Posted: 2/14/2022
Salary​: $25.00/hr., DOE, plus benefits
Location: Cave Junction, OR

Position Title: Conservation Program Manager
32 Hour (.8 FT) position
Salary Range: $25.00 hr D.O.E./plus benefits
Opening Date: February 14, 2022
Closing Date: When Filled

To apply, submit application, resume, and cover letter at 331 E Cottage Park Dr, Suite 1B in Cave Junction or email above to officemanager @ivstreamteam.org.  If applying in person, please call ahead at 541-592-3731 to ensure someone is in the office.

Introduction:

The Conservation Program Manager is a .8 Full Time position and serves as the chief strategist and technical services administrator of the Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District. The Conservation program manager is responsible to the Illinois Valley SWCD Chair and Board of Directors and Associate Directors for the implementation of board policy. The Conservation Program Manager coordinates Illinois Valley SWCD programs and activities and represents the district with all stakeholders.

Supervision:

The Conservation Program Manager shall be under the supervision of the Illinois Valley SWCD Board of Directors but shall exercise individual initiative in implementing Illinois Valley SWCD policies and programs. The employee will be evaluated after a six-month probationary period, and annually thereafter.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Biology or a Conservation related field and/or 3-5 years of comparable work experience in a natural resource field such as hydrology, riparian enhancement, natural resource management, or agricultural science.
2. Experience in Supervision of employees is desirable.
3. Project management experience including coordination techniques and ability to interact with landowners and partnership agency staff in a timely, professional manner.
4. Grant writing and grant management experience.
5. Excellent oral, written and computer skills. Software proficiency in the Microsoft Professional Suite, Adobe, and GIS mapping.

Duties:

Management, Planning, and Coordination of District Activities:

1. Prepare and implement the SWCD Annual and Long-Range Work Plans in consultation with SWCD Directors, SWCD Staff, NRCS (Natural Resource Conservation Service), the Illinois Valley Watershed Council, Oregon Department of Agriculture, and other partners.
2. Facilitate Meetings between citizen, environmental, governmental, and agricultural groups to coordinate resource management planning. Provide leadership for problem solving and consensus building among groups.
3. Present progress reports at SWCD meetings and assist the Office Manager in preparation of meeting agendas. Conduct weekly staff meetings and monthly safety meetings.
4. Provide relevant industry news to the Board of Directors regarding local, state and federal regulations, laws, programs and /or activities that may impact the District. Research information and assist the SWCD Board with drafting comments, appeals, or letters of support.
5. Ensure that SWCD records, files and databases are maintained according to state guidelines.
6. Attend relevant professional development trainings, conferences, tours and seminars.

Administration of District Finances and Fundraising:

1. Write and submit competitive grant proposals to local, state, and federal agencies, private foundations, and other sources of project funding. Pursue new funding sources and relationships. Projects may include natural resources education, District staffing and volunteer development, capital improvements, and watershed enhancement projects. Maintain relationships with funders.
2. Assist in developing the District’s annual budget proposal, administer annual budget and make necessary adjustments as needed in coordination with the Office Manager.
3. Assist Office Manager with invoicing funders and review of expense reporting spreadsheets, as needed.
4. Identify and pursue diverse opportunities to increase District financial resources.

Project Development:

1. Oversee the strategic design and planning of conservation projects, including resource assessments, technical design, restoration enhancement and monitoring.
2. Strengthen existing relationships and develop new connections with landowners and technical partners on behalf of the District.
3. Accompany the Engagement Coordinator on site visits to collaborate with landowners and partners to identify and develop restoration and water quality improvement projects.
4. Gather information and make recommendations to the SWCD board on potential projects.
5. Work with NRCS District Conservationist to integrate SWCD and NRCS programs.
6. Understand local, state, and Federal regulatory and permit requirements as they relate to projects.

Project and Program Management and Reporting

• Act as an administrator and project manager on District projects. Projects may originate from the District, Illinois Valley Watershed Council, or other local, state, or federal agencies.
• Oversee the implementation of the Agricultural Water Quality program and other conservation projects according to project design and requirements.
• Prepare, or assist in the preparation of, necessary documents (e.g. permit applications, bid packets, RFP documents and contracts) for conservation projects.
• Prepare progress and completion reports, monitoring and other correspondence as required by funding agencies.

Public Relations, Education and Community Engagement

1. Represent IVSWCD and provide conservation information at community events, public meetings, and partnership meetings.
2. Serve as a guest speaker for civic groups, at technical conferences, and governmental agency meetings.
3. Network with a variety of organizations and associations including the Oregon Association of Conservation Districts, Oregon State University Extension service, Illinois Valley Watershed Council, Oregon Department of Agriculture, natural resources Conservation Service, and other governmental, agribusiness, community and citizen groups. Provide referrals to such organizations as appropriate.
4. Provide GIS mapping and other technical services to landowners and conservation partners.

Working Conditions:

To perform the duties of this position, the Community Organizer must serve as incidental motor vehicle operator during daylight and after dark. Applicants must have a valid Oregon driver’s license, a good driving record and a reliable vehicle. Mileage will be reimbursed at the state rate. This position involves periodic travel to meetings and training and may require overnight stays of one day or more. It also requires some attendance at meetings in early mornings, evenings, and some weekends. This position requires working indoors and outdoors. Inside work involves regular use of computers and prolonged sitting or standing.  Outside work requires hiking or walking over uneven terrain, sometimes in inclement weather and carrying objects such as survey equipment, plant materials, supplies and tools.

The Illinois Valley Soil and Water Conservation District is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, color, national origin, religious preference, sex, age, or disability. Veteran’s preference will be given. The Illinois Valley Soil & Water Conservation District follows current state guidelines for Covid-19 protocols.