Outreach Specialist

Salary: $52,000.00 - $62,000.00 Annually
Location : Skagit County - Mt. Vernon, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2026-SCD OS
Department: Skagit Conservation District
Opening Date: 05/07/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


Social Media & Digital Engagement - Stream Team - Youth Education
Full Time Position
Salary: $52,000-62,000 annually, depending on experience
Closing Date: Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The first round of application review will occur June 1, 2026.


About Skagit Conservation District
Skagit Conservation District (SCD) is a non-regulatory local government agency that empowers Skagit County landowners, students, and communities to practice voluntary natural resource stewardship. SCD programs span agricultural conservation, forest health, water quality, riparian restoration, and environmental education. Working in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies, SCD connects people to the resources and knowledge they need to care for the land and water of the Skagit watershed.

Position Summary
Skagit Conservation District is seeking a creative, community-oriented Outreach Specialist to lead its digital engagement presence and coordinate two cornerstone community programs: the Stream Team volunteer monitoring program and youth environmental education initiatives. This position sits at the intersection of communications, program coordination, and environmental education. It is ideal for someone who is equally comfortable crafting a compelling social media campaign as they are leading a group of middle schoolers to a creek.


The Outreach Specialist will develop and manage SCD's social media and digital communications, build relationships with community members and partner organizations, recruit and support Stream Team volunteers, and plan and deliver education programs for K-12 youth. This position reports to the Program Manager and collaborates across all SCD program areas.

Duties


Primary Responsibilities
The following list is illustrative of the types of work performed. other duties may be assigned.
Social Media & Digital Engagement (~35%)

• Develop, manage, and grow SCD's presence across social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, and others as relevant), creating content that is engaging, accurate, and aligned with SCD's mission.
• Write, design, and edit digital and print communications including event flyers, blog posts, press releases, and program updates.
• Photograph and document SCD programs, events, and projects to build a library of visual content for outreach use.
• Film, edit, and produce short-form educational and promotional videos for use on social media and SCD's website.
• Coordinate outreach campaigns to recruit participants for SCD programs, including Stream Team, youth education events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities.
• Design print and digital materials including brochures, signage, and promotional collateral using Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools.
• Track and analyze digital engagement metrics; prepare reports to evaluate outreach effectiveness and inform strategy.
• Support organizational branding consistency across all communications channels and materials.

Stream Team Program Coordination (~35%)

• Serve as the primary coordinator for SCD's Stream Team volunteer water quality monitoring program.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and support a network of community volunteers monitoring Skagit County waterways.
• Develop and maintain training materials, data collection protocols, and volunteer resources.
• Coordinate field days, volunteer events, and recognition activities to retain and celebrate Stream Team participants.
• Collect, manage, and summarize volunteer-generated water quality and habitat data; support reporting to partners and funders.
• Maintain relationships with partner organizations engaged in stream monitoring.
• Use social media and outreach materials to celebrate Stream Team accomplishments and recruit new volunteers.

Youth Education Programs (~25%)

• Plan, coordinate, and deliver environmental education programs for K-12 students in Skagit County, including classroom presentations, Youth Conservation Tour, Annual Soil and Water Poster Contest, Arbor Day tree distribution, and field-based lessons.
• Develop age-appropriate curricula and hands-on learning activities aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and SCD program priorities (water quality, soil health, forest ecology, agricultural conservation).
• Recruit and coordinate with schools, teachers, and youth-serving organizations to schedule and promote programs.
• Support development and distribution of educational videos, virtual learning resources, and take-home materials for youth audiences.
• Evaluate program effectiveness through participant surveys, observations, and data collection; use results for continuous improvement.

General Outreach & Program Support (~5%)

• Represent SCD at community events, tabling opportunities, and partner meetings.
• Collaborate across SCD program teams (Farm, Riparian, Forestry, Wildfire) to support outreach and education goals.
• Assist with grant reporting related to outreach and education deliverables.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications


Required Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in outreach, communications, education, natural resources, or a closely related field; a relevant degree (environmental science, communications, education, etc.) may substitute for experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing social media content for an organization or program.
• Strong writing, editing, and visual communication skills; experience with graphic design tools (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, CapCut, or similar).
• Experience planning and facilitating events or programs for youth and/or community audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to work cooperatively with diverse audiences including students, volunteers, landowners, tribal members, and partner agency staff.
• Valid Washington State Driver's License (or ability to obtain one prior to employment).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with volunteer program coordination or citizen science programs.
• Background in environmental education, conservation, or natural resource stewardship.
• Knowledge of Skagit County watersheds, agricultural landscapes, or Pacific Northwest ecology.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish or another primary language spoken by Skagit County communities.
• Demonstrated success engaging historically underserved or underrepresented communities.
• Experience with water quality monitoring or field-based science programs.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• This position involves both office-based work and regular field activities in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and work outdoors for extended periods.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
• Occasional evening and weekend work is required for events and programs.
• Travel throughout Skagit County using a district or personal vehicle (mileage reimbursed).

Supplemental Information


Compensation & Benefits
Skagit Conservation District offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications, along with a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS)
• Professional development and training support
• Hybrid-compatible work environment where feasible

How to Apply
To apply, submit the following materials to View email address on click.appcast.io with the subject line "Outreach Specialist Application":

• Resume
• Cover letter describing how your experience, skills, and values align with SCD's mission and this position
• One writing or design sample (social media campaign, newsletter, flyer, or similar)

For questions, contact Emmett Wild, District Manager at or View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Skagit Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer, and we make an effort to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.


Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.


Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.


Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.


Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026