Rural Lands Conservation Specialist Position Announcement Open date: 010/14/2025 Application due date: 11/06/2025 Closing date: open until filed To Apply: Visit www.uwswcd.org/employment for a detailed Job Description and application instructions. The UWSWCD is seeking a Rural Lands Conservation Specialist whose role is crucial in engaging with private agricultural, working lands, and rural landowners and managers interested in implementing voluntary conservation practices. By conducting conservation planning, project development, design, and implementation with these stakeholders, the Specialist plays a significant part in the conservation efforts within the boundaries of the Upper Willamette Soil and Water Conservation District. This position also focuses on assisting the Oregon Department of Agriculture with implementing the local agriculture water quality plans. In addition, the Specialist provides natural resource technical assistance and outreach to district residents, enhancing the quality of life for the community. The Specialist also offers on-site assistance with a broad range of conservation practices, methods, and procedures applicable to a variety of conditions to reduce potential resource loss due to soil erosion and water pollution, enhance wildlife habitat, and enhance farm, ranch, or forest operations. The Specialist will frequently work with landowners and managers who have horses or horse operations, as well as livestock to provide conservation technical assistance and ensure compliance with water quality regulations. The Specialist builds and maintains working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies/organizations to assist landowners with program and service enrollment and participates in meetings, tours, and workshops, further contributing to the collaborative nature of the role. The district provides a generous benefits package to each employee that includes employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 457b retirement benefit with up to a 6% employer match contribution, eleven paid holidays, alternative/flexible work schedules, personal time, sick leave, and vacation leave. Applications are due by November 6, 2025, and applicants who are chosen for interviews will be notified of the next steps in the process beginning November 14, 2025. We strive for equitable hiring practices, including using the same rating system and interviewing questions for all candidates, providing interview questions in advance, and considering a wide range of experiences to meet qualifications.