JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Natural Resources Director - Agriculture

Location: Lake Stevens, Washington
Department: Agricultural Resources
Reports To: Executive Director
Employment Type: Full-Time, with benefits
Salary Range: $92,000-$104,000 annually

Application Deadline: Priority deadline is July 28, 2025. All applications received after this date will be considered until the position is filled.

Position Summary

The Natural Resources Director – Agriculture serves on the executive management team and provides strategic leadership and oversight of agricultural natural resource management programs. This position is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating initiatives that promote sustainable agricultural practices, conserve soil and water resources, enhance habitat, and support climate resilience. The Director works closely with farmers, ranchers, landowners, partner agencies, and internal staff to integrate conservation goals with viable agricultural operations.

About the Snohomish Conservation District

One of 45 Conservation Districts in the State of Washington, the Snohomish Conservation District is a leader among peers with robust programs encompassing agricultural resilience, habitat restoration, urban stormwater, farm planning, youth education, community engagement and more. The District works with farmers, residents, and landowners on a collaborative and voluntary basis throughout our service area that includes Snohomish County and Camano Island. We take the mission of the District to heart - “work cooperatively with others to promote and encourage conservation and responsible use of natural resources” - as we implement successful and innovative projects.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and manage comprehensive agricultural conservation strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Lead the design and implementation of programs and projects focused on soil health, water quality, agroforestry, nutrient management, habitat enhancement, and the economic viability of agriculture.
• Identify and pursue innovative funding opportunities (e.g., grants, cost-share programs, public-private partnerships).
• Ensure timely and high-quality customer service is provided to residents.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a liaison to agricultural producers, community stakeholders, and natural resource partners.
• Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with other conservation districts, Snohomish County, WSU Extension, tribes, NGOs, and other federal and state government agencies (e.g., NRCS, USDA, WA State Departments of Agriculture, Ecology, and DNR).
• Represent the organization in public meetings, advisory boards, and collaborative initiatives.

Team Management & Supervision

• Supervise and mentor a team of natural resource planners, project managers, and engineering staff.
• Develop staff capacity through training, guidance, and performance evaluations.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.

Policy, Planning & Reporting

• Track and influence relevant local, state, and federal policy affecting agricultural resource management.
• Oversee program evaluation, data collection, and reporting to funders and decision-makers.
• Prepare annual work plans, budgets, and reports in coordination with leadership.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, soil science, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible experience in agricultural conservation, natural resource management, or related areas.
• Demonstrated leadership in developing and managing agricultural programs and projects.
• Strong knowledge of sustainable agriculture, conservation practices, and working lands management.
• Understanding of regional and local agricultural issues.
• Excellent communication, facilitation, and public speaking skills.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Experience leading teams, developing work plans, and managing staff.
• Proficiency with funding development, budgeting, and grant management.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in related field.
• Experience working with regulatory frameworks and incentive-based programs (e.g., EQIP, CSP, CREP).
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and permitting requirements.
• Understanding of engineering design processes and construction management.
• FAA-Certified Drone Pilot
• to Fly for Commercial Use
• Knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, carbon markets, and regenerative practices.
• Familiarity with geographic information systems (GIS), monitoring tools, and data analysis.
• Experience with NRCS conservation planning process and the Field Office Technical Guide for Washington State. 
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest habitat restoration and ecosystems.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Combination of office-based and field work, occasional travel and remote meetings, and some work on weekends and after regularly scheduled hours.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel within the service area.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs and work in a variety of field conditions.

Benefits

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes: 

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB. 
• Life Insurance through Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA), with coverage paid by the District. 
• Long Term Care coverage through the WA Cares Fund, with premiums paid by the District. 
• Long Term Disability through WSHCA. 
• Annual vacation and sick leave and 12 paid holidays each year. 
• Employer-contributed retirement program through the State of Washington Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and auto-enrollment in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). 

We strive to work in partnership with all, to provide equitable and accessible programming on a nondiscriminatory basis, and to continually improve how we do so. All programs and services of the Snohomish Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.