Water Resources Technician

Position Details:

Stewards Individual Placements (Stewards) provides individuals with service and career opportunities to strengthen communities and preserve our natural resources. Participants work with federal agencies, Tribal governments, and nonprofits building institutional capacity, developing community relationships, and supporting ecosystem health. Stewards in partnership with the Spokane Conservation District are seeking an intern whose primary duties will be to support existing staff with field work related to riparian habitat restoration within the Hangman Creek Watershed. The position implements and provides project-based support to conduct weed control, ground preparation, riparian plantings, irrigation, maintenance & monitoring. The intern will also gain experience working on other departmental projects that will involve collecting hydrologic and habitat data, ground water monitoring, stream bank stabilization projects, and beaver dam analog installation.

Position Responsibilities will include:

• Field work – implementation of stream/riparian restoration projects within Hangman Creek Watershed
• Maintain project sites through weed control measures and irrigation
• Collection and management of hydrologic and habitat data
• Other duties as assigned by the Department Manager

Minimum Requirements:

• Demonstrated ability of working with diverse individuals and small groups
• Able to work in remote and rugged locations under a variety of weather conditions, traverse difficult upland and instream terrain, and carry field equipment necessary to complete required job tasks
• Have knowledge of natural resource conditions, agricultural practices, and critical area resources in Spokane County
• Knowledge of Eastern Washington flora, fauna and ecology
• Ability to work closely with others in both a public office and field environment, provide project administrative duties as needed, and potentially conduct outreach and educational activities
• Have, or be able to obtain, and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license
• Adaptable and willing to take on other job assignments
• Willingness to receive additional training to enhance knowledge and skills
• Very strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of power tool usage
• Willing to undergo and pass a required criminal history check
• A strong interest in a career in natural resource conservation science
• You must be eligible to serve in AmeriCorps State & National Direct Service programs (must not have served more than 4 terms in AmeriCorps)
• You must be available to work a 40-hour week for the 26-week term
• You must be between 18 and 34 years of age
• You must have received a High School Diploma or GED
• You must be a member of a Federally recognized Indian Tribe, Band, or Village; Alaska Native; or meet one of the following descriptions:
  • Persons who possess at least one-half degree Indian blood derived from Tribes Indigenous to the United States
  • Descendants of Members of Federally recognized Indian Tribes, Bands or Communities who were residing on any Indian Reservation on June 1, 1934 – shown by completing BIA Form 4432

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge and experience using Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and hand-held tablet computers to collect point, line, and area information, downloading data for further analysis
• Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ESRI online, and the Field Maps app is beneficial
• Knowledge of and experience working with conservation districts
• Knowledge of and experience working with private landowners and agricultural producers is beneficial

 Benefits:

• Living Allowance: $600/week (pre-tax)
• Position is eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award upon successful completion of the program. Value of award is $3,447.50 (pre-tax)
• Student loan forbearance and health insurance

How to Apply:

• In addition to your resume, please submit a one-page cover letter highlighting why you are interested in this position and how your background and experience will help you succeed in this position.
• Upload a copy of your federally recognized tribal issued ID card.

If you have questions about this position, please contact Walt Edelen at walt-edelen@spokanecd.org or Stewards Program Coordinator, Andre Nguyen (anguyen@conservationlegacy.org)

This program is available to all, without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression, political affiliation, marital or parental status, genetic information, and military service. Where a significant portion of the population eligible to be served needs services or information in a language other than English, the recipient shall take reasonable steps to provide written material of the type ordinarily available to the public in appropriate languages.