Stewardship Director Job Opening
September 18, 2023
Status: Hourly
Compensation: $25-$30 hourly, based on experience
Date: Friday, September 15th, 2023
Location: Sheridan, MT.
Scheduling: Full-Time
To Apply
- Please include the following attachments: College transcripts (unofficial copies accepted), a letter of interest, and a resume.
- Provide three (3) professional references
- Deadline is 5:00 p.m., Friday, October 6th, 2023
Organization History & Goals
The Ruby Valley Conservation District was established in 1939 to ‘protect the land and preserve our heritage.’ Conservation districts work locally to fulfill the state’s policy to conserve soil, water, and other natural resources of the state. RVCD is guided by a board of 7 supervisors with a shared concern for the health of the land and the region’s resources. Conservation districts grew from public concern for the condition of our natural resources in the 1930s. In 1935, the US Congress declared soil and water conservation to be national policy, with the passage of Public Law 46. At the state level, Montana Conservation District Law (Section 75-7-101 through 75-7-124 MCA) was enacted to allow land users to form soil and water conservation districts.
RVCD administers several programs related to the conservation of soil, water, and other natural resources within our district boundaries. The conservation district encompasses the Ruby River watershed as well as parts of the Beaverhead, Big Hole, and Jefferson River watersheds. We provide direct conservation benefits to the citizens of Montana through our stewardship and education and outreach programs. Additionally, RVCD partners with many state agencies, federal agencies, non-profits, community organizations, and Madison County in pursuit of its core mission. Our stewardship work is currently carried out through the execution of the Ruby River Watershed Restoration, stream temperature and discharge monitoring activities throughout the Lower Ruby watershed, the coordination of the Upper Ruby Weed Management Cooperative, and other conservation, restoration, and monitoring activities. RVCD partners with its sub-committee, The Ruby Watershed Council, to provide engaging education and outreach to the local community through events, presentations, and partnerships with local schools and classrooms. RVCD is also responsible for overseeing the execution of the Montana State Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act: (75-7-101 et seq. MCA) – more commonly referred to as the 310 law – within the boundaries of our conservation district.
Position Description
The Stewardship Director is responsible for a diverse workload and works closely with other RVCD employees, and provides support to other RVCD staff as needed. This position in managed by the RVCD Board of Supervisors, but the ideal candidate can work effectively and efficiently with little day-to-day supervision.
The Stewardship Director will work with stakeholders to implement Ruby River WRP projects, oversee the Lower Ruby tributaries water quality-monitoring network, and manage outreach and education. Additionally, the Stewardship Director will work with landowners, agency personnel, and non-profit partners to identify conservation needs, as well as implement conservation projects and programs to address these needs. This includes various aspects of project management, fundraising and financial management, and community outreach and education. The Stewardship Director represents the RVCD in multiple partnerships and collaboration conservation efforts on the local, regional, and statewide scale.
Work Environment: This position requires 30% field work and 70% office work. The Stewardship Director works on average 40 hours per week. Occasional travel will be required for conferences, meetings, and trainings. This position is located in Sheridan, MT and is housed within the NRCS Sheridan Field Office at the USDA Service Center.
Duties & Responsibilities
Project Management and Conservation Planning
- Implementing Watershed Restoration Plan (WRP) to reduce nonpoint source pollution
- Identifying opportunities to plan and implement conservation and restoration activities, particularly efforts related to range health, drought resiliency, and water quality improvement
- Fundraising, managing, and coordinating conservation and restoration activates.
- Oversee Big Sky Watershed Corps member
- Oversee and maintain the Ruby Valley Conservation District’s network of water quality monitoring stations
Outreach, Education & Partnerships
- Oversee volunteer generations and recruitment for volunteer days
- Engaging residents and partners through outreach and education
- Oversee monthly publication of RVCD Newsletter and Natural Resource News
- Organizing educational opportunities for residents, including workshops, tours and public meetings
- Providing general support and knowledge for landowner and resident inquiries pertaining to natural resources and conservation
Administrative Responsibilities
- Attending monthly RVCD Board Meetings
- Planning and attending quarterly Ruby Watershed Council Meetings
- Oversee daily operations of the RVCD and work with RVCD Board of Supervisors to implement strategic planning initiatives
- Writing grants and managing fundraising initiatives to support programs and projects
- Managing project contracts and oversee contractors
- Representing RVCD in local, regional, and state partnerships
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in resource management, range management, conservation, hydrology, or related field.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience working in natural resource management or conservation field
- Experience recognizing plant and animal species.
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability for foster relationships at the local, regional, and state scale
- Grant writing and management experience
- Computer and technical skills, including ArcGIS, Microsoft Office, Word Press and social media platforms
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with fluvial systems
- Experience with basic field monitoring protocols
- Knowledge of Montana’s Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (310 Law)
- Experience conducting natural resource education and outreach initiatives
- Experience supervising internship programs