Conservation Planner (Contractor)

Location: Spokane, WA and/or Eastern Washington State

Tribal One Professional Services is seeking an experienced Conservation Planner to support a contract opportunity to support the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)- Washington State. The Conservation Planner will play a significant role in the NRCS mission to deliver conservation solutions throughout the State of Washington so agricultural producers can protect natural resources and feed the growing world.

The position is remote and the successful candidate will be required to support contiguous multicounty geographical locations throughout the State of Washington.

Conservation plans are the basis for all assistance NRCS provides to clients and the basic tool for clients to manage their natural resources. The objective in conservation planning is to help each client attain sustainable use and sound management of soil, water, air, plant, animal and energy resources, based on related human considerations. The purpose is to prevent the degradation of resources and to ensure their sustained use and productivity, while considering the client's economic and social needs. Conservation planning assistance is based on ecological, economic and social considerations relative to the resources.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Conservation Planner duties include working with NRCS clients to:

• Develop a working knowledge of necessary agency software and conservation planning policy and procedures.
• Work with NRCS clients, NRCS DC and technical staff by preparing and approving conservation plans for NRCS clients.
• Work with NRCS clients, NRCS DC and technical staff conducting Conservation Practice Inventory and Evaluations, developing implementation requirements and certifying practice completion for NRCS clients.
• Assist Government in developing, collecting and assembling cost data, reviewing program applications and contracts, processing payment application requests after approval from NRCS staff and reviewing open obligations.
• Establish and maintain files and client records in electronic form in Document Management System (DMS). This includes, but is not limited to, receiving and assembling program applications; collecting client eligibility, vendor information and reviewing signature authority; completing and compiling contract documentation including, but not limited to, conservation plans, maps, photographs, resource data and technical material.
• Reviews a wide variety of invoices, vouchers and other miscellaneous payment requests to support NRCS and the IRA Farm Bill programs; prepares for agency signature and forwards completed document to DC for payment.
• Compiles and reviews the accuracy of contract administration supporting documents from the program application process through to final payments and contract completion.
• Assists NRCS in managing program contracts. This may include, but is not limited to, annual contract reviews, documenting contract compliance and communicating with program participants.
• Tracks client eligibility processing with FSA and "other" eligibility requirements and defined by program manual.
• Utilizes a variety of computer hardware and software applications and small office machines, to include agency specific software such as Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, CART, ProTracts, DMS and locally developed Excel databases to extract information needed to develop reports related to scheduling and program tracking.
• Provides a variety of information to program applicants and participants, such as specific program and eligibility requirements, guidance on completion of required program applications and verifying Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
• Performs data entry to process client contract documents and actions for approved contracts. Monitors and tracks commencement and expiration of contracts, contracts behind schedule, contracts that have not completed a practice in the first year and prepares modification, termination, waiver and annual practice reminder letters for

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences, agriculture, natural resources management or Conservation Management or related field is highly desirable.
• Must have a basic understanding of agricultural production systems, economics, plant and animal sciences, ecological systems, natural resources, state and local environmental laws and regulations and conservation practices common to the region where they work.
• Demonstrated ability to support customer's needs which both reside on and offsite from the duty location. This includes an appropriate demeanor and ability to communicate face-to-face, over the phone and utilizing other forms of electronic communication, including, but not limited to, instant messaging, email and video-teleconferencing software.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer automated software and web-based software usage.
• Conservation planners Level I Planner Certification highly desirable or the ability to obtain Level I Certification within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Conservation planners Level II Planner Certification highly desirable or the ability to obtain Level III Certification within 12 months after obtaining Level I Certification.
• Ability to successfully pass and remain in compliance with required background checks from Tribal One and any required federal government background checks, including acquiring and maintaining Personal Identity Verification (PIV) Linc Pass credentials.
• The USDA contract requires the individual to be either a citizen of the U.S. or a non-U.S. citizen who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence as evidenced by a Permanent Resident Card (USCIS I-551).
• Must pass drug screen and remain in compliance with drug-free workplace policies.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.