Soil Conservationist (KK-46848)

CLOSING DATE:     April 24, 2026

POSITION:               Soil Conservationist 

SALARY:                  $ 32.96, per hour

REPORTS TO:        Natural Resource Officer

LOCATION:             Range Department/ Nespelem, WA 

Basic Functions:      This is a Non-Exempt position.  The incumbent provides technical assistance and expertise to all trust landowners and producers by developing and implementing sound conservation plans (soil and water) for dry land irrigated and pasture lands on the reservation. Conducts a sustained educational program among Indian people and users of trust land to import knowledge of proper land use; to secure maximum participation in proper land use and conservation of soil and water, to acquaint them with the assistance and services available from other agricultural agencies. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Training: 

• Requires a Masters Degree in Range Management, Natural Resources, Soil Sciences or closely related field and at least one (1) year at a technician V level OR;
• Requires a Bachelors Degree in Range Management, Natural Resources, Soil Sciences or closely related field AND three (3) years at a Technician IV level; OR A.A.S Degree in Range Management, Natural Resources or closely related field AND 60 months of experience at a Technician 1 and a satisfactory work performance review; OR 84 months combined education and specialized experience demonstrating the ability to perform the job duties.
• Requires a valid Drivers license and be eligible for tribal insurance and maintain throughout employment. Must obtain a CDL class A, upon request. And must qualify for a U.S. Government Motor Vehicle Operation Identification Card.
• May be requested to participate in wild fire emergency situations, passing the firefighter Pack Test and serve in whatever capacity the incumbent is qualified for.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Requires professional knowledge of soil and water conservation principles, practices, methods and techniques.
• Requires knowledge of noxious weeds, pests and pesticide management.
• Requires knowledge of Federal and State laws and requirements which deal with the mixing, application and disposal of restricted use pesticides.
• Requires knowledge and skill to utilize Geographical Information Systems (GIS) IT applications.
• Requires knowledge to provide educational and technical expertise to landowners, livestock owners and Agency branches on weed management matters.
• Requires knowledge of budget estimates, financial plans, and economic resources.
• Requires knowledge of on-farm irrigation systems.
• Requires knowledge of range and irrigated grass species and their management.
• Requires the ability to evaluate effectiveness of soil and moisture conservation practices and assists land users in planning, revising and improving their operations.
• Requires ability to make environmental analysis where needed
• Requires ability to serve on the Burned Area Emergency Rehab (BAER) team to develop intensive management strategies for rangeland damaged by wildfires.
• Requires ability to maintain records, prepare reports, and answer correspondences.
• Requires ability to utilize suitable Integrated Pest Management (IPM) control methods to reduce and control hazards to public health , stored products, structures and vegetation. 
• Requires ability to operate equipment associated with pesticide application.  Ability to communicate both orally and in writing. 
• Requires ability to work with local farmers, ranchers, co-workers, the Colville Business Council, outside Federal and Governmental entities and adjacent counties. Ability to compute carrying capacities or animal unit months, propose amendments to annual AUM's for Tribal Council approval. 

Note: Pursuant to Tribal Policy, if this position is safety sensitive it is subject to pre-employment drug testing. In addition, this position is subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

TRIBAL MEMBER AND INDIAN PREFERENCE WILL APPLY; PREFERENCE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN TO HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERANS WHO ARE MINIMALLY QUALIFIED.

If required of this position, you must possess and maintain a valid Washington State driver’s license and be eligible for the Tribes’ Vehicle Insurance.  In addition, this position may be subject to pre-employment background clearances.  If applicable, these clearances must be maintained throughout employment.

INFORMATION: Krystal Keaton, Human Resources Technician Sr.  Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 150, Nespelem, WA 99155, (509) 634-2794. krystal.keaton.hrs@colvilletribes.com

Salary : $33 - $41