NATURAL RESOURCE SPECIALIST
FULL-TIME
Farmers Conservation Alliance is a 501(c)(3) organization that operates at the intersection of agriculture, water, and energy. We are excited to bring on additional Natural Resource Specialists to provide high quality deliverables for our growing Irrigation Modernization Program. An ideal candidate would enjoy and excel at research and technical writing but also be comfortable working with a diverse team to critically analyze topics ranging from economics to aquatic habitat. They would also be passionate about developing solutions that benefit both agriculture and the environment.
WHEN YOU WORK FOR US, HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL FIND
Our staff of 40 strategy consultants, funding specialists, technical professionals, and public policy experts believe that everyone can win – farmers, rivers, and communities. We formed 15 years ago to successfully bring an innovative fish screen technology to market. This farmer-developed technology, now known as the Farmers Screen, helps to keep fish and debris in rivers and out of water supplies.
Since that time, our work has expanded to include the Irrigation Modernization Program—an innovative program to help farmers and ranchers modernize all aspects of their water delivery systems. Staff work with water users, agencies, and organizations to design, finance, and implement large-scale solutions and technologies that improve water delivery systems, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and generate fish-friendly hydropower.
Our headquarters in Hood River, Oregon, inspires staff in both their professional and personal lives. Hood River’s abundant apple, pear, and cherry orchards and salmon-bearing streams provide daily context for our work. The Columbia River Gorge and nearby Mt. Hood provide endless opportunities for hiking, paddling, cycling, skiing, and kiteboarding. Hood River’s one-hour commute to Portland provides staff with easy access to a regional transportation hub, facilitating travel to and from our headquarters.
SO THAT’S US. NOW ABOUT THE WORK
The Natural Resource Specialist will join our growing team focused on researching, writing, and reviewing a wide range of materials related to irrigation modernization efforts. Work may include reviewing environmental assessments drafted under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), revising irrigation community (e.g., irrigation district, ditch company) infrastructure plans, writing grant applications, collating irrigation community data, or managing projects related to these materials. In working with our team, the Natural Resource Specialist may also join other staff to meet with irrigation community representatives, participate in calls with state agencies, or meet with contractors (e.g., NEPA consultants).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
• Research and writing to develop a range of materials related to irrigation modernization efforts
• Coordinate with consultants completing environmental assessments and related materials
• Collate data related to agricultural, environmental, and community conditions
• Prepare, review, or revise technical documents that describe watershed conditions, including environmental, agricultural, and community components
• Review technical documents that describe comprehensive engineering plans or otherwise contribute to irrigation modernization strategies
• Prepare, review, or revise funding applications on behalf of FCA and its partners
• Interact with FCA staff and partners, including state and federal agencies, irrigation district staff and board members, and funding partners
• Travel to potential project sites and project installations
• Participate in FCA staff working sessions
A QUALIFIED CANDIDATE WOULD HAVE
• An undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture, economics, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with research and technical, academic, or professional writing
• Experience working with agricultural and/or environmental communities, organizations, and/or individuals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• The ability to work alone and as part of a cohesive team
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
AN IDEAL CANDIDATE WOULD FURTHER HAVE
• A graduate degree or a minimum of 2 years of additional professional experience in natural resources, environmental science, agriculture, economics, or a related field
• Experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience with state and federal rules and regulations related to permitting and implementing irrigation modernization strategies, including the Endangered Species Act, NEPA, and related rules and regulations
• Ability to evaluate, interpret, and manage non-spatial data, including quantitative and qualitative data
• Basic geospatial data evaluation skills
• Working knowledge of Adobe Acrobat and ArcGIS Pro
INTERESTED? SOME FINE PRINT ABOUT JOINING OUR TEAM
We provide a competitive salary, vacation, health and dental insurance, and a retirement package. We also believe that happy staff deliver the best outcomes. As such, we provide flexibility for staff to spend time doing what they love. We have staff working remotely as part of our normal operations, and we are open to hiring team members who do not reside in Hood River. We will also look for the Natural Resource Specialist to be in Hood River periodically to connect in person. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is based on qualifications, merit, and business need; qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
TO APPLY
To apply for the position of FCA Natural Resource Specialist, please submit an attached cover letter, resume, and writing sample to info@fcasolutions.org with “FCA Natural Resource Specialist” as the subject of the email. Please do not contact FCA staff directly about this position.
Applications should be addressed to:
Julie Davies O’Shea, Executive Director
Farmers Conservation Alliance
102 State Street
Hood River, OR 97031
Position is open until filled.
