Farm Planner (Resource Planner II)

Terms: Regular full-time position (40hrs/week), with benefits Priority deadline: 12:01 am, Monday, October 11, 2021. Applications accepted until position is filled. Position Description: The Farm Planner (Resource Planner II) provides technical assistance and outreach to agricultural operators according to NRCS specifications. The planner performs in-field site visits, conducts site-specific resource evaluations, and develops natural resource conservation management plans that provide detailed recommendations for nutrient, pasture, and manure management, livestock exclusion, forest health, and habitat restoration. Goals of this work include protecting water quality, improving soil health, and enhancing wildlife habitat, while improving farm operations and meeting landowner needs. The Planner may also help landowners with water conservation or irrigation management plans. As a part of the District's outreach and education efforts, this position will help to coordinate and present at a variety of virtual and in-person events and workshops on conservation planning and farm best management practices. The Planner will coordinate financial assistance contracts for landowners implementing best management practices, and may manage related grants or contracts. This position will also lead project teams to implement targeted outreach, technical assistance, and BMP implementation. The Planner is expected to provide exceptional customer service to a wide range of farmers, land managers, and other conservation specialists; to work collaboratively with District staff as part of project and grant work teams; and to perform all duties in a timely, courteous, and professional manner. Key measures of success for this position include, but are not limited to, the following: * Build and sustain landowner engagement through technical assistance, education, and outreach; * Deliver farm plans and technical assistance letters; * Implement conservation practices that meet all necessary requirements for standards and specifications; and * Manage assigned funding including working collaboratively with technical and administrative staff to complete deliverables and reporting according to deadlines; and assisting in budget management and planning. The Planner will work under the direction and guidance of the Agriculture Program Director. Primary Job Responsibilities The Farm Planner's primary job responsibilities include the following tasks: * Respond in a timely manner to cooperator requests for assistance and conduct outreach to landowners in priority areas. Complete site visits with commercial agricultural producers, small farms, horse owners, and urban farmers, including scheduling and follow-up. * Promote implementation of Best Management Practices (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. * 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 funding including internal cost-share funding as well as grants and NRCS Farm Bill programs. As needed, complete landowner agreements, coordinate engineering involvement, maintain before and after photo documentation, manage project funds and reimbursements, and provide ongoing assistance to landowners throughout their involvement in these funding programs. * Manage funding awards and lead associated project teams to complete deliverables. This includes developing approaches to implement deliverables, communicating effectively with the project team, completing required reporting and other communications to funder, and planning and executing project budgets. * Collaborate with District engineers to meet design and implementation needs for farm planning services. * Assist outreach staff in developing educational materials for land users and organizations. Write educational fact sheets and articles and assist with the development of publications. * 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. * Attend public meetings as a representative of the District. * Continue to improve professional skills by attending training sessions, workshops, working with mentors and coaches, and other methods as identified in a professional development plan. * Effectively use District systems to track work progress, prepare and record program/project data, and maintain thorough and organized records. Prepare professional and informative written documents and reports documenting activities, program progress, and accomplishments. * Safely and properly use and maintain District vehicles, office and field equipment and supplies. * Provide input on programmatic strategic planning and grant proposal development. Perform other tasks and activities associated with District programs and projects as assigned, including office and administrative tasks in support of assigned projects. Job Qualifications Required knowledge, skills, and abilities * 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 practice recommendations and designs to farm owners and operators, demonstrate approaches, and guide installation of conservation practices. * Advanced knowledge of Best Management Practices 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. * Knowledge of general water quality and salmon habitat limitations and priorities in the Puget Sound region. * Ability to successfully manage multiple priorities and deadlines. * Ability to manage grants, contracts, and other funding awards. * Ability to write reports, project documentation, outreach articles, and 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. * Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheets, email, scheduling, ArcGIS, PowerPoint, tablet applications, and ability to learn specialized computer programs to manage work. * Valid, unrestricted WA State Driver's license and ability to operate a motor vehicle safely to and from the field. Preferred knowledge, skills, and abilities * Proficiency in Spanish and/or a history of working with the Hispanic farming community. * Experience with equine facility management and/or providing equine technical assistance * Certified farm planner by NRCS or Center for Technical Development * Familiarity of Snohomish County codes and regulations * Experience with carbon farm planning. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions * Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on rough or uneven terrain * Ability to sit or stand for long periods of time in a standard workday * Ability to drive a vehicle for long periods when travel is needed * Ability to lift, pull, carry, push up to 40lbs * Occasional bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, kneel/crawling, reaching overhead * Ability to work occasionally beyond an 8-hr workday or on the weekend Benefits Benefits provided include sick leave, vacation, PERS retirement, and medical/dental. COVID Protocols This position will be required to comply with District COVID protection protocols, including providing vaccination status. Work Location The position will work out of our Lake Stevens office with the option to work remotely part of the time. 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 sjones@snohomishcd.org or (360) 722-2679. Applications will be reviewed beginning October 11, 2021. Position open until filled. 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.

#06022021