Title: Partner Conservationist – Easement Technician, NRCS Washington. 

Reports to: Assigned NRCS supervisors; with additional mentorship and administrative reporting to Foresight Easement Programs Manager

Location: Mount Vernon, Washington - telework flexible

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Term: Current funding supports position through March 31, 2027

Start Date: November 2024

Position Summary

Foresight Conservation Inc. (Foresight), a national non-profit, is seeking a qualified Easement Technician to provide direct assistance to Washington Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agency staff, landowners, and partners involved in the easement programs. The primary responsibilities of this role involve assessing, planning, and documenting restoration and management on wetland conservation easements and other NRCS held easements. Specifically, the Easement Technician will conduct field visits to gather the necessary information and use NRCS planning processes and tools to complete wetland reserve plan of operations (WRPO) and compatible use authorizations (CUA). This position will also assist with annual easement monitoring to ensure compliance with easement terms and conditions, and achievement of program objectives. The position involves approximately 70% office duties and 30% field work.

This opportunity is intended for emerging professionals with a professional and/or academic background in environmental science, natural resource management, ecology, biology, environmental engineering or a related field, with an interest in jointly advancing their career and the stewardship of private lands conservation through purposeful fieldwork, programmatic support and hands-on experience with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Program Background and Objectives:

Foresight and NRCS have a mutual interest to conserve, protect, and enhance the nation's wetland ecosystems, as required by Congress through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program- Wetland Reserve Easements (ACEP-WRE) and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The main objectives of an easement are to restore wetland and adjacent uplands in order to provide habitat for fish and wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, improve water quality by filtering sediments and chemicals, reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, protect biological diversity and provide opportunities for educational, scientific and limited recreational activities.

NRCS-Washington has a growing portfolio of easements on private lands acquired for conservation and environmental benefits. The Easement Technician will be trained by NRCS to carry out the planning and monitoring activities.  Additionally, the Easement Technician may provide additional support to landowners and programmatic duties as assigned. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Complete Wetland Reserve Plan of Operations (WRPOs) for easements as assigned;
• Planning and documentation of easement includes topics include, but not limited to, historical land use, habitat types, hydrology, restoration objectives, restoration practices, vegetation plan, management activities, maintenance and operation activities, etc.  
• Process compatible use authorizations (CUA)
• Coordinate and complete all assigned monitoring events, through both onsite (field work) and offsite (aerial imagery) means; 
• Provide detailed documentation and follow-up depending on easement conditions and findings;
• Provide general program support to NRCS-WA easement staff as available and as program needs develop;
• Support new easement enrollments as assigned.

Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Carry out field visits independently, and as part of a team, in somewhat remote environments.
• Review governing documents of each easement to understand programmatic and technical background and inform field visit and planning.
• Collect field data as trained, and report findings and observations in a systematic and timely way.
• Self-familiarize with restoration and management conservation practices to easily communicate background, goals, and objectives with landowners in accordance with NRCS-WA Wetland Restoration Criteria and Guidelines (WRCG), policy and statute.
• Develop maps to support planning and monitoring efforts in appropriate NRCS business tools.
• Contact landowners and coordinate onsite visits.
• Walk the entirety of easements to verify boundaries, access, compliance, management outcomes and needs, etc.
• Assist State Office with developing and maintaining easement case files in appropriate NRCS business tools.
• Manage and track multiple projects at once.
• Attend and successfully complete training as assigned in order to obtain skills and to meet applicable NRCS standards, specifications and program requirements.
• Support NRCS-WA with other related tasks as requested or assigned.
• Work collaboratively with partners (NRCS staff, consultants, scientists, engineers, landowners) and maintain strong working relationships.
• Participate in regular calls with Foresight Staff.
• Maintain records of time, travel expenses, logistics, and accomplishments; report to Foresight in a timely manner.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in environmental science/studies, natural resource management, biology, environmental planning, environmental policy, range science, wildlife biology, conservation biology, engineering, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent professional work experience demonstrating proficiency in the duties and responsibilities of the position will be considered. Applicants must provide detailed descriptions of relevant work experiences.

Specialized Knowledge and Skills:

• Genuine interest and/or knowledge in wetland, upland, and riparian resource management.
• Familiarity with the ecology of the area.
• Some field work experience; exposure to wetlands and associated upland habitats preferred.
• Proficient research, analytical, organizational, and writing skills.

Collaborative Skills:

• Previous experience collaborating with Tribes is advantageous but not mandatory.
• Comfortable communicating directly with federal agency staff, resource professionals, and landowners.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Technical Proficiency:

• Adept at learning new software.
• Knowledge of and experience with GPS units and ArcGIS software.
• Strong computer management skills including proficiency with databases, email, Google Earth, iOS, Google Docs, and MS Office.

Adaptability and Physical Requirements:

• Strong time management skills with the ability and desire to handle multiple tasks.
• Strong organizational skills to manage workload, tasks, and interactions effectively.
• Ability to work independently in remote outdoor areas; capable of hiking and walking for extended periods and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Demonstrate sensitivity, understanding, and an ability to effectively interact with individuals (internal and external) from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, ability, and ethnic backgrounds.

Other Requirements:

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid driver's license and an insurable driving record; ability to complete government vehicle operation trainings, and comfortable driving government vehicles as needed
• Proficient in English
• Ability to pass a federal criminal background check for the purpose of obtaining and maintaining a LincPass
• Willing to abide by Foresight Policy and Federal Drug Free workplace policies and laws. Foresight reserves the right to drug test at any time.
• Overnight travel may be required

Physical Demands, Work Environment and Working Conditions

• Physical Demands: Requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, hiking, carrying, using hands to handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms. Manual dexterity required for use of hand and power tools, computer keyboard/mouse and other office equipment. Required to stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and/or crouch. Ability to hike over rough terrain.
• Vision Requirements: Requires close, distance, peripheral and depth perception vision as well as the ability to focus
• Weight Lifted or Force Exerted: Frequently moves up to 20 lbs., ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Environmental: Outdoor and indoor conditions. Work environment conditions can change frequently; working under adverse weather conditions and in various climates
• Noise Environment: Moderate noise such as in a business office with equipment and light traffic.
• Travel: This position requires domestic travel as needed

Compensation: Salary range $60,000-$67,000

To Apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter describing why you are a good fit for this position, as well as contact information for three professional or academic references. Qualified applicants will be contacted by email to arrange an interview. 

Deadline to apply: October 11, 2024. Accepting applications and interviewing on a rolling basis. Expected start date November 2024. 

Submit application to: https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/foresight-conservation-inc-easement-technician-f2308754-ea25-4d43-854f-620792cbc52d

Foresight Conservation provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Foresight Conservation complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.