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CONSERVATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST


BACKGROUND:

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCD) is a non-regulatory special district that helps people protect, conserve, and restore natural resources through information, education, and technical assistance programs. The RCD has ongoing projects that promote natural resource conservation in relation to farming and ranching operations and watershed-based habitat restoration. 

RCD projects focus on reducing soil erosion, off-farm sediment transport, non-point source pollution, salmonid and wildlife recovery, and improving ecosystem health.  The RCD Board of Directors and staff work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The RCD requires the services of a Conservation Program Specialist to serve as the Watershed Coordinator to coordinate and assist in planning conservation efforts and projects in the Pajaro River Watershed.  This position is funded through contracts between the RCD and the State Department of Conservation. This position will report to the RCD Program Manager and will work closely with other district staff to fulfill the RCD mission and the scope of work from the State contract, as summarized below:  

 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

·         Collaborate with stakeholders to identify goals and projects; identify, seek, and track funding for projects in a database; coordinate implementation of Integrated Watershed Restoration Program projects, Permit Coordination Program projects, and assist stakeholders with resource conservation planning.

·         Plan and implement resource protection plans and priority projects and promote existing incentive and cost-share programs.

·         Assist in implementation of the Permit Coordination Programs in the upper and lower watershed.

·         Facilitate community and agency dialogue and coordinate workshops on water quality and resource protection issues such as groundwater recharge, aquatic habitat restoration, and balancing agricultural and resource protection needs.

·         Coordinate education and outreach, including a bilingual Watershed Steward Series of technical assistance trainings; present at water quality and resource protection forums.

·         Integrate with regional and state programs through developing resource materials and presenting on successful programs, and coordinate with Department of Conservation through participation in workshops and writing project management status reports.

 

  • Serve as liaison between the RCD, RCD’s funders, consultants, contractors, landowners, and other partnership entities.
  • Proactively identify, solicit and expand upon funding opportunities including development of new grant opportunities, development of contracts with granting agencies, administration and management of grant funds, and submission of required progress reports.
  • Create and track project budgets and review invoices.
  • Prepare reports to grant managers and funders, including reporting on project progress, successes, shortcomings and lessons learned.
  • Track resource conservation issues which are relevant to the RCD’s operations.

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Required

  • Experience developing and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships including landowners, researchers, nonprofits, public agencies, permitting agencies, and the public.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant related obligations.
  • Highly motivated and self-directing with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload.
  • Candidates must possess strong oral and written communication skills, computer (EXCEL, WORD, POWER POINT), and organizational skills and multi-tasking ability.
  • Experience working with project implementation.
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher in Environmental Science, Soil Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related field.
  • Applicants for this particular position should have experience in water resources and/or natural sciences.

Preferred

  • Understanding of agricultural operations and/or slough systems.
  • Knowledge of permitting procedures and requirements.
  • Experience working under, writing and/or managing grants.
  • Conservation planning experience.
  • Experience working with private landowners from a non-regulatory perspective.
  • Understanding of natural resource topics and issues including hydrologic processes, nutrient management, and native plant species.
  • Construction oversight experience.
  • Spanish language skills

The Conservation Program Specialist is a three-quarters to full-time position based on a Monday through Friday daytime schedule. Some job related travel is required and will be billed on a cost reimbursable basis. Applicants must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits package (after 3 months employment) includes paid health and dental. Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution of 1 to 1 up to 4.5% of gross salary available after 6 months. Paid holidays and vacation effective after 30 days.

To apply, please submit a resume, letter of interest, and names and phone numbers of at least three references to: The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, c/o Susan Pearce, 820 Bay Avenue, Ste 128, Capitola, CA 95010. If you would like additional information, please contact the RCD: Phone: (831) 464-2950 ext. 18 Fax: (831) 475-3215. DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS: February 5, 2012 The position is open until filled. The RCD is an equal opportunity employer.