Research & Monitoring Technician

Position Summary

The Research and Monitoring Technician’s primary purpose is to assist the Research and Monitoring Program Manager in developing and implementing environmental monitoring programs that assess the effectiveness of conservation practices implemented by the District. They will serve as an integral member of the research and monitoring program working both in the field and the office. The position will help plan, organize, and coordinate stream, soil, and habitat monitoring projects; they may help to organize and coordinate public events; and assist other staff with grant deliverables and or contract-related tasks as part of the District’s annual plan of work.  The successful candidate will become a permanent member of the District’s team of conservation professionals working together to enhance and protect natural resources.

Position Details

FTE: Full Time (40 hours/week)

Compensation: $21.21 - $27.57/hour (DOE)

Position Type: Regular (benefit eligible)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or closely related field; OR a technical degree (AS/AA) and 1-year related experience. Qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.
• Knowledge of ecological restoration, current agricultural land use practices, resource management issues and challenges, and agricultural best management practices.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.), and ESRI software and products.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Physically able to carry up to 40 lbs. over steep and rough terrain in inclement weather conditions.
• Organized and attentive to detail.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience programming with The R Project for Statistical Computing.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs through the Farm Service Agency or Natural Resources Conservation Services currently available to landowners such as EQIP, CRP, CREP, etc.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and using water quality sensors, sondes, and data loggers.
• Knowledge of watershed management, with an emphasis on hydrology, geomorphology, and stream ecology.
• Knowledge and experience in processing remote sensing data from Landsat and Sentinel satellites.
• Knowledge of local plant communities, vegetation monitoring techniques, metrics, and riparian ecology.
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) pilot; has a current remote pilot certificate (pilot certificate issued under 14 CFR part 61)
• Experience with ESRI GIS programs (ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and ArcGIS Collector).

Palouse Conservation District offers benefits for regular and project employees that include:

• Medical/dental/vision, basic life and long-term disability insurance through the Washington State Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB)

            o 100% of the premium cost for the employee is covered by PCD

            o 35% of the premium cost for spouse and dependents is covered by PCD

• Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS)

           o Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
           o Optional participation in the Deferred Compensation Plan (DCP)

• Annual Life Flight Membership that covers employee and dependents
• Medical Flexible Spending and Pre-Tax Dependent Care Assistance Program.
• 12 days paid annual and sick leave per year
• 12 paid holidays
• WSU Tuition Waiver that covers up to 6 credits per fall/spring semester

Palouse Conservation District complies with federal, state, and local civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.