Research and Monitoring Coordinator

Description

Position Summary:

The Research and Monitoring Coordinator’s primary purpose is to assist the Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator, the District Manager, and the Board of Supervisors in developing and implementing monitoring programs that assess the efficacy and impacts of conservation practices on natural resources. Serving as an integral conservation team member working in the field and office. The position will plan, organize, and coordinate soil, water, habitat, and other monitoring programs and projects; manage and analyze data associated with the programs and projects; assist with writing and managing reports and grants; help to organize and coordinate public events; train and supervise staff, interns, and volunteers; and assist other staff in carrying out miscellaneous grant or contract-related tasks as part of the district’s annual plan of work. The successful candidate will join the District’s team of conservation professionals working together to enhance and protect natural resources within Franklin and Benton Conservation District boundaries.

Position Details:

FTE: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 ($31.13 – $35.92/hr) (DOE)

Position Type: Regular (benefits eligible)

Closing Date: September 26, 2024

Duties

Job Duties:

• Assist in developing 2-Year Monitoring Plans (i.e., the Position and District’s scope of monitoring work) starting July 2025 based on the VSP Monitoring Framework to assess conservation concerns and BMP efficacy outlined in the VSP Work Plan.
• Coordinate with District staff, partners, contractors, and/or volunteers to complete the scope of work.
• Assist in the hiring, onboarding, and supervision of seasonal research and monitoring support staff as funding allows.
• Conduct field monitoring efforts consistent with the VSP Monitoring Framework.
• Help to develop a program around offering ecological monitoring as a service to the community.
• Use and help refine spatial models developed to identify areas that would benefit from implementing conservation practices.
• Identify emerging or novel conservation practices that show promise for addressing natural resource concerns that require alternative approaches. Collaborate with Technical Assistance Staff in developing pilot projects as funding allows.
• Track monitoring activities and manage data collected with Excel, SmartSheet, ArcGIS, or other data management software/programs.
• Analyze environmental data and contribute findings to the VSP 2- and 5-Year VSP Reports.
• Share research findings with staff and other stakeholders. With assistance from other FCD staff, presentations will be provided to work groups, boards, commissioners, planners, technical committees, and other partners.
• Document processes and develop standard operating procedures for recurring and standardized activities.
• Apply for grants in collaboration with other staff, programs, and/or partners to support Research and Monitoring goals and objectives; manage associated budgets and fulfill deliverables.
• Support ongoing monitoring efforts by other District Programs as needed. • Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• A master’s degree (MS) in Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, Hydrology, Soil Science, or a closely related field; OR a bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) and three years of related experience. Qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.
• Experience developing and executing experimental designs and research questions.
• Knowledge of soil science and landscape management, emphasizing water quality, soil health, and landscape ecology.
• A background or working knowledge of farming practices, the issues and challenges facing farmers, and the best management practices applied to these systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.).
• Experience with ESRI GIS programs, including but not limited to ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, Survey123, and Field Maps.
• Experience collecting field data, including water, soil samples, and vegetation metrics.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to travel as needed.
• Physically able to carry up to 45 lbs. over steep and rough terrain in inclement weather conditions.
• Valid, unrestricted driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience calibrating and running spatial models.
• Experience with statistical analysis of soil, water, and vegetation data.
• Experience with Smartsheet work collaboration software.
• Experience writing and managing grants and tracking budgets.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Ability to identify common plants and animals of the Columbia Plateau, native and nonnative/invasive.
• Experience working with remote sensing and/or UAS imagery.
• Experience installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting water quality monitoring stations.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal conservation programs and related conservation Best Management Practices (BMPs).
• Experience with environmental education and outreach, particularly in public communication of research findings.
• Highly motivated, creative, curious, and organized.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience managing multiple, diverse issues.
• Demonstrated ability with multi-tasking and project management simultaneously in a dynamic environment while meeting deadlines and time constraints.
• Ability to build respectful and productive relationships with internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability in problem solving and resolving conflicts.

Supplemental Information

How to apply:

Please visit https://www.franklincd.org/post/now-hiring-research-monitoring-coordinator and click on the link to apply. Or click here!

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That’s why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems’ web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165. 

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, are entitled to three (3) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 12-31-2022

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