Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator

Job Description

Summary
Responsible for coordinating all aspects of Skagit County’s Voluntary Stewardship Program (VSP). The Voluntary Stewardship Program is a statewide program overseen by the Washington State Conservation Commission and administered by local jurisdictions. The goal of the program is to protect the five Critical Areas designated in the state GMA (floodplains, fish & wildlife habitat, geologically hazards, areas of aquifer recharge, and wetlands) with voluntary actions by private landowners. This position will work at the crossroads of various stakeholders including agriculture, tribal, and environmental interest groups to make progress toward protecting Skagit’s most vital resources.

The position will evaluate, plan, organize and execute Skagit County’s VSP Work Plan and facilitate the Watershed Group, a citizen advisory group, to accomplish the Program’s goals and objectives.

– Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($5,734.84 to $6,143.42 monthly) for a Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator, dependent upon qualifications. Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to step 10 total steps (top step $7,629.82 monthly).  Voluntary Stewardship Program Coordinator is range 26 of the General Salary Schedule (Non-Represented).

Note: 90% of work is performed in an office environment. 10% of work is on project sites with exposure to varying weather and terrain conditions.

Essential Functions
Develops a clear vision for Skagit County’s Voluntary Stewardship Program; creates guiding materials such as outreach and monitoring strategies that align with Skagit County’s VSP Work Plan with limited oversight.

Works closely with local organizations such as Skagit Conservation District, Western Washington Agricultural Association, Skagit Watershed Council, and more, to identify areas of need, seek funding, and work toward common goals around agricultural viability and habitat protection.

Leads technical work related to meeting the goals of County programs, including report preparation, synthesizing data sets, coordinating surveys, summarizing existing programs, and researching and developing habitat conservation projects and programs.

Leads, supervises, and evaluates the work of consultants assigned to the VSP compliance efforts.

Develops and leads a public education and outreach effort that aims to promote awareness of VSP and encourages voluntary participation in natural resource enhancement on private property to achieve the goals and benchmarks outlined in the VSP Work Plan.

Develops and maintains records relating to VSP, including Watershed Group Meeting notes, annual reports, and other records as required.

Compiles data and prepares VSP reports required by the Washington Conservation Commission, including quarterly reports, biennium reports, and five-year reports.

Implements and updates the County’s VSP Work Plan as needed, including measurable goals contained therein.

Oversee and participate as needed in field investigation of critical areas on private property.

Communicate with other County Departments including planning and permit enforcement to ensure the County’s VSP Work Plan goals and benchmarks are met.

Attends meetings of local interest groups to develop relationships and keep updated on needs, concerns, and opportunities among the agricultural community.

Drafts, executes, and manages contracts and Interlocal Agreements following applicable procurement guidelines.

Work with Habitat Lead to coordinate the Public Works Natural Resource Stewardship Program.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Perform other duties as assigned by the Natural Resources Division Manager.  This position will be assigned responsibilities in the County’s Department of Emergency Management (DEM) structure.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Engineering, or other related field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products required.
• Previous experience in local government preferred.

Must have knowledge of:

• Critical Areas, Growth Management Act, and Agriculture.
• GIS techniques and database management.
• State and Federal regulations relating to critical areas, water quality, and threatened or endangered species.
• General hydrology, riparian habitat, and agricultural practices.
• Common office computer systems and software needed to produce written reports, keep records, map data, and develop presentations.

Must have ability to:

• Implement VSP independently within the greater Natural Resources Division team.
• Build and maintain community partnerships and relationships with regional agricultural advocacy groups, environmental NGOs, and tribal partners.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills to support working with property owners on voluntary restoration projects.
• Give public presentations, facilitate public hearings, and hold community meetings.
• Communicate complex technical and policy issues in a clear and concise manner to the County Administrator, elected officials, the public, other agencies, and staff.
• Use independent judgment, knowledge, and initiative to evaluate problems and develop solutions.
• Read, comprehend, and apply Federal, State, and County standards relating to surface and stormwater management.
• Manage time and multiple priorities multiple priorities.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

90% of work is performed in an office environment.

10% of work is on project sites with exposure to varying weather and terrain conditions.

Physical hazards on site may include traffic and construction equipment.

Must be able to stand or walk on uneven terrain for extended periods, climb, lift equipment or samples up to 60 pounds, and have sufficient hand-eye coordination to operate computers and conduct field sampling.  Work may routinely require the employee to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and work in water.  Must be able to walk steep and uneven terrain in adverse weather conditions.