Stewardship Specialist (Time-Limited)

~ The Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District permanently protects the diverse agricultural, natural resource, and scenic open space lands of Sonoma County for future generations. ~

Ag + Open Space goals include:

• Maintain the county’s rich rural character and the unique qualities of each city and areas throughout the county that help provide our sense of community.
• Support the economic vitality of working farms to preserve the agricultural heritage and diversity of the county.
• Protect the ridgetops, coastal bluffs, hillsides, and waterways that create the county’s striking natural beauty.
• Provide connections between urban areas, parks, and natural areas throughout the county for both people and wildlife.
• Preserve diverse natural areas that provide habitat for wildlife.
• Protect the waterways and natural lands that maintain water quality and supply.
• Partner with local agencies and organizations to leverage funding for land protection, foster stewardship, and provide opportunities for recreational and educational experiences.

Position Overview

Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District is currently recruiting for a five year time-limited, full-time Planner (Stewardship Specialist) through September 1, 2025 - a critical team member who will support the land stewardship activities of Ag + Open Space. This is an excellent opportunity to join a mission-driven organization with a passion for protecting lands that contribute to Sonoma County’s scenic beauty, local agriculture, native habitats and recreational lands.

Responsibilities

Duties of the Stewardship Specialist will include:

• Coordinating with landowners, partner organizations, and agencies to steward both easement and fee lands;
• Completing conservation easement baseline documents; easement monitoring site visits and completing related documentation;
• Reviewing and processing easement permitted use and amendment requests; and
• Coordinating natural resource management, infrastructure maintenance, and capital improvement projects on District-held fee lands, including service contract initiation and management.
• Duties will also include preparation and presentation of staff reports to a variety of audiences.

Qualifications

• Any combination of education, training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• Normally, this would include graduation from a college or university with coursework in planning, geography, environmental studies, resource management, landscape architecture, architecture, economics or other related fields, and 3 years of experience in open space, parks, environmental protection, land use or other related field.
• Coursework or experience with Geographic Information Systems is desirable.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below.
• The job posting period is May 22 - June 22, 2020.
• All applications must be received by midnight, June 22nd.
• Interviews for selected candidates will be held on July 16th and 17th via teleconference.
• Application instructions are provided on our website.