Pierce Conservation District: Farm Resource Specialist
Applications deadline: Filled on July 29, 2022
Nature & Purpose of the Position
The position of Farm Resource Specialist exists to assist livestock farm owners in Pierce County in planning and applying natural resource conservation practices. The holder of this position will focus their efforts on sub-basins of the Puyallup Watershed in Pierce County specifically selected as priority areas for improvement. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work directly with landowners to solve natural resource concerns using creativity, best practices, and through long-term relationships with clients. This is an exciting opportunity to work on some of the most pressing natural resource challenges related to water quality, soil health, and endangered species recovery in a growing region. The person hired for this position is directly responsible to the District’s Farm Planning and Agricultural Assistance Program Director.
About the Pierce Conservation District
Pierce Conservation District (PCD) is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in five core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the PCD staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission-driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.
Primary Job Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of the Farm Resource Specialist is to work directly with livestock farm owners and operators. The measurement of success is conservation practices applied on the land to improve water quality and soil health, improve fish & wildlife habitat, and that work to the advantage of the farm operation. Duties include the following:
- Perform outreach and build trusting, long-term relationships with farm owners and operators to let them know about conservation district programs and services and to discuss with them needed conservation practices. In addition, provide technical assistance to and develop resource management plans for livestock farms with emphasis on water quality improvement, soil conservation and health, nutrient management, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement. General knowledge of Pierce County and its residents, including their problems and concerns is necessary.
- Write four farm management plans per year and assist and encourage livestock farm owners and operators in implementing these management plans using standard Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) specifications and designs and by helping them to secure funding for individual conservation practices through the district’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), District rate cost share funding, and occasional grant writing. Once funding is secured, you will provide project oversight and assistance with best management practice implementation through coordination with District or NRCS engineers, permitting agencies, and the farm operators.
- Work collaboratively with government agencies and non-profit partners to carry out the mission of the District and communicate with livestock owners, government and tribal representatives, and others that may be interested in promoting conservation district programs on livestock farms.
- Organize and conduct at least four educational events for livestock farm owners and operators per year within the District’s boundaries and specifically within the geographic area of focus.
For more information
For more information, please visit https://www.piercecd.org/Jobs.aspx