Rural Lands Conservation Specialist
Upper Willamette SWCD
Eugene, Oregon
Job Type | Permanent |
Salary | $56,372 - $64,330 per year |
Benefits | This position has a starting salary of $57,468.00. The district provides a generous benefits package to each employee that includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 457b retirement benefit with up to a 6% employer match contribution, |
Deadline | Nov 06, 2025 |
Experience | 2 - 6 years |
The UWSWCD is seeking a Rural Lands Conservation Specialist whose role is crucial in engaging with private agricultural, working lands, and rural landowners and managers interested in implementing voluntary conservation practices. By conducting conservation planning, project development, design, and implementation with these stakeholders, the Specialist plays a significant part in the conservation efforts within the boundaries of the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District. This position also focuses on assisting the Oregon Department of Agriculture with implementing the local agriculture water quality plans. In addition, the Specialist provides natural resource technical assistance and outreach to district residents, enhancing the quality of life for the community.
The Specialist also offers on-site assistance with a broad range of conservation practices, methods, and procedures applicable to a variety of conditions to reduce potential resource loss due to soil erosion and water pollution, enhance wildlife habitat, and enhance farm, ranch, or forest operations. The Specialist will frequently work with landowners and managers who have horses or horse operations, as well as livestock to provide conservation technical assistance and ensure compliance with water quality regulations. The Specialist builds and maintains working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies/organizations to assist landowners with program and service enrollment and participates in meetings, tours, and workshops, further contributing to the collaborative nature of the role. Please visit our website at www.uwswcd.org/employment for a complete job desctiption.
Applications are due by November 6, 2025, and applicants who are chosen for interviews will be notified of the next steps in the process beginning November 14, 2025. We strive for equitable hiring practices, including using the same rating system and interviewing questions for all candidates, providing interview questions in advance, and considering a wide range of experiences to meet qualifications.
Application Instruction:
The UWSWCD strives to create an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we serve. We foster fairness, equity, and inclusion to create a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background.
We encourage you to apply for open positions, even if you don't meet every single qualification listed. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of an open position, please feel free to contact us to discuss your application.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to Admin@uwswcd.org with the subject line “Rural Lands Conservation Specialist”.
If you prefer to mail your cover letter and resume our contact information is:
Upper Willamette SWCD Attn: Leslie Owens
3291 W 1st Ave Eugene, OR 97402
Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement
The Upper Willamette SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without discrimination against race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or family status. The District recognizes the reality of modern-day systemic racism that has maintained disparities that limit opportunities for groups of people based on race, culture, and other characteristics. The District believes that an organizational commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is essential to its mission and the development of a more resilient watershed and community.
Veterans Preference
Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans’ preference when applying for UWSWCD positions. If you would like to be considered for veteran’s preference, please provide qualifying documents with your application submittal.
When you apply, please indicate that you are responding to the posting on Conservation Job Board.
Category | General / Stewardship |
Tags | Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Science |