Habitat Stewardship Coordinator

Habitat Stewardship Coordinator
Full-Time Position Salary: $54,000-$62,000, DOE
Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first round of application review will occur March 03,2025.

Nature & Purpose of the Position:

The purpose of the Habitat Stewardship Coordinator is to support and promote the Skagit Conservation District's mission of providing voluntary, incentive-based natural resource solutions to the citizens of Skagit County by providing technical, financial, and educational resources. This position accomplishes the District's mission through both administrative and field support, and is responsible for managing existing climate adaptation projects. General duties include performing site visits, drafting project plans, completing work in the field, reporting on contract deliverables, and seeking out grant funding for the creation of new projects.

The Habitat Stewardship Coordinator will be responsible for promoting and implementing District programs in critical areas across Skagit County. Considering the nature of work which involves interfacing with citizens, grantors, and District partners in the office and in the field (often on private properties), the Habitat Stewardship Coordinator should be comfortable interacting with a diverse range of people and skillful in both internal and cross-organizational communication.

The Habitat Stewardship Coordinator must understand habitat restoration processes and project management, work collaboratively and professionally, be physically able to negotiate a variety of terrain and weather conditions, be self-directed and creative, and be dependable to follow through on assignments. The successful candidate values connecting community with environmental stewardship opportunities, and enjoys a balance of administrative and hands-on work.

About The Skagit Conservation District:

The Skagit Conservation District works with landowners and farm operators to plan and implement conservation practices on private land. The District works for healthier waters, and forests. Our team is collaborative, adaptable, respectful, and cares deeply about improving our environment and our community.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

The primary responsibility of the Habitat Stewardship Coordinator is to implement habitat and climate adaptation projects on both public and private property in Skagit County. This position must have strong project management and communication skills, with good attention to detail across multiple simultaneous projects. Job Duties include:

1) Manage current restoration and climate adaptation projects
2) Seek out grant funding and create new project proposals to address resource concerns such as water quality, farmland productivity, and carbon sequestration
3) Meet and report on grant contract deliverables.
4) Provide support services to Farm Planners and Engineer for developing, designing, and implementing best management practices identified in farm, forestry, and ecosystem restoration natural resource management plans.
5) Support the Farm Planners as needed in developing landowner cost-share agreements, reimbursements, and following of cost-share protocols.
6) Represent the District on Skagit Watershed Council's committees
7) Assist with coordination and permitting for bridges, culverts, and in-stream work
8) Complete field work as needed, such as installation and monitoring of instream/ground water gauges
9) Other tasks as assigned (As a small and supportive team, all staff are expected to be open to taking on other tasks as assigned.)

Qualifications:

The Habitat Stewardship Coordinator must have knowledge of habitat restoration and water quality monitoring processes, be detail oriented, be a strategic thinker, and thrive in working in community, in a team environment and independently. Additional qualifications include:

• A bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, environmental science, or related field, or three years working experience in related field
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365 suite of software programs
• Flexible schedule and ability to work occasional nights and weekends
• Valid Washington State driver’s license and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle

Desired Skills and Knowledge:

This position requires knowledge of natural resource conservation, soil health, and water quality principles that can be shared with landowners in a variety of land uses including agriculture, forestry, rural residential and urban settings. The candidate should be (or become) familiar with NPDES Education requirements, Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC) and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) standards designed to address specific natural resource concerns. It is also strongly desired that applicants have at least one year of field experience working with landowners. Additional desired skills include:

• Critical thinking skills to prescribe and install conservation systems which involve complex agricultural, forestry, ecosystem, stormwater, and other land uses and considerations.
• Understanding of restoration best management practices
• Understanding of basic water quality monitoring processes
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage community and partners in habitat improvement activities.
• Working knowledge or willingness to attend training on restoration permits, stormwater pollution and water quality.
• Ability to effectively plan and organize schedule of activities related to work goals set by the Riparian Planner and District Manager with good time management and prioritization
• A track record for planning and implementing several projects at once
• Ability to meet deadlines and provide high quality, accurate, and timely products
• GIS and documenting work using current technology/methods
• Creativity and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work will occur both in the office and in the field, with potential for some tasks to be completed in a remote setting. Candidates must be comfortable working outside in all weather conditions and across sometimes difficult to traverse terrain. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. Applicable field gear and equipment will be provided by SCD. Work vehicles will also be provided, for use with a valid driver’s license.

This is a full-time position consisting of 40 hours/week, Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. The position will require occasional work on weekends or after regularly scheduled hours for special events. Adjusted schedule during specific seasonal work may be considered.

Licenses, Certificates & Other Requirements:

Valid Washington State driver's license at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter, or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Compensation & Benefits:

Annual Salary $54,000-$62,000 Depending on Qualifications
This is a full-time, non-exempt position.
Benefits will include:

• Vacation accrual begins at eight (8) hours per month and increases based on years of service.
• The District recognizes twelve (12) holidays per year, which includes one (1) personal holiday.
• Sick leave accrues at a rate of eight (8) hours per month for full-time employees.
• The District and its employees participate in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
• Health, vision, and dental insurance

Skagit Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, and we make an effort to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $54,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Mount Vernon, WA 98273 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Mount Vernon, WA 98273: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $54,000 - $62,000