Agriculture & Range Planner

Description

Position Announcement:
January 23, 2026

Closing:
Open until filled, first review 12:00 PM February 5, 2026

Location:

Office located in Okanogan, Washington, with occasional travel beyond Okanogan County.

Wages:
Starting wage at $31.02 per hour, DOE with opportunity for merit and COLA increases.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Washington State Retirement (PERS)
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• 12 paid holidays per year

The Okanogan Conservation District (CD) is a dynamic organization comprised of volunteer board members and paid staff that are leaders in “on-the-ground conservation”. The district’s mission is to help cooperating land managers in Okanogan County achieve their conservation goals by working cooperatively with private landowners and stakeholders to encourage wise stewardship and land‑management decisions, providing locally led, voluntary, non‑regulatory solutions to local environmental problems, advocating for high‑priority resource concerns facing Okanogan County, and educating adults and youth on environmental and natural resources issues in our community.

The Okanogan CD values teamwork, locally led natural resource management, creative solutions, and voluntary conservation. It encourages a positive work/life balance and flexible schedules.

The Okanogan Conservation District is seeking a highly motivated, adaptable, and skilled individual to join the district as an Agriculture and Range Planner I. This position is responsible for implementing agricultural conservation projects throughout Okanogan County.

• Implement custom natural resource conservation plans in collaboration with agricultural cooperators primarily in the shrub-steppe environment.
• Facilitate Coordinated Resource Management (CRM) meetings to support collaborative decision-making.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of conservation projects to ensure alignment with cooperator objectives and organizational goals.

The Agriculture and Range Planner I works collaboratively with district staff and funding agencies to provide technical assistance and guidance to landowners, stakeholders, and partners on agricultural and rangeland grazing conservation practices. This position also provides project-based support and collaborates with other district employees.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Range Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, or related discipline. Combinations of applicable education and experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
• Knowledge of agricultural conservation and range health principles and best practices for natural resource management.
• Familiarity with facilitating multi-stakeholder group meetings and collaborative problem‑solving processes.
• Ability to assess cropland, pasture and rangeland conditions, including soil tests, weed control, seeding, and irrigation application.
• Project management skills, including the ability to coordinate multiple small projects and budgets.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for engaging with community members, agency partners, and colleagues.
• Proficiency with GPS and GIS tools, such as ArcGIS, to develop maps and conservation plans.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, cloud-based collaboration and project management tools, and database systems.
• Valid Level 3 (or higher) Conservation Planning certification from the USDA NRCS (or ability to obtain via district arranged training).
• Ability to work closely, cooperatively, and in a non‑confrontational manner with others in a public office environment.
• Have or obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Ideal Knowledge and Skills

• Experience with natural resource management and conservation strategies.
• Understanding of Okanogan County’s ecosystem and agriculture and land use practices.
• Experience with livestock management, grazing practices, irrigation, and riparian function.
• Experience in grant writing, administration, and compliance.
• Ability to…