Employment Opportunity for a

CONSERVATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

BACKGROUND:

The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County (RCD) is a local special district that has ongoing projects that promote natural resource conservation in relation to farming and ranching operations.  RCD projects focus on reducing soil erosion, off-farm sediment transport, nitrate leaching, and non-point source pollution.  The RCD Directors and staff work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who serve as the RCD’s technical staff.

The RCD requires the services of a Conservation Program Specialist to conduct a watershed-based program that implements conservation projects on agricultural lands and will be responsible for the continued implementation and evolution of a permit streamlining program.   This position is funded through a contract between the RCD and the State Water Resources Control Board. This position will report to the Program Manager and will work closely with other district staff to fulfill the RCD mission and the scope of work from the state contract, as summarized below:  

SUMMARY OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in the successful implementation of conservation practices by working closely with RCD Pajaro Watershed Program Staff and partners. Successful implementation of practices may involve coordination of planning, design, permitting, construction/implementation and monitoring.
• Support conservation outreach efforts to provide technical assistance to Industry-led working group participants for the implementation of conservation practices.

·   Assist San Benito and Santa Cruz County RCD staff in permitting, including the implementation and evolution of coordinated permitting programs to provide assistance to the Pajaro Watershed Agricultural Community to assist in the implementation of conservation projects.

• Work closely with RCD Pajaro Watershed Program staff and appropriate specialists to develop and conduct workshops for land managers; topics may include storm-water management, erosion control, irrigation and nutrient management, and integrated pest management, among others.
• Connect with willing landowners in  executing Farm Water Quality Plans and Conservation Plans.
• Further develop and expand upon program opportunities in the Pajaro Watershed. 
• Serve as liaison between the RCD, funders, landowners/operators, and other partnership entities.
• Proactively identify, solicit and expand upon funding opportunities including development of new grant opportunities, development of contracts with granting agencies, administration and management of grant funds, and submission of required progress reports.
• Create and track project budgets and review invoices.
• Report on project progress, successes, shortcomings and lessons learned.
• Track resource conservation issues, which are relevant to the RCDs operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Experience developing and managing multi-stakeholder partnerships including landowners, researchers, nonprofits, public agencies, permitting agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Initiative in fulfilling programmatic and grant related obligations.
• Highly motivated and self-directing with the ability to prioritize and coordinate workload.
• Candidates must possess strong oral and written communication skills, computer (EXCEL, WORD, POWER POINT), and organizational skills and multi-tasking ability.
• Experience working with project implementation.
• Knowledge of permitting procedures and requirements.
• Bachelors degree or higher in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or other related field.
• Applicants for this particular position should have experience in water resources and/or natural sciences.

Preferred

• Understanding of agricultural operations and/or slough systems.
• Experience working under, writing and/or managing grants.
• Conservation planning experience.
• Experience working with private landowners from a non-regulatory perspective.
• Understanding of natural resource topics and issues including hydrologic processes, nutrient management, and native plant species.
• Construction oversight experience.

The Program Specialist is a three-quarter to full-time position based on a Monday through Friday daytime schedule. Some job related travel is required and will be billed on a cost reimbursable basis. Applicants must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits package (after 3-months employment) includes paid health and dental. Retirement Plan with employer matching contribution of 1 to 1 up to 4.5% of gross salary available after 6 months. Paid holidays and vacation effective after 30 days.

To apply, please submit a resume, letter of interest, and names and phone numbers of at least 3 references to: The Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County, c/o Arianne Rettinger, 820 Bay Avenue, Ste 128, Capitola, CA 95010. If you would like additional information, please contact the RCD: Phone: (831) 464-2950 ext 1 Fax: (831) 475-3215. DEADLINE FOR APPLICANTS: May 9^th, 2008. The position is open until filled. The Resource Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer.