Pacific CD Agricultural Specialist Position

Pacific CD Agricultural Specialist Position Position Description The Agriculture Specialist’s primary responsibility is to help agricultural landowners in Pacific County steward their land in order to protect critical areas and enhance agricultural viability. This includes developing, implementing and managing monitoring programs that assess the effectiveness of conservation practices implemented by the Conservation District with a focus on how they relate to the Pacific County Voluntary Stewardship Program. The position will help plan, organize, and coordinate wetland, soil, habitat, and other monitoring programs and projects; develop farm plans for local producers to address natural resource concerns as identified by the producer; apply for grant funding; manage farm projects; and coordinate with outside agencies and teams. The successful candidate will become a member of the District’s team of conservation professionals working together to enhance and protect natural resources. Responsibilities Help agricultural landowners in Pacific County steward their land to protect critical areas and enhance agricultural viability. Develop, implement, and manage monitoring programs that assess the effectiveness of conservation practices, focusing on the Pacific County Voluntary Stewardship Program. Plan, organize, and coordinate wetland, soil, habitat, and other monitoring programs and projects. Develop farm plans for local producers to address natural resource concerns. Apply for grant funding. Manage farm projects. Coordinate with outside agencies and teams. Qualifications Self‑starter with a strong work ethic, innovative, and capable of working independently and as part of a team. Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills. Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities related to work goals and grant objectives. Prompt communication and ability to form new relationships and create trust. Capacity to work with diverse individuals and groups and establish effective communication among all project partners. Bachelor’s degree with major coursework in agriculture, natural resource management, environmental sciences, or related fields. Two years’ experience with natural resource management and experience with agricultural activities/management. Successfully pass a federal background check and an additional background check involving credit evaluation, driving record, and arrest history. A valid Washington State driver’s license. Basic understanding of GIS. Knowledge of the processes required to assess, plan, monitor and report on BMP implementation. High level of literacy in MS Office/Google Suite applications (Word and Excel essential). Organizational, report, and informational writing, and research skills. Physical ability to perform tasks in the field by traversing uneven ground in varied weather conditions and occasionally carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment or materials. Desired Skills and Abilities Experience working directly with rural communities and private landowners. Knowledge of natural resource conditions, agricultural practices, and critical area resources in Pacific & Grays Harbor Counties. Demonstrated ability in coordinating, conducting, and facilitating meetings. Adaptability in maintaining accurate records. Knowledge and experience working with conservation districts. Knowledge and skill in livestock management, grazing practices, riparian management, and water quality standards. Data processing and research experience. Water quality monitoring experience. Statistical computing/analysis. Grant development and writing. #J-18808-Ljbffr