Conservation Planner

Lynker is hiring multiple full-time Conservation Planners to support field offices throughout Washington State, primarily in the central and eastern parts of the state.
Conservation Planners will increase planning capacity at key locations across Washington State, providing direct technical assistance to Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) clients in response to increased workload related to the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
Lynker's Conservation Planners will work closely with NRCS and their local clients to prepare conservation plans and conservation practice services to NRCS standards (These openings are for an upcoming proposal that Lynker is bidding on).
Duties of the Conservation Planner will include the Following: Work with NRCS clients, NRCS District Conservationists (DC), and technical staff to prepare and approve conservation plans for NRCS clients.
Work with NRCS clients, NRCS DC, and technical staff to conduct Conservation Practice Inventory and Evaluations, develop implementation requirements, and certify practice completion for NRCS clients.
Assist Government with developing, collecting, and assembling cost data, reviewing program applications and contracts, processing payment application requests after approval from NRCS staff, and reviewing open obligations.
Establish and maintain files and client records in electronic form in Document Management System (DMS).
This includes but is not limited to receiving and assembling program applications; collecting client eligibility and vendor information; reviewing signature authority; and completing and compiling contract documentation, such as conservation plans, maps, photographs, resource data and technical material.
Review a wide variety of invoices, vouchers, and other miscellaneous payment requests to support NRCS and IRA Farm Bill programs, prepare for agency signature, and forward to DC for payment.
Compile and review the accuracy of contract administration supporting documents from the program application process through to final payments and contract completion.
Assist NRCS in managing program contracts.
This may include, but is not limited to, annual contract reviews, documenting contract compliance, and communicating with program participants.
Track client eligibility processing with FSA and & "other " eligibility requirements as defined by program manual.
Use a variety of computer hardware and software applications and small office machines, including agency specific software such as Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, CART, ProTracts, DMS, and locally developed Excel databases to extract information needed to develop reports related to scheduling, and program tracking.
Provide a variety of information to program applicants and participants, such as specific program and eligibility requirements, guidance on completion of required program applications, verifying Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
Perform data entry to process client contract documents and actions for approved contracts.
Monitor and track commencement and expiration of contracts, contracts behind schedule, and contracts that have not completed a practice in the first year and prepares modification, termination, waiver, and annual practice reminder letters for Government signature.
Maintain working knowledge of necessary software, conservation planning policy and procedures.
Prepare monthly reports of work activities performed.
Work may be performed on-site at Government facilities or at a Conservation District office as determined by Government need in designated areas.
The Conservation Planners selected MUST meet the following Qualifications: A Bachelor's Degree in one of the following disciplines: Biological Sciences, Agriculture, Natural Resource Management, Chemistry, Soil Conservation; a related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as Agronomy, Soil Science, Forestry, Agricultural Education, or Agricultural Engineering; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
Study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field.
OR A combination of education and experience: At least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines shown in educational the requirements above, plus 4 years relevant experience or additional education.
Additional Required Qualifications: Valid Washington State motor vehicle operator's license or equivalent NRCS Conservation Planner Certification, acquired on the following schedule: NRCS Level I Planner Certification achieved within 6 months start of employment NRCS Level III Planner Certification achieved within 12 months of achieving Level I Planner Certification Demonstrated clear, concise, and professional writing skills Demonstrated ability to support customers' needs both on and offsite from the duty location.
This includes appropriate demeanor and ability to communicate professionally face-to-face, over the phone, and using other forms of electronic communication, including but not limited to, instant messaging, email, and video- teleconferencing software.
Demonstrated proficiency with computer automated software and web-based software usage.
The Ideal Conservation Planners selected will have the Following: Experience using the following software programs: Conservation Desktop, ArcGIS, CART, ProTracts, DMS, and locally developed Excel databases "We request that you include a Cover Letter with your application.
Please either include your cover letter in the same file as your resume, underneath of your resume; OR once you have Applied by Creating/Using an Account with Lynker, you may upload a Cover Letter within your user profile.
" About Lynker Lynker is a growing, employee owned, small business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services.
Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective.
And having the right people is critical for success.
Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities – creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions.
Lynker's benefits include the following: Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) – we're all company owners! Flexible spending accounts Employee assistance program (EAP) Short- and long-term disability insurance Life and accident insurance Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year Spot bonuses for exceptional performance Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses Employee Referral Program Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace Personalized career growth plans for every employee Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply.