About the Role

Cascadia Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated, creative and skilled individual to join the District as a Natural Resource Specialist placed with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). This full-time, term-limited position is a unique opportunity where a Cascadia staff member is placed with NRCS to provide important program support for NRCS’s flagship initiatives such as the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). This position will work day-to-day with NRCS staff to implement their programs in Chelan County.

With the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the NRCS has received unprecedented funding to provide financial assistance for on-farm practices. They need additional planning support to implement these projects within the next 3 to 5 years. NRCS has contracted with Cascadia to provide this support. This position will be required to learn NRCS programs, procedures and methods to implement best management practices. This is a unique opportunity to become a highly qualified employee within the NRCS agency.

This position will be based in the NRCS Field office in Wenatchee, WA. This position is funded through a federal contract that will last until September 2027 and may have an opportunity to extend the position depending on funding availability. This position is supervised by NRCS staff but will report to Cascadia CD’s Conservation Program Director. Work schedule and remote work opportunities will mirror NRCS policies, currently allowing up to 2 days per week remote work.

Typical Work

The Natural Resource Specialist will work day-to-day with NRCS staff to learn and implement their flagship EQIP, CSP and RCPP programs.

Work will include:

• Meeting with landowners for technical assistance site visits
• Assisting growers on funding applications
• Completing field inventories and utilizing planning tools to develop conservation plans
• Administering approved NRCS contracts
• Conducting implementation inspections
• Attending NRCS trainings and meetings

On a daily basis a person in this position would utilize NRCS software, tools and procedures to develop and administer EQIP, CSP and RCPP projects.

This position will require the ability to follow established NRCS program procedures, attention to detail, and an efficient and effective work ethic.

For a full list of duties for this position, please see the job description posted at: Careers – Cascadia Conservation District (cascadiacd.org)

Minimum Qualifications

A qualified candidate must have:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher degree) in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines to the position. (If selected for the position, unofficial college transcripts are required). Meeting only this requirement will qualify the applicant only for the Resource Technician 1 Pay scale ($19.00 - $23.09 per hour)

Qualifications required for Resource Technician 2 pay scale: Applicant must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience to meet this pay scale requirement ($25.96-$28.62 per hour)

• Assisting with scientific studies on the use and preservation of natural resources or environment including soils, water, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands, or forests;
• Utilizing Geographic information systems (GIS) tools and other software to gather information or prepare reports; and
• Preparing written materials such as reports, presentations, or planning guides.

Qualifications required for Resource Specialist 1 pay scale: Applicant must have at least one or more full-time years (12-months) of specialized work experience to meet this pay scale requirement ($29.56- $34.22 per hour)

OR

A Master’s or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree in a field which demonstrates knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work of the position such as: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position. (Transcripts will be required)

• Planning scientific studies on the use and preservation of natural resources or environment including soils, water, vegetation, wildlife, wetlands or forests;
• Training others on natural resource topics such as land use management, preservation of natural resources, or environmental compliance;
• Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools and other software to maintain records, gather information, or prepare reports; and
• Recommending solutions to resolve natural resources problems.

Desired Qualifications:

A candidate with one or more of the following qualifications is highly encouraged to apply:

• Experience with NRCS or other USDA programs
• NRCS conservation planner training and/or familiarity with NRCS best management practices and implementing them.
• Experience working with landowners on natural resource management issues

Desired Attributes

Cascadia is seeking an applicant with the following attributes:

• Pragmatic
• Open-Minded
• Works well with diverse teams with differing backgrounds and approaches
• Dedicated to serving the public in an open, ethical and efficient way
• Ability to work within established program rules and procedures in a positive manner
• Attention to detail

About Us

Cascadia Conservation District’s mission is to encourage wise stewardship and conservation of all natural resources for current and future residents in Chelan County by:

• Being an active advocate for wise land use and water management decisions. Promoting a reasonable approach to environmental problems.
• Providing locally-led, voluntary, non-regulatory solutions to local environmental problems.
• Educating both adults and youth about natural resources stewardship.
• Monitoring and responding to future trends that affect the environment.

Cascadia is a non-regulatory political sub-division of Washington State formed in 1948 to bridge the gap between local landowners and state and federal government. We work collaboratively with residents, land managers and landowners to conserve natural resources within Chelan County through technical and financial assistance for best management practices utilizing many funding mechanisms. Our work benefits the health and well-being of residents and visitors in our community. Cascadia is governed by a 5-member volunteer Board of Supervisors who provide the policy direction for our work.

Service Area

The quality of life in Chelan County is unsurpassed, evident by a steadily increasing population and a strong, diverse economy. The area’s natural beauty and abundance of recreational opportunities are two of the many reasons people come to Chelan County. It’s a place characterized by sparkling clear rivers, clean air, flowered hillsides, expansive views, spectacular mountains, brilliant skies, and productive orchards and farms.

From the ridge tops to the valley bottoms, Chelan County is a spectacular place to live, work and play.

Salary

• Resource Technician 1 qualified candidates: Starting at $19.00 - $23.09 per hour
• Resource Technician 2 qualified candidates: Starting at $25.96 - $28.62 per hour
• Resource Specialist 1 qualified candidates: Starting at $29.56- $34.22 per hour

Benefits

WA State Retirement (PERS) Vacation Leave, Sick Leave, Holidays Medical/Vision/Dental Basic Life Insurance Monthly VEBA Benefit Optional Aflac, Short Term/Long Term Disability, and other option benefits through Washington Counties Insurance Fund

Hours

• 40 hours per week
• Flexible Work Schedule

Location

Office located in Wenatchee, Washington

Partial remote work possible