JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Natural Resource Project Manager

• POSTING DATE: March, 2022
• SALARY: $60,000 – $70,000 DOQ
• # OF POSITIONS: 1
• WORK SCHEDULE: 32-40 hours per week
• LOCATION: San Juan Island, Friday Harbor, Washington

​OVERVIEW

As one of Washington State’s 45 non-regulatory conservation districts, the San Juan Islands Conservation District helps residents and agency partners throughout the San Juan Islands achieve their goals for land stewardship and productivity. We are committed to conserving and enhancing natural resources in the San Juan Islands for farming, fish and wildlife, public health, forestry, recreation, and building climate change resilience. To be selected, the ideal candidate needs to demonstrate the ability to successfully manage grant-funded projects designed to achieve one or more of the District’s conservation goals.

The primary role of the Natural Resource Project Manager is to coordinate grant-funded projects through all stages, including planning, budget management, ensuring deliverables are met, progress tracking, and final reporting. The manager will coordinate the District’s Cost Share Assistance Program, which provides partial funding to implement best management practices on lands with resource concerns in San Juan County. The manager will also provide technical assistance and planning services, which may include writing farm or forest management plans for interested San Juan County landowners.

Candidates should have a background in project management, sustainable farm and forest practices, strong public speaking and writing skills, and an excellent work ethic. Must have a desire to be part of a cohesive team of passionate individuals. Work is performed both in office and outdoor settings in rural farm and forest lands. Local travel and occasional evening meetings and weekend hours are possible.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Coordinates and oversees the district’s Cost Share Assistance Program:

• • Performs site visits and works with district planners and landowners to design conservation projects in accordance with farm and forest management plan documents.
  • Solicits and generates cost share contracts and completes best management (BMP) practicejob sheets for practice implementation
  • Updates and manages projects in the Washington State Conservation Commission’s online tracking tool (Conservation Practice Data System (CPDS)), including budgets, timelines, contracts, and project contacts.
  • Maintains a list of potential cost share projects and funding sources working with landownersand funding agencies.
  • Assists landowners who are under contract with implementation, engineering standards, technical assistance, documentation and follow through.
  • Meets with cost share operators to review contract and complete project binder (practice standards, job sheets, labor and expense invoicing, billing).
  • Conducts annual proof of performance reviews for all previous cost share projects.
  • Effectively manages multiple projects that occur on separate island locations in an efficient manner.​

2. Provides technical outreach and conservation planning efforts with forest and farm landowners:

• • Provides technical assistance to county residents seeking assistance in farm and forest planning, following NRCS practice standards and specifications.
  • Implements conservation plans specific to farm and/or forest projects using NRCS standards
  • Addresses natural resource related concerns pertaining to farmland, forestland, soil fertility, wetlands, watersheds, non-point source pollution and wildlife habitat through planning and working with CD partners.
  • Performs resource inventories and evaluations, conduct soil testing and analysis, and monitor conservation practices following implementation.
  • Continues conservation planning and resource management professional development by attending training and courses that renew and update planning skills, tools and provide new resources to enhance CD programs.

3. Works in a collaborative manner to help implement and support CD Programs, which includes the following:

• • Plans and coordinates, in conjunction with District Manager and CD staff, the implementation of projects to successfully accomplish CD program goals and objectives.
  • Conducts outreach and educational presentations, coordinates workshops, and participates in public meetings.
  • Participates as appropriate in committees, workgroups and task groups that align with CD programs, goals and objectives.
  • Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with project partners and agencies.
  • Provides necessary reporting and documentation related to project completion and management in a timely manner.

4. Other:

• • Provides exceptional customer service to internal and external customers through careful listening and understanding of client issues and by communicating project assignments and proposals.
  • Works as part of a team to coordinate staff response to issues related to program function.
  • Maintains a high level of professionalism and integrity. Evaluates issues and possible solutions, works collaboratively with Conservation District staff and others to find solutions to challenges that arise; inspires confidence and respect; uses feedback from others to grow and develop.
  • Effectively and efficiently manages individual time. Able to resolve conflicts in a manner that is respectful and professional. Looks to further personal development and training to foster a positive working environment.
  • Is responsible for the safety of self and others, materials and equipment. Uses all required safety equipment and follows all safety regulations, policies and procedures.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience and education (BA or BS) in natural sciences, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, or closely related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated project management skills.
• Computer and software proficiency (Work, Excel, Power Point, online databases)
• Ability to be a team player and work independently; physically perform the tasks of the job; complete tasks on-time and within budget; and maintain confidentiality.

​DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Deep understanding of sustainable farm and forestry practices.
• NRCS Planner Certification.
• Understanding of Washington State’s Growth Management Act and critical areas.
• Grant writing and management experience.
• Familiarity with San Juan Islands’ natural resources and local agriculture.
• Experience with GIS mapping technology and software.
• Masters or PhD in natural sciences, agriculture, forestry, natural resource management, or equivalent experience in these areas.

​COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The San Juan Islands Conservation District provides competitive holiday, sick and vacation leave; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; and retirement benefits. Regular professional development opportunities are offered and strongly encouraged. We provide a fun, flexible and family-oriented workplace with passionate staff and meaningful work.

Annual salary is $60,000 – $70,000 DOQ.

BACKGROUND CHECK AND REFERENCES

All applicants must be able to pass a criminal background check and possess a valid driver’s license. Must have and maintain acceptable motor vehicle record. Must possess a willingness to perform physical activity, work in adverse weather and field conditions. Must have the ability to use all safety equipment. Demonstrated ability to rely on experience, training and independent judgement in determining how to plan and execute responsibilities in a resourceful and effective manner. Must be able to provide references (minimum of three) and contact information.

​TO APPLY

Please send cover letter and resume to Paul Andersson, . Position open until filled.