The Central Klickitat Conservation District is seeking a qualified individual to fill a permanent Resource Technician II position. The primary role of this position is conservation planning and assisting with the implementation of conservation practices. The individual in this position will be working in partnership with the CKCD team to implement conservation practices and provide sound technical assistance related to the management of natural resources.

The Resource Tech II position is part of a team of resource professionals working to implement the vision of the Central Klickitat Conservation District. Our vision is to be recognized by all private landowners as a source of financial, technical and educational assistance in Klickitat County; and by local, state and federal authorities as the organization of choice to implement on-the-ground stewardship activities. We serve the citizens of our community to ensure the long-term use of natural resources in an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable manner using non-regulatory, voluntary approaches.

Title: Resource Technician II

Introduction

The individual in this position will primarily work with conservation district staff to assist private landowners and land managers to develop and implement conservation practices on the landscape and oversee implementation of projects. The person in this position will work with conservation district staff to assist plan, design, permit and implement conservation practices on the landscape.

Primary Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Resource Technician II is to work as part of a team to provide conservation planning assistance to private landowners on behalf of the conservation district and NRCS. Conservation planning assistance entails an initial evaluation of natural resource concerns, priorities, landowner objectives, and concludes with implementation of conservation practices on the land to address identified concerns. The individual of this position will be required to obtain a Conservation Planner Certification with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Duties of this position include the following:

• Complete required training required to obtain a Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Planner Certification.
• Assist with or lead the planning and implementation of natural resource-related measuring and monitoring programs (e.g. stream flow monitoring, fish passage barrier assessments and inventories, etc.), including field work, data entry and reporting.
• Provide sound technical services, advice and information to landowners and cooperators to improve natural resource conditions in a voluntary manner through proven best management practices
• Independently and as a team, plan, organize and coordinate the implementation of projects with and for landowners and land managers
• Assist field crews with on the ground implementation of conservation projects including: fencing, planting, weed control, and procuring additional supplies. This may require remote site work and 40-hour weeks of physical project implementation.
• Assist with report writing, including status and final grant reports for assigned projects
• Work with CKCD staff to develop, implement, maintain and revise conservation plans that address natural resource concerns on their property.
• Conduct environmental monitoring to support CKCD’s conservation easement and water quality monitoring program as needed.
• Assist with project identification, development and grant applications.
• Learn and implement the basics conservation planning with the assistance of CKCD staff.
• Learn and understand the basics of common local conservation practices (e.g., conservation plantings, soil health practices, grazing systems, forestry, tree planting, etc.)
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidate must be a US citizen. This position requires an individual with natural resource management-based knowledge and experience, in combination with a desire to assist landowners in reaching their stewardship goals. The desired candidate must also have the ability to work on multiple projects and adjust priorities as necessary based on program needs; must be self-directed and motivated with an aptitude for troubleshooting and problem solving; and must have the ability to work closely, cooperatively, and in a non-confrontational manner with others in a public office environment. Candidates should have:

• A four-year degree with academic training and/or experience in natural resource sciences and/or agricultural or related fields (e.g. natural resource ecology, forestry, soil science, crop science, plant science, wildlife biology, field crop management, etc.) OR at least two years of experience in a similar working environment.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS to compile data, create maps and conduct novice level analyses.
• Ability to collect, manage, and analyze natural resource field data including planning, implementing, and reporting components.
• Ability to work in adverse conditions and navigate rough terrain.
• Proficiency in written and oral communication techniques to prepare and explain conservation plans, prepare informational articles, and to prepare summary work reports.
• Advanced computer software skills. Ability to use Microsoft Word and Excel in an efficient and effective manner to write reports, keep track of work progress, prepare educational and informational materials and record field data.
• Ability to effectively use a variety of tools (e.g. tablet, GPS, stream flow meter, camera, etc.) to collect, disseminate, and record natural resource data.
• Ability to work closely and collaboratively with others in a public office environment.
• Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities.
• Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time-keeping and authorized expenses.
• Service-oriented attitude and constructive problem-solving skills.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in varied conditions.