Agriculture Resource Planner

Description

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Agriculture Resource Planner

Terms: Regular full-time position (40hrs/week), with benefits

Starting Salary: $62,000 – $78,000 annually

Job Classification and Range: Resource Planner

Priority deadline: First review of applications will be on May 15, 2024. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials via our website at https://snohomishcd.org/employment:

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position
• CV or resume detailing your related experience

If you have questions about applying or need accommodation during the application process, contact Sarah Jones at [email protected] or (360) 722-2679.

Applications will be reviewed beginning May 15, 2024. Position open until filled.

Position Summary

The Agriculture Resource Planner works in the Agriculture Department and in collaboration with the Habitat Restoration and Floodplain Management Department. This position provides technical assistance and outreach to agricultural operators throughout Snohomish County and Camano Island via in-field site visits, site-specific resource evaluations, and development of natural resource conservation management plans. The conservation management plans provide detailed recommendations for nutrient, pasture, and manure management, livestock exclusion, forest health, water use, and habitat restoration, in alignment with NRCS standards. The purpose of this work is to protect water resources, improve soil health, and enhance wildlife habitat, while improving farm operations and meeting landowner needs.

This position will also:

• Coordinate and present at virtual and in-person events about conservation planning and farm best management practices (BMPs).
• Coordinate financial assistance contracts for landowners implementing BMPs and manage related grants or contracts.
• Lead project teams to implement targeted outreach, technical assistance, and BMP implementation. 

This position will report to the Agriculture Department Director.

About the Snohomish Conservation District

One of 45 Conservation Districts in the State of Washington, the Snohomish Conservation District is a leader among peers with robust programs encompassing agricultural resilience, habitat restoration, urban stormwater, farm planning, youth education, community engagement and more. The District works with farmers, residents, and landowners on a collaborative and voluntary basis throughout our service area that includes Snohomish County and Camano Island. We take the mission of the District to heart – “work cooperatively with others to promote and encourage conservation and responsible use of natural resources” – as we implement successful and innovative projects.

Duties

Essential Tasks

These are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. 

• Complete site visits with commercial agricultural producers, small farms, horse owners, and urban farmers, including scheduling and follow-up.
• Promote implementation of BMPs that protect water quality, soil health, plant health, air quality, cultural resources, and wildlife habitat. Provide recommendations on BMPs through discussions, follow-up visits, technical assistance letters, and natural resource conservation management plans.
• Coordinate and manage dairy nutrient management program related to dairy compliance with Nutrient Management Act.
• Develop conservation (farm) plans that meet NRCS planning criteria. Assemble data needed in the development of conservation practices for structural and non-structural solutions to problems with water quality, soil health, wildlife habitat quality, erosion, drainage, crop production, livestock production, and irrigation. This includes completing relevant calculations, developing spreadsheets, using templates and tools specific to the planning need, completing checklists, and developing maps using GIS mapping software. 
• Connect landowners with potential cost share projects to funding opportunities. Complete landowner agreements, coordinate engineering involvement, and provide ongoing assistance to landowners.
• Conduct outreach to landowners in priority areas and provide assistance in developing educational materials for land users and organizations.
• Support District activities at public outreach events, including farm tours, workshops, fairs, and festivals. Give educational talks related to natural resource issues and implementation of BMPs.
• Provide input on programmatic strategic planning and grant proposal development. 
• Other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Job Qualifications

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities

• A Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource/environmental field with coursework related to agriculture, soils, forage production, livestock production, or ecology. 
• A minimum of three years of professional level experience in livestock management, soil conservation, or natural resource management. Alternative combinations of education and work experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of BMPs for small and large agricultural operations related to soil health, water quality, wildlife habitat, nutrient management, manure management, mud management, livestock management, crop production, and drainage. 
• Interest in and commitment to natural resources enhancement and public education.
• Demonstrated ability to interact amicably with diverse community members, build relationships with landowners and cooperators, and motivate individuals to adopt and implement resource management practices on their property. 
• Ability to effectively communicate recommendations and designs to farm owners and operators, demonstrate approaches, and guide installation of conservation practices.
• Knowledge of general water quality and salmon habitat limitations and priorities in the Puget Sound region.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage workload, schedule, and resources to meet deadlines and achieve goals.
• Ability to manage grants, contracts, and other funding awards. 
• Proficiency writing reports, outreach materials, technical assistance letters to landowners, and/or components of funding applications.
• Ability to take initiative, work well with team members, and adapt to new processes. Service-oriented attitude and constructive problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use computers and tablets to write reports, use word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentation, and calendaring programs, prepare maps using ArcGIS, and record project data. Ability to learn specialized computer programs to manage, track, and report on work.

Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities

• A Master’s degree in a natural resource/environmental field with coursework related to agriculture, soils, forage production, livestock production, or ecology. 
• Certified farm planner by NRCS or Center for Technical Development
• Experience with dairy facility planning and/or providing dairy facility technical assistance.
• Experience with equine facility management and/or providing equine technical assistance.
• Soils or farming experience (crop and/or dairy)
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal ordinances and regulations including Snohomish County and Island County codes and regulations
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal Conservation District partners
• Experience with carbon farm planning.
• Experience with carbon farm planning.
• Experience in Agroforestry or climate resiliency.
• Supervision or experience as a Technical Lead on a team

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

This position includes both office and field work and frequent travel to job sites. Field work comprises approximately 20% of the position. The field work is conducted in a natural environment with rough and sometimes dangerous terrain. This position requires the ability to:

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and on rough or uneven terrain
• Drive a vehicle when travel is needed. Must hold a valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license (or have the ability to acquire upon hire).
• Safely operate a motor vehicle, including full-size pick-up and trailer, on both public and private roads during daylight and occasionally after dark.
• Sit or stand for long periods of time in a standard workday.
• Lift, pull, carry, push up to 50lbs.
• Bend, twist, squat, climb, kneel/crawl, reach overhead, etc.
• Use finger dexterity and fine manipulation.
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person, on the telephone, and via video conference. 
• Occasionally work beyond an 8:00 am – 5:00 pm schedule or on the weekend. 

Supplemental Information

Benefits

The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Medical, including vision, insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB. The District matches employee dependent’s medical premiums at 80%. 
• Dental insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB for full-time employees. The District matches employee dependent’s dental premiums at 100%. 
• A monthly contribution to a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) plan through Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Association (VEBA) for employees who opt to waive District medical insurance coverage. 
• Life Insurance through Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA), with coverage paid by the District.
• Long Term Care coverage through the WA Cares Fund, with premiums paid by the District.
• Long Term Disability through WSHCA.
• Annual (vacation) leave accrued at a beginning rate of 8 hours per month, 8 hours of paid sick leave per month, and 12 paid holidays each year.
• Employer-contributed retirement program through the State of Washington Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).
• All employees are covered by standard State and Federal programs, including WA Paid Family Medical Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security, and Medicare.
• Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the Board of Supervisors and may be amended at any time.

Work Location

The position will be based out of our Lake Stevens office. Following a successful probationary period, there may be an option to work remotely part of the time. Some essential functions of this position require in-office or on-site work at specific times.

We strive to work in partnership with all, to provide equitable and accessible programming on a nondiscriminatory basis, and to continually improve how we do so. All programs and services of the Snohomish Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. 

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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