Conservation Technician

Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District

Job Title: Conservation Technician FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

Reports to: District Manager Effective Date: May 8, 2025

Job Summary: This Conservation Technician will assist with all District programs, provide conservation technical assistance, and conduct project management tasks for District sponsored projects, as directed by the District Manager.

General Requirements:

• Maintains regular and punctual attendance
• Contributes to a positive and productive work environment
• Maintains strict confidentiality
• Support agency partners

Essential Functions/Duties/Responsibilities:

• Coordinate with staff, landowners, and partners in planning conservation measures on private property to meet a multitude of conservation plans and landowner goals.
  • Some examples of existing and planned practices include Brush Management, Forest Stand Improvement, Riparian Buffers, Fence, Prescribed Grazing, and others.
• Coordinate various local, state, and federal conservation programs and grants as assigned.
  • Some examples of existing and planned programs and grants include various Endangered Species protection, Landscape Resiliency Strategy, Forest Management Practices, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Agricultural Water Quality Program, and others.
• Assist with District’s education and outreach events.
  • A few examples include project tours, education workshops, demonstration events, brochures, social media posts, press releases, and others.
• Participate in staff collaboration for District organizational plans as directed.
• Collaborate in grant reporting through various online portals and original creations.
• Support the District in grant writing from various sources.
• Landowner contacts and communications, including phone calls, follow-up and written correspondence (letters and emails) as needed to coordinate planning, design, implementation, and reporting.
• Attend meetings as directed.
• Participate in trainings as assigned.
• Keep a daily log of work activities and submit monthly Board Reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Education and Experience:

• A 4-year degree in agricultural science, natural resources, or a related discipline. Applicable experience in natural resource management may be substituted for minimum education requirements.
• An agricultural background and familiarity with ranching operations is preferred, but not necessary.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License is required.
• ATV/UTV Safety Certification required before operation of any District ATV/UTV.
• CPR/First Aid Certification within 12 months of hire date.

Required

Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Great interpersonal skills to interact with a wide variety of people.
• Ability to proficiently use mobile devices such as tablets, GPS units, and satellite emergency radio.
• Writing, photography and design skills as needed to produce materials for public outreach and education for promoting conservation practices and programs.
• Ability to contribute innovative ideas in conservation projects and marketing.
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Skills in conducting meetings and educational workshops to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas, confirm decisions, and produce written meeting outcome documents.
• Ability to work safely around open water and remote locations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Effective public speaking, particularly in a board setting.
• Preferences may be given to candidates with position appropriate certifications or authority, such as Practice Job Approval Authority or Planning Certification from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Knowledge:

• Knowledge or experience in the following computer software programs:
  Word, Excel, PowerPoint, ArcGIS, virtual meeting platforms, Gmail, and Google Drive
• Knowledge in conservation management practices, programs and principles.
• Knowledge of various state and federal conservation programs such as Agricultural Water Quality Program, Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Environmental Quality Incentives Program
• Familiar with state and federal grant programs through…