Terms: Regular full-time position (40hrs/week), with benefits. Overtime eligible.
Hiring Wage Range: $22.00 – 23.00 per hour
Job Classification and Range: Field Crew Member, Range 1
Base Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7 am – 5:30 pm (Certain projects may require slightly different hours on these days. This will be determined at least 2 weeks in advance and there is some flexibility.)
Priority deadline: Initial review of applications will begin Thursday, February 22, 2024; initial interviews will be on February 27, 2024. Applications accepted until the position is filled.
Position Summary
This position will work on a field crew under the supervision of the Lewis Conservation District’s (LCD) Crew Lead (CL) & Watershed Liaison (WL) Position located in Chehalis. The crew will work with landowners on natural resource concerns within urban, residential, and rural areas of Lewis County. This position will report to the CL & WL of LCD. Fieldwork activities will include culvert survey, planting native trees and shrubs along rivers and streams, controlling or removing invasive vegetation, implementing erosion control techniques, and participating in salmon recovery projects. Must be willing to travel out of area for up to 3 nights per week.
Primary Crew Member Job Responsibilities 
This position will assist with implementation of habitat restoration projects. These are illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Typical work includes:

• Culvert Survey/ stream survey with provided training; 
• Plant plants, shrubs, and trees; 
• Complete habitat restoration work including plant installation and invasive species control; 
• Herbicide application to undesired plant species; 
• Conduct plant maintenance and care as directed by WL; 
• Use a variety of manual tools and equipment, such as shovels, rakes, loppers, wheelbarrows, weeding forks, hoes, pruning shears; 
• Operate power and motorized tools and equipment such as push mowers, edgers, chain saws, and weed trimmers; 
• Operate heavy equipment such as mini-excavator, skid-steers, and backhoe; 
• Operate light-duty trucks, including picking up and delivering materials and supplies, and hitching up, hauling, and operating a trailer; 
• Speak with landowners and other members of the public about projects while on job sites; • Perform related duties as required; 
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• Able to use appropriate materials and equipment to complete assigned work according to specifications, verbal instructions, and established procedures; 
• Able to implement safety practices in the field in compliance with occupational health and safety regulations specific to the work and District policies and procedures; 
• Have the physical ability to do the required work; 
• Have dependable transportation to and from the LCD office and currently possess or be able to obtain a valid driver’s license and be able to pass a background check; 
• Be at least 18 years old and able to legally work in the U.S. 
• Travel Monday through Thursday out of area to complete culvert/stream surveying. 
• Herbicide Applicators License with aquatic endorsement or obtain within 90 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience working on a crew to perform time-sensitive construction projects on private and public property; 
• Previous experience in a related position and ability to demonstrate competency in some or all of the skill areas needed for the responsibilities of this position; 
•  speaking to landowners and other members of the public about projects and their purpose; 
• Conversational Spanish language fluency.

Training 
While all necessary training required to perform the essential functions/duties is provided on the job, this position may include the opportunity for additional training and certifications to aid in professional development and job training.
 
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions 
This position requires the ability to:

• Carry out heavy manual labor in all weather conditions and on uneven, rocky, or rough ground. 
• Lift, carry, and move heavy objects up to 50 pounds. 
• Walk, stand, bend, twist, squat, kneel/crawl, and reach overhead throughout the workday and for long periods of time. 
• Drive a District vehicle when travel is needed. Must hold a valid, unrestricted Washington State driver’s license (or can acquire upon hire).

Additional Position Information 

• The position will start and end each day at our LCD office at the above times but will spend most of each day in the field at project locations. 
• All required safety equipment (gloves, vests, hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, etc.) is provided.

Benefits
The District offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes:

• Medical, including vision, insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB. The district matches employee dependent’s medical premiums at 60%. 
• Dental insurance coverage through Washington State PEBB for full-time employees. The district matches employee dependent’s dental premiums at 60%. 
• Life Insurance through Washington State Health Care Authority (WSHCA), with coverage paid for by the district. 
• Long Term Care coverage through the WA Cares Fund, with premiums paid by the employee. 
• Long Term Disability through WSHCA. 
• Annual (vacation) leave accrued at a beginning rate of 8 hours per month, 8 hours of paid sick leave per month, and 12 paid holidays each year. 
• All employees are covered by standard State and Federal programs, including WA Paid Family Medical Leave, Unemployment Insurance, Workers' Compensation, and Medicare, SEP SAR in lieu of Social Security. 
• Terms of compensation and benefits are set by the Board of Supervisors and may be amended at any time.

Application Process
Full Job description available at LCD web page https://lewisconservation.wordpress.com/ or LCD office. To apply for this position, please submit the following materials via email or US mail to Lewis Conservation District

• Cover letter stating why you are interested in this position.
• Resume detailing your related experience.
• Job Application (available at the Lewis Conservation District Office)

Candidates who advance in the hiring process may be requested to complete skills assessments.
If you have questions about applying or need accommodation during the application process, contact Nikki Atkins, Watershed Liaison, at nikki.atkins@lewiscdwa.com.
Applications will be reviewed beginning February 22, 2024. Positions open until filled.
We strive to work in partnership with all, to provide equitable and accessible programming on a nondiscriminatory basis, and to continually improve how we do so. All programs and services of the Lewis Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.