POLK SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT Dallas, OR Job Announcement/ Position Description
Opening Date: July 1, 2015 until filled Anticipated Starting Date: As soon as possible Position: Community Outreach Coordinator Compensation: $14-$16 an hour DOE. Average work schedule is 18 hours a week. Benefits: package available, annual & wellness leave, PERS retirement plan This is a part time, at-will, non-exempt position with the Polk Soil and Water Conservation District (the District) in Dallas, Oregon, with the potential to be a full time position if the candidate has the experience and ability to apply for and obtain additional funds for the position. The District’s mission is to encourage voluntary, non-regulatory stewardship of our county’s soil and water resources. We provide educational and technical guidance and planning for our landowners and the general public. The Community Outreach Coordinator will provide educational outreach to land managers in line with the District’s Long Range Business Plan that is directed toward conserving natural resources, and develop partnerships with local government entities, private businesses, and the general public to fulfill this mission. Required Abilities and Experience •
A bachelor’s degree in Education, Natural Resources (NR), or related field with major course work in agricultural sciences, natural resource management (NRM), and/or communications. A relevant amount of work experience in adult ag/conservation outreach will be considered as an alternative.
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A minimum of three year’s work experience coordinating outreach in agricultural or natural resource management or environmental conservation fields. Volunteer experience may substitute for paid work experience.
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Excellent oral and written communications skills and public speaking experience.
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Must be proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and must have the ability to adapt to changing software needs and use audio/visual equipment.
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Ability to work with and manage a volunteer base.
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Must be organized, self-motivated, able to coordinate a varied schedule, and able to actively build on existing programming.
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A Valid Driver’s license and current automobile insurance that meets minimum Oregon requirements. Although the District has a stick shift truck, use of the employee’s own vehicle may be necessary at times (reimbursement is based on mileage).
Desirable Experience and Abilities • • • •
Additional training or certifications involving NRM; such as Master Woodland Manager, Master Gardener, 4H program mastery, etc….. Working knowledge and/or background with small farms, livestock, grasses, forage, forestry, or agricultural crops. Fluency in Spanish Knowledge of Polk County’s historical land uses
Supervision This position reports directly to the District Manager. This position acts on behalf of the District Manager and the District Board of Directors, within the authority delegated by the Board, this position description, and the District Personnel Handbook. Primary Duties: •
Develop and cultivate collaborative relationships with local community groups, landowners, companies, and agency contacts to educate them about programs, opportunities, and events that the District provides, and to coordinate work and prioritize services.
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Develop and maintain the District’s adult outreach efforts alone and with technical staff to provide educational and technical workshops for landowners and arrange tours of projects. Coordination may include: facility rental, creating signage, posters and mailers, and advertising through webpage design and publishing.
Approved by board: December 11th, 2014
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Recruit and manage volunteers for district projects and providing training and oversight for them.
Secondary Duties: • • •
Meets all reporting requirements of work and appropriate deadlines. Assist District technical, youth education, and clerical staff with projects as needed, and as time allows. Other duties as assigned by the District Manager.
Performance Evaluations The first six months of employment with the District will be considered a trial service period in which the District and the employee decide if the employee makes a good fit for the job. Employees will receive a performance evaluation from the District Manager at the end of the first three months and with the District’s Personnel Committee following the six-month trial service period to decide if the employee should be recommended for regular hire. The purpose of the evaluations, are to determine the amount and quality of work performed by the employee in accordance with specified duties. Job Conditions •
This position involves both office and field work. Must be able to work some evenings, and/or weekends.
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Field work may require regular and recurring physical exertion that requires walking, hiking, wading in water, and climbing in all types of weather, and on steep, rocky or otherwise hazardous terrain. •
Travel will at times be required to attend training sessions, conferences, workshops and meetings outside the office. Overnight travel may be required on occasion.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: (Must include all to be eligible for consideration) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Cover Letter Resume Completed Application Three different letters of professional recommendation with current contact information A sample of your creative writing, not to exceed 2 single spaced pages A written answer to these statements: (not to exceed one or two pages per question) • Please provide an example of an outreach event you have planned and implemented successfully (be specific) and what lessons you learned, if any, for improvement. • How do you engage landowners in a conversation about a natural resource management concern? Pick a topic and explain how you might get them to voluntarily commit to changing a land management practice. • What has been your experience with an agricultural or forestry community? MAILING ADDRESS FOR COMPLETED APPLICATION PACKETS: Attn: Community Outreach Hiring Committee Polk SWCD 580 Main Street, STE A Dallas, OR 97338 Or email to: polkswcdhiring@gmail.com Questions: Please email above address or call (503) 623-9680, ext. 110 Hire Contingent Upon: Satisfactory Driving Record and clear Background Check
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status,
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mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation. ADA accessible and compliant.
Approved by board: Dec. 11 , 2014
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