Research and Monitoring Technician with Palouse Conservation District (WA)

The Research and Monitoring Technician will aid in the development and implementation of the Palouse Watershed Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) and Palouse Conservation District (PCD) monitoring program. Reports to the Palouse Conservation District Research and Monitoring Coordinator. Requires excellent communication skills in working with private landowners in a non-regulatory environment.  The position requires basic knowledge of environmental data collection and analysis for efficient and effective water quality, soil health, and habitat monitoring programs.

Must be able to hike for extended periods and carry equipment weighting over 40 lbs. through rough terrain, at times in inclement weather conditions. Requirements: B.S. in natural resources or closely related field (preferred) and a valid driver’s license. Full-Time, At-Will, Non-Exempt status; Salary range $31,200 to $40,552 (depending on experience) plus full benefits package. 
http://www.palousecd.org/
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Position Description for Research and Monitoring Technician
The primary purpose of the Research and Monitoring Technician position is to aid in the development and implementation of the RCPP and PCD monitoring programs. The Research and Monitoring Technician assists the PCD Research and Monitoring Coordinator in designing and implementing a program across the Palouse watershed to monitor changes in water quality, soil health, and habitat associated with changes in conservation measures implemented by private landowners and producers.  The installed conservation measures include installing riparian buffers and converting to conservation tillage practices. The Research and Monitoring Technician will be working closely with private landowners and operators and 18 RCPP Partners from local, state, and federal agencies and Land Grant Universities.

The Research and Monitoring Technician will be responsible for duties including the following: monitoring water quality, soil health, and habitat; providing technical assistance to landowners and operators who are participating in monitoring efforts; data entry and data analysis including basic statistical analysis; tracking watershed changes throughout time and reporting results; GIS; supervision of interns, volunteers, and/or work crews; and other duties as assigned. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conducting literature reviews and syntheses; organizing and running logistics for monthly sampling programs; Implementing and maintaining in-stream and edge of field studies; Analyzing and managing research data.
• Understand and promote the role, mission and goals of the PCD and its programs.  Understand relationships and partnerships with other agencies.  Become familiar with dryland farming, local livestock practices and conservation needs of both.
• Help to organize and coordinate meetings, workshops and other District sponsored events.
• Provide the Board, Director, and Conservation Partnership Manager with accurate records of projects, mileage and expenses on a monthly basis.
• Closely coordinate schedule with Research and Monitoring Coordinator to most efficiently meet District workload and goals.
• Attend monthly board meetings and staff meetings.  Provide reports on activities and progress.
• Responsible for proper use and maintenance of District office, field equipment, and vehicles obtaining necessary repairs and maintaining an inventory.
• Responsible for limited clerical tasks such as mailing, filing, typing, etc.
• And all other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture, biology, ecology, environmental science, hydrology, geomorphology, riparian management, or a related field.  One year of experience monitoring water quality, soil health, and habitat. The applicant must have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues and a proven commitment to land stewardship on private lands.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to identify, monitor, and assess parameters of changes in water quality, soil health, and habitat related to changes in conservation practices on private land.
  
• Knowledge and understanding of ecology, botany, hydrology, geology, and riparian ecology (with an emphasis on streams, floodplains, and riparian zones), native vegetation, cover, habitat, soils and other closely related areas
  
• Ability to use and adapt GIS technologies, including mapping and querying
  
• Experience working with private landowners and producers.
  
• Team player who values building partnerships and a non-regulatory approach to natural resource conservation activities, including a proven commitment to agriculture and land stewardship. 
  
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse groups and individuals. 
  
• Knowledge of watershed monitoring and management, with an emphasis on streams, floodplains, and riparian zones.
  
• Experience in collecting field data, and in using water quality equipment and sensors, and GPS. Must be willing and physically able to assist with field data collection of riparian areas.
  
• Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to multi-task effectively. 
  
• Must be able to hike for extended periods, carry equipment weighting over 40 lbs. over rough terrain, at times in inclement weather conditions.
  
• Excellent organization and communication skills (both written and verbal). 
  
• Demonstrated skills in public relations, negotiation, coordination and diplomacy.
  
• Proficient computer skills including: Microsoft Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint, Access, Arc GIS, Arc GIS Online, Arc Collector and basic programing skills in R or a similar program.
  
• Familiarity with current conservation issues facing local landowner owners in the Palouse region.
  
• Ability to meet deadlines, attend meetings and travel as needed.
  
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and oral, to a diverse audience.
  
• Obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license, provide their own transportation with proper vehicle insurance and registration upon the first date of hire; be able to travel statewide using all modes of transportation.

Compensation: Salary range is $31,200 to $40,552 (depending on experience).

Send resume & cover letter to:
Research and Monitoring Technician Search
Palouse Conservation District, 1615 NE Eastgate Blvd. Section H, Pullman, WA 99163
or
[email protected]
Review begins October 23rd, 2017. Open until filled.