The Asotin County Conservation District is seeking a Resource Specialist to join our team.  This will be a full time, hourly position.  The person in this position will work closely with local landowners, coworkers, and conservation partners.  The primary responsibility for this position is the district’s riparian restoration program and general cost-share program. This including the development of voluntary conservation plans specific to each landowner’s needs and natural resource concerns.  

The duties of this position are to address natural resource issues by working cooperatively with private landowners, district staff, state, local, and federal agencies to implement Best Management Practices (BMP’s), implement conservation plans, provide technical assistance, and collect and analyze natural resource data. This position’s primary responsibility will be the district’s riparian and general cost-share programs. Funding for this position is subject to availability and successful attainment of grant money.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and implement district
• Contact interested landowners & assist them with developing individual plans to best protect and improve natural resources on their property.
• Provide individual landowners with technical assistance including providing information and recommendations for voluntary implementation.
• Work cooperatively with landowners and coordinating agencies to effectively implement grant program requirements.
• Coordinate between landowner and other agencies for technical
• Prepare permit applications, environmental compliance, and other documents necessary for conservation projects. Work with funding sources, partners, archaeologists, and landowners to ensure cultural resource surveys are
• Promote the cost-share program and assist landowners with cost-share
• Work with NRCS, partners and landowners to develop quality resource
• Provide periodic project inspection during the life of the projects
• Participate in outreach activities such as workshops and
• Attend workshops, training sessions and meetings within and outside of the district as directed by the District Occasional overnight travel may be involved.
• Prepare or assist with the preparation of project
• Assist with identifying grant opportunities and writing grant applications as
• Occasionally operate equipment as required for fieldwork according to safety requirements and district policy.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the District Manager & District Board of

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Must be able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing with a diversity of cooperators, co-workers, and others.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work independently and in groups, work efficiently and honestly.
• Must have demonstrable experience working positively and successfully with individuals one-on-one and in group settings.
• Ability and desire to motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices on their This may include educational speaking in front of public groups, organizations, or clubs, as well as one on one interaction
• Organizational, report and informational writing, and research skills are
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and timelines with flexible scheduling
• Computer literacy (word processing, spreadsheets, and database management) is required at an intermediate level or higher
• Ability to organize and plan own schedule of activities related to work goals
• Ability to maintain accurate records regarding time-keeping and authorized expenses
• Ability to work closely, cooperatively, and in a non-confrontational manner with others in a public office environment
• Must be able to physically perform the tasks of the job in the field by traversing uneven ground in varied weather conditions and occasionally carrying up to 50 pounds of equipment and/or materials
• Ability to operate ATV (if necessary) in a safe and prudent manner and to attend and successfully complete ATV Rider Course.
• Use current technology to conduct all conservation work
• Must have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid driver’s
• Must pass a driving record background check.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills:

• Agriculture background and
• A two-year degree with preferred course work in one or more of the following areas: agricultural sciences, soils, water quality, biology, general sciences, environmental sciences, fish and wildlife management, natural resource management, engineering, or a related
• Knowledge of a broad range of soil and water conservation principles, techniques, methods, and practices to apply and install conservation systems, which involve complex and diverse land uses.
• Knowledge and understanding of water quality standards and criteria for watershed health, riparian restoration, and ecosystem function.
• Knowledge and understanding of livestock management, grazing practices, and riparian management.
• Knowledge and understanding of agricultural and cropping systems
• Knowledge and understanding in riparian function and restoration processes to improve water quality and aquatic habitat.
• Knowledge of plant communities and
• Knowledge and experience using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices to collect point, line, and area information and downloading data to a computer system for further analysis.
• Ability to import data, analyze data sets, and develop maps and other graphical depictions of conservation values and plans using mapping software such as ArcGIS Pro.
• Knowledge and skill in surveying and identifying soils and/or hydrologic processes
• Ability to effectively use a variety of tools to collect, disseminate, and record natural resource data.
• Experience conducting biological monitoring and data collection, in sometimes challenging conditions.

This position’s compensation will start at $19.00 per hour DOQ/DOE. (Wage Range 3) Benefits for this position include 8 hours of paid sick leave per month, 8 hours of paid vacation leave per month, 11 paid holidays per year plus 1 floating holiday, medical insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance, and optional DCP retirement plan participation. Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the position appointment letter and may be amended at any time by the Board of Supervisors.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position.  Regular work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm with a 30-minute unpaid lunch.  Additional evening and weekend work is required occasionally and may require overnight travel.