Stewardship Coordinator

~ Over the years, islanders have feasted on clams, hunted for deer, picked berries, dug bulbs, and fished waters teeming with salmon. They plowed fertile valleys seeding their fields with peas, oats, wheat, and barley. On gentle slopes, they planted large orchards with pears, plums, apples, and cherries. Their sheep and cattle once roamed at will. ~

Islanders agree it is important to ensure that the distinct character of life in these islands will endure. We define ourselves by our beloved landscape, and we want these lands to remain for our children and grandchildren. We know that quiet places are healthy for both body and soul.

As one way to do this, they created the San Juan County Land Bank in 1990. The program is guided by the San Juan County Ordinance (Chapter 16.54, Citizens Conservation Land Bank).

The Land Bank Mandate

To preserve in perpetuity areas in the county that have environmental, agricultural, aesthetic, cultural, scientific, historic, scenic or low-intensity recreational value and to protect existing and future sources of potable water.

Position Overview

The Stewardship Coordinator works collaboratively with the Land Bank’s Director and stewardship staff to coordinate and support core stewardship program activities. The Stewardship Coordinator takes the lead in preparing preserve management plans.

The position conducts conservation easement monitoring and related tasks. Working closely with other Land Bank staff, the Stewardship Coordinator develops and tracks comprehensive stewardship work plans, and identifies, applies for, and administers grants for priority projects.

The position also fosters and maintains relationships with partners and community organizations. As a public employee, this position will adhere to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52.

Responsibilities

• Prepares new management plans for preserves.  Reviews and updates management plans as required.   Tasks will include writing plans, consulting and communicating closely with Land Bank staff and partners, and organizing and leading public meetings.
• Prepares annual and long-range stewardship work plans.  Tracks implementation of work plans, including convening quarterly stewardship staff meetings.
• Secures and administers grants that support identified stewardship priorities.
• Prepares annual and amended stewardship budgets in conjunction with the Director and Financial Clerk.
• Conducts annual conservation easement monitoring
• Manages consultant contracts for stewardship projects.
• Organizes and maintains stewardship baseline files.
• Fosters and maintains relationships with partners and community organizations, such as the Terrestrial Managers Group and Coast Salish/Tribal partners.
• Maintains strict confidentiality with landowner contacts and distinguish confidential information from information that is subject to public disclosure under State law;
• Acts within the scope of his or her responsibilities, working as a public employee and municipal officer with courtesy and professionalism, and adhering to the highest standard of ethics in accordance with RCW 42.52, and;
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of experience in environmental studies, planning, conservation land management, or a related field is required.
• The candidate should be familiar with land management plans and land protection tools including conservation easements.
• The candidate should have experience writing scopes of work, managing contracts and complex projects, and developing budgets.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as good computer skills are required.
• The candidate should exhibit strong relationship-building, listening, coordination skills, and function effectively as a team member.
• The candidate must be familiar with common software applications, digital cameras, and possess a valid driver’s license.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in natural resources management, recreation, planning or other relevant field.
• Experience successfully applying for and managing grants.
• Experience with running public meetings.
• Familiarity with land use regulations and zoning.
• Knowledge and experience with ArcMap software and Global Positioning System (GPS).

~ San Juan County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ~