Thurston Conservation District seeks a creative, passionate, and organized with experience in designing and implementing habitat conservation projects in partnership with community members and as a part of our collaborative team.

This position supports Thurston Conservation District (TCD)’s Habitat Program(s) in a senior project management role that prioritizes 1) developing, securing funds for, and overseeing implementation of complex, multi-year, multi-scale habitat restoration projects in Thurston County; 2) directly managing multiple concurrent projects, budgets, deliverables, and deadlines; 3) leading TCD’s internal GIS program; and 4) working both independently and collaboratively with the Conservation Program Manager, Habitat Program Manager, and habitat team members to ensure program and project success.  This position also collaborates regularly with other TCD staff and Program Managers to maintain a vibrant, effective, and passionate habitat team and Conservation District.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to 1) manage complex projects and budgets, 2) secure grants & permits, 3) communicate effectively, and 4) support a multidisciplinary team to solve problems collaboratively.

Work will be focused in three key and knowledge and skills related to these areas of work are essential:

Restoration Project Development and Management

• Lead identification, conceptual development, implementation/construction, and evaluation of multi-year, technically complex habitat restoration projects with diverse partners and funding sources.
• Write and submit competitive grant proposals in collaboration with the District team and advocate for proposed projects during the selection process.
• Develop funding proposals for small to large-scale restoration projects, addressing diverse habitat types (wetland, freshwater river/stream, marine, prairie etc.) and pursing grants through federal, state, and other funding sources,
• Manage grants and projects, including but not limited to project development and grant writing; grant contracting; coordination with funding agencies; budget development; ongoing budget management; project team coordination; data collection and tracking of progress toward deliverables; timely implementation of grant objectives, reporting internally and externally.
• Coordinate procurement processes aligned with TCD policies and manage environmental consultant contracts, keeping projects on track and on budget.
• Manage environmental and construction permit processes.
• Participate in developing annual and long-range plans, brainstorm project concepts, complete special projects, etc.
• Represent TCD in local habitat workgroups and initiatives to support partners and to identify opportunities for collaboration, project development, and funding for new restoration opportunities, TCD habitat team members, and the restoration crew.
• Establish relationships and partnerships within the community by participating in technical assistance work groups, advisory committees, and project development committees.
• Work closely with the Conservation Program Manager and Habitat Program Manager to build the habitat program priorities and processes; coordinate with TCD management on complex habitat topics.
• Provide training and mentoring to members of the habitat team, strengthening overall professional competency across the team.
• Provide capacity support, as needed and feasible, to support restoration projects led by other habitat team members.

GIS Coordination

• Serve as technical lead for GIS at Thurston CD.
• Provide GIS mapping and data analysis in support of TCD staff and projects.
• Manage & organize GIS data files for TCD.
• Help TCD staff improve their GIS competency through training and technical support.

Technical Assistance

• Clearly explain complex scientific information to members of the public in both writing and orally in group and one on one settings.
• Identify and guide implementation of appropriate conservation practices that meet the needs of community members and address natural resource concerns.
• Develop and provide technical assistance guidance to community members as needed, for a diverse range of habitat types and challenges.
• Provide expertise, training, and technical assistance in habitat

Find a full job description, knowledge and skills required, and application instruction here.