Address
Form of workSalary: $3,400.00 - $4,200.00 Monthly
Location : Yakima County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-SYCD RCT
Department: South Yakima Conservation District
Opening Date: 03/25/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
South Yakima Conservation District provides voluntary, non-regulatory technical assistance to landowners in the lower Yakima Valley by implementation of Best Management Practices to protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural viability. This includes dairy and livestock nutrient management planning, irrigation water management, and conservation/farm planning. SYCD is also part of the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (LYV GWMA or GWMA) implementation team. GWMA's goal is to reduce nitrate concentrations in the groundwater.
Position Objectives: This full-time position will address on-farm natural resource issues by providing direct one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and voluntary participants within the boundaries of SYCD. This position entails working closely with other agencies, including the Dairy Nutrient Management Program of Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The Resource Conservation Technician will also work on farm/conservation planning, implementation of Best Management Practices, and providing educational and outreach information to local producers, agencies, partners, and the community.
Duties
Duties and Responsibilities
Qualifications
Qualifications and Requirements
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Work Setting: Work is performed both indoors in an office environment and in the field. Some field work will include onsite visits with landowners, district staff, and other cooperators, as well as operation of district equipment.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel is an expectation and may be required on a regular basis within the District's boundaries. Some out-of-area travel may occur for conferences, or trainings.
Tools and Equipment: General office equipment as well as field tools and equipment, such as company vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, utility trailers, soil sampling equipment, and irrigation water management equipment.
Customer Interactions: Interactions will be frequent with other agencies such as NRCS, WSDA, other Conservation Districts, local landowners, consultants, community members, and other partners.
Salary and Benefits: FTE $3,400 - $4,200 per month dependent on education, experience, and qualifications. Benefits include major holidays, overtime, stipend for medical insurance premiums, accrued vacation, sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement program (employee-managed).
How to Apply: Please provide a cover letter including your contact information and your resume with work experience. Submit applications via email to South Yakima Conservation District Manager Rodney Heit (rh@sycd.us).
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
Location : Yakima County - Other, WA
Job Type: Full Time - Permanent
Job Number: 2024-SYCD RCT
Department: South Yakima Conservation District
Opening Date: 03/25/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
South Yakima Conservation District provides voluntary, non-regulatory technical assistance to landowners in the lower Yakima Valley by implementation of Best Management Practices to protect natural resources while maintaining agricultural viability. This includes dairy and livestock nutrient management planning, irrigation water management, and conservation/farm planning. SYCD is also part of the Lower Yakima Valley Groundwater Management Area (LYV GWMA or GWMA) implementation team. GWMA's goal is to reduce nitrate concentrations in the groundwater.
Position Objectives: This full-time position will address on-farm natural resource issues by providing direct one-on-one technical assistance to private landowners and voluntary participants within the boundaries of SYCD. This position entails working closely with other agencies, including the Dairy Nutrient Management Program of Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA). The Resource Conservation Technician will also work on farm/conservation planning, implementation of Best Management Practices, and providing educational and outreach information to local producers, agencies, partners, and the community.
Duties
Duties and Responsibilities
- Promote the organization, role, mission, goals, and programs of the Conservation District as identified in SYCD's short- and long-range plans.
- Organize and plan education and outreach activities with other agencies for landowners such as field demonstrations, presentations, workshops, etc.
- Assist in developing irrigation water management plans. Install soil moisture monitoring equipment and collect and record data.
- Assist with writing Nutrient Management Plans for dairies and other livestock operations.
- Assist district staff and partners in promoting cost-share programs.
- Leading and working with field crews in performing deep soil sampling and other soil health activities.
- Undergo training to become a conservation planner through in-class, on-the-job, and online training courses
- Attend the District's monthly Board Meetings and provide a verbal progress report to the Board of Supervisors
- Attend the District's monthly Board Meetings and provide a verbal progress report to the Board of Supervisors
- Attend regular GWMA-related meetings
- Participate on committees and in special group meetings as assigned
- Know and comply with all District Personnel Policies
- Assist with general office duties as needed
- Perform other tasks as assigned by the District Manager
Qualifications
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and a solid background in agricultural operations, practices, and systems such as irrigation, soil and water conservation principles, and water quality concerns. Educational requirements may be waived based on experience.
- High degree of diplomacy and confidentiality is required
- Ability to maintain a professional work ethic while completing all duties assigned in a timely and professional manner.
- High level of collaboration with partners is expected, including agricultural professionals, landowners, and the community
- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders
- Self-motivated and able to work independently as well as in groups
- Fluent in the English language. Ability to understand and communicate in Spanish is not required but is a plus.
- Ability to walk long distances in all types of terrain with possible exposure to inclement weather; lifting and carrying equipment and materials.
- Computer skills with Microsoft office. A basic knowledge of GIS software and/or other mapping tools is a plus.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and have a valid Washington State driver's license.
- Knowledge of Conservation Districts and/or Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is a plus, along with other agriculture- and natural resource-related fields of study, instruction, or work experience.
- Prior to employment with South Yakima Conservation District, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered to determine suitability and competence to perform in the position.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions
Schedule: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Work Setting: Work is performed both indoors in an office environment and in the field. Some field work will include onsite visits with landowners, district staff, and other cooperators, as well as operation of district equipment.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel is an expectation and may be required on a regular basis within the District's boundaries. Some out-of-area travel may occur for conferences, or trainings.
Tools and Equipment: General office equipment as well as field tools and equipment, such as company vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, utility trailers, soil sampling equipment, and irrigation water management equipment.
Customer Interactions: Interactions will be frequent with other agencies such as NRCS, WSDA, other Conservation Districts, local landowners, consultants, community members, and other partners.
Salary and Benefits: FTE $3,400 - $4,200 per month dependent on education, experience, and qualifications. Benefits include major holidays, overtime, stipend for medical insurance premiums, accrued vacation, sick leave, and a 403(b) retirement program (employee-managed).
How to Apply: Please provide a cover letter including your contact information and your resume with work experience. Submit applications via email to South Yakima Conservation District Manager Rodney Heit (rh@sycd.us).
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 (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 (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 , 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
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
