Join Our Team as a Conservation Planner!

Nature & Purpose of the Position

The Conservation Planner provides technical assistance, planning and outreach on conservation practices to agricultural operators, forestland owners, and residents of Clark County. The Planner performs in-field site visits, conducts site-specific resource evaluations, and develops natural resource conservation management plans that provide detailed recommendations for nutrient, pasture, and manure management, livestock exclusion, forest health, and habitat restoration. Goals of this work include protecting water quality, improving soil health, and enhancing wildlife habitat — all while improving operations and meeting landowner needs.

Position Details:

Position Type:   Full Time (40 hours/week) with benefits
Compensation:  Paid hourly depending on experience: $26.62 - $34.31 starting rate
Location: The office location is 11018 NE 51st Circle, Vancouver, WA 98682. Hybrid work environment with required in-person field work and events.
Job Responsibilities: 75% Office, 25% Fieldwork. For complete job responsibilities, see job description document. 
Projected Start Date: February 2025
Priority Application Deadline: January 13

Qualifications

The following qualifications sections represent a variety of ways an individual might gain the experience required to perform the position successfully. We do not expect any single candidate to possess all of the qualifications listed. We encourage you to apply if you have the training and experience to execute this role. Research tells us that some individuals, particularly those from diverse and historically underrepresented backgrounds, will only apply to positions if they meet all the listed qualifications. We are looking for team members who round out our current skill base. If this is you, we encourage you to apply. 

Suggested Minimum Qualifications

  • A minimum of four years of full-time paid experience in any combination of natural resource sciences, soil science, forestry, ecology, biology, environmental science, or habitat restoration. Or a combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

  • Associate’s degree in natural resource-related field. Additional years of relevant work experience can substitute for a degree; please address this in your cover letter.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences both verbally and in writing.

  • Advanced desktop computer literacy and computer software skills. Ability to use Microsoft Suite. Typical uses include writing reports, tracking work progress, preparing educational and informational materials, and recording field data.

  • Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of a broad range of soil and water conservation principles, techniques, methods, and practices, which involve complex and diverse agricultural, forestry, and urban land uses. Knowledge of PNW ecology.

  • Experience providing technical assistance to the public, including private landowners, farm operators, and managers.

  • Knowledge or experience implementing Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) 9 steps of conservation planning.

  • Basic to intermediate skills in ArcGIS mapping software.

  • Conservation Planning Certification.

  • Demonstrated commitment to the practical application of diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies.

  • The ideal candidate will have the communication skills to successfully work with a wide demographic of urban, suburban, and rurally located members of the public.

To Apply

Please upload the following materials to the online form, preferably in one PDF document:

  1. A resume.

  2. A letter of application addressing how you meet the qualifications of the position.

  3. Three references with contact information.

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.