Position Title:  Natural Resources Specialist

Office Location:  Klamath Falls, Oregon (this is not a remote opportunity)

Functional Area: Conservation

Employment Status: Full-time, Hourly, Non-exempt.  SWCD operations are primarily supported by grants & contracts.

Position Summary: The Natural Resources Project Manager will be employed by the Klamath Soil & Water Conservation District but will work most closely with the USDA NRCS District Conservationist.  In this role, the Natural Resources Specialist will perform a variety of duties related to carrying out a coordinated natural resources conservation program assisting clientele in meeting their needs and the needs of NRCS and USDA. Duties will include assisting in the implementation of conservation plans, as well as assisting in conducting scientific studies of land management and natural resource programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Serve as a Natural Resources Specialist with responsibility for assisting in implementing a broad-based natural resources program for USDA-NRCS.  Work may be in one or more program areas and responsibilities will support various components of a large natural resources program while enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of soil conservation operations.
• Assist higher-level specialists with conducting long and short-term scientific studies and investigations on the use of soils, water, vegetation, wildlife, and other natural resources as part of the land management and natural resources program.
• Assist the District Conservationist with coordinating surveys, perform monitoring tasks, compiling/analyzing biological data, and preparing reports using statistical inference where applicable.
• Assist in the development, coordination and initiation of all recreational and management aspects of recreational programs to include: preparing regulations, letters of instruction and news releases; collecting population, biological, and demographic data; and developing public relations and information/education programs.  Provide input to the District Conservationist on balancing competing public and private goals for recreational development, commercial development, and natural resource preservation.
• Assist the District Conservationist with conducting short term scientific studies using conventional fact-finding and evaluation techniques for developing baseline information on birds, fish, and small animals, including their habitat, growth limitations, and feeding requirements. Assist with the monitoring of damage control efforts for compliance with established natural resources program policies and procedures.
• Assist the District Conservationist with analyzing a variety of data associated with environmental studies. Provide input to the District Conservationist using natural resources data and information generated by the Geographic Information System (GIS) to help develop and present both long and short range planning documents, and to prepare reports on study findings.
• Assist the District Conservationist with the planning, administering, and evaluating various natural resources and environmental protection programs to ensure proper consideration is given to resource conservation and protection measures.
• Participate in meetings with District Conservationist to coordinate work and prioritize where technical assistance will be provided.
• Ensure that the delivery of agency programs and services are compliant with policy and procedures including equal opportunity and accessibility.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Occasional attendance at conferences, meetings, or training opportunities may require evening or weekend attendance and travel.
• Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support team adaptability.

Physical Demands / Working Conditions

• Office schedule is generally M-F 8 am – 4:30 pm with ½ hour lunch break.  Field work may necessitate a varied schedule.
• Typical office tasks will include prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Typical field tasks may require some physical exertion and will include outdoor working conditions in weather which may be uncomfortable (rain, cold temperatures, hot sun, etc.) and navigating challenging (steep, muddy, rocky, uneven, etc.) terrain.
• Duties may require lifting and carrying moderately heavy (up to 50 lb) items.
• Duties shall be performed in a manner which supports safety and a healthy work environment, including task-appropriate clothing.
• Duties may require some level of federal background and/or security clearance; the results must be determined favorable by the agency in order to continue employment.

Trial Service

• A trial service period of three months confirms the initial employment decision and shall commence on the first day of employment.  During this evaluation period, the employee and the District will have an opportunity to determine whether further employment with the District is appropriate.

Minimum Requirements

• One year of combined full-time field technician or similar experience with data collection.
• Demonstrated skill in applying basic concepts, principles, and methodologies of the natural resources field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local agency regulations and policies concerned with the use, protection, and conservation of natural resources.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with individuals of various backgrounds in the techniques and requirements associated with land use management, the preservation of natural resources, and environmental compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to use GIS platforms.
• Proficiency with MS Office suite.
• This position requires driving a vehicle; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check and possess and maintain a current, valid driver’s license in their state of residence.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of technical methods and principles of natural resources management practices.
• Degree and/or coursework in natural resources fields.
• Evidence of experience with technical writing.
• A flexible working style and the ability to work independently and with teams of specialists to meet client and project needs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop professional skillset through application of related knowledge and skills.
• Experience in working cooperatively with local, state, and federal agency partners, multi-disciplinary teams and multi-agency efforts.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. We may close the application process without prior notice.

Compensation: $25-$28/hr.  Should personal vehicle use be required, mileage reimbursement will be provided at the current GSA rate.

Pay Period:  First - last day of each month

Pay Date:  10th of each month

Benefits:  The District offers 11 paid holidays, accrual of 8 hours of vacation leave and 8 hours of sick leave per month, and $450.00 per month allocation for the employee to purchase health insurance.

Screening:  Applications will be reviewed based on the information submitted; applicants must clearly show how they meet the qualifications through education, employment, and/or volunteer history, etc.  Required experience is based on full-time equivalent (40 hours per week).

Klamath SWCD is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please complete the following form, including uploading documents where indicated.