NOTE: 
The Hiring Team may make a hiring decision at any time. The first review of candidates will be on 6/10/24. It is within your best interest to apply for this position at your earliest convenience. Additionally, this position will operate in a hybrid/remote setting, with the expectation of being able to come into the office as needed. This position has the ability to work from anywhere within Washington State.
Who We Are: 
The Washington State Conservation Commission (SCC) is a non-regulatory state agency that supports and coordinates our state’s 45 conservation districts and administers voluntary conservation programs. Together, the SCC and conservation districts provide incentive-based services that empower people across Washington to take actions that keep natural resources and working lands healthy for all.
What You Will Be Doing:
As the Office of Farmland Preservation (OFP) Coordinator, you will lead and oversee the activities of the Office of Farmland Preservation, ensuring the agency’s goals and objectives are met. You will coordinate farmland preservation efforts across Washington State, including the purchase and funding of agricultural conservation easements and assisting local governments in retaining agricultural land. Your role will involve marketing and outreach, providing technical assistance on working-lands easements, and conducting research and analysis on farmland preservation and food systems issues. You will work closely with the Commission’s Policy Director and other stakeholders, including serving as a co-lead of the statewide Food Policy Forum. Additionally, you will contribute to the development and implementation of the agency’s strategic plan, aligning OFP objectives with executive management’s expectations and strategic goals. Some of the Duties Include:

• Lead development of Agricultural and Working Lands Viability and Food System Support Priority Area of agency strategic plan.
• Establish and report on goals, objectives, strategies, and tactics to Commissioners.
• Collaborate across priority areas to develop and achieve agency vision and mission.
• Develop strategic vision and long-term goals for OFP, managing budget, resources, and staffing needs.
• Secure funding through decision packages and oversee OFP program guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Develop and refine programs, tools, and resources to meet OFP goals.
• Identify necessary changes in the RCW that establishes the OFP.
• Manage the Office of Farmland Preservation statewide, providing strategic direction and oversight for conservation easement portfolio.
• Oversee grant agreements, complex real estate transactions, and ensure compliance.
• Supervise and provide oversight to OFP staff, including hiring and development.
• Co-lead the Food Policy Forum, responsible for strategy development and administrative oversight.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Valid Washington State Driver's License.
• Bachelor’s degree. NOTE: Additional applicable work experience may substitute this educational requirement, year-for-year.
• Six (6) years of professional experience or expertise in:
  • Farmland preservation, land conservation, land use planning, or public administration.
  • Executing and managing agricultural conservation easements (real estate license is not required).
  • Two (2) years of supervisory experience
• Experience implementing a statewide program, including leadership in coordination of diverse groups to support the program, and communication and outreach to advance program objectives and activities.
• Working knowledge of laws, policies and procedures which impact both the agency and conservation districts. 
• Working knowledge of laws, policies, and procedures relating to farmland preservation issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Proficiency with time management and managing multiple activities.
• Ability to travel (including overnight).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, business administration, natural resources management, or related degree.
• Awareness of the purposes and activities of the State’s 45 conservation districts.
• Experience or expertise in farmland preservation, land conservation, land use planning, or public administration.
• Experience in food systems development and policy.
• Knowledge of Federal and state laws, policies, and other applicable guidelines.
• Knowledge of state budgeting relating to land acquisition.
• Excellent facilitation, collaboration, and communication skills, especially in writing and editing complex documents. 
• Experience in building and implementing a statewide program, including leadership in coordination of diverse groups to support the program, and communication and outreach to advance program objectives and activities.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and work with collaborative groups. 
• Demonstrated ability to take recommendations from various sources and convert them to policy actions.

Please provide the following documents to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:
 

• A letter of interest (no more than 2 pages) explaining how you have prepared yourself for this position.
• A current resume or CV, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information 

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified. 
 
Opportunity for All: The Washington State Conservation Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
 
You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.
Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact George Deguzman via email at jobs@des.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.