-tasking and project management simultaneously in a dynamic environment while meeting deadlines and time constraints.
• Ability to build respectful and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in problem solving and resolving conflicts.

How to apply:

Please visit https://www.franklincd.org/post/now-hiring-research-monitoring-coordinator and click on the link to apply. Or click here!