Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District is accepting applications.

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for conservation, consider joining our team at the Wheeler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). We are looking for a person who enjoys doing work that makes a difference and values the relationships they make along the way.

Opportunity 

The Conservation Manager position works closely with the District Manager to provide leadership and manage the day-to-day activities of the District. This includes administration, assisting with financial management and budgeting, grant and project management, conservation operations, assisting with contracting, and participating in the development and implementation of the District’s Annual Work Plan and Long-Range Business Plan.

The Conservation Manager position exists to ensure that adequate technical, financial, and educational resources are obtained and coordinated to meet the conservation needs of local landowners. The position entails continually improving the District’s ability to implement voluntary, incentive-based programs through cooperative partnerships with other agencies. This position works both in the field and in the office.

This position supervises two Conservation Technicians and reports to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Closes April 13, 2023

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree with major course work in agricultural sciences, natural resources management, soil and water quality, or a related discipline and five years equivalent work experience is required.
• Experience in natural resource grant writing/management and GIS (ArcMAP) software is required.
• Familiarity with conservation laws including local, state, and federal regulations and laws, habitat programs, along with state and federal funding mechanisms is helpful. An agricultural background and familiarity with ranching operations is also beneficial.
• Must demonstrate the ability to work in a cooperative manner with area agricultural operators, maintain a positive attitude, and possess good oral and written communication skills.
• Must have good computer skills and be proficient with Microsoft Office programs.
• Must possess a valid Oregon driver's license, have an insurable driving record and be able to provide your own transportation.

Compensation Package

This position is full-time exempt, with a salary range of $45,000-$65,000 per year depending on experience. Our office is currently open Monday-Thursday, 6am-4pm. Three-day weekends give you plenty of time off to enjoy what the John Day Basin has to offer.

In addition to paid federal holidays, we provide paid time off, sick leave, a travel allowance, health insurance stipend, and retirement program.

Application Process

 So, what are you waiting for? To apply, please submit a resume and brief cover letter to recruitment@cascadeemployers.com. This position closes on April 13, 2023.

Cascade Employers Association is assisting with this recruitment.

A full job description is available in the link below. 

Wheeler SWCD is an equal opportunity employer. If reasonable accommodations or assistance is needed, please call 541.468.2990.

Wheeler Soil & Water Conservation District

The Wheeler SWCD is located in north central Oregon in Wheeler County which boasts 1,715 square miles of terrain from deep river canyons edged in rimrock to high timbered mountains covered in pine and fir. Portions of the Ochoco and Umatilla National Forests lie within its boundaries, covering nearly one third of the county. The three units of the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument are located within Wheeler County. The county has three communities, Fossil, Spray and Mitchell with a total population of 1,417.

The District strives to educate residents within Wheeler County and assist with conservation planning, invasive weeds, native plants, livestock management, grant funding, wildlife, healthy woods, habitat restoration and other conservation projects.