TITLE: Conservation Planner - Mancos Conservation District
STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly); Full-time (40 hours/week)
SALARY & BENEFITS: Starting salary is $47,000-$50,000 DOE. Benefits include health insurance stipend and paid time off.
LOCATION: Headquartered in the NRCS Cortez Field Office, Cortez CO. The position will serve the Mancos Conservation District area and surrounding areas. This is an in-person position.
START DATE: Preferred start is September, 2026
CLOSING DATE: will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply by August 16, 2026 to receive full consideration.
HOW TO APPLY: The Mancos Conservation District is only accepting applications through . Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references.
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ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION
The Mancos Conservation District (MCD), a political subdivision of the State of Colorado, provides natural resources technical assistance to private landowners in the Mancos Watershed and surrounding areas. Our mission is to promote the long-term sustainable use and protection of natural resources in the Mancos River Watershed through educational, technical, and financial assistance for residents and landowners. MCD programming and staff are overseen by a volunteer Board of Supervisors.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Conservation Planner will work with Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and MCD staff in natural resource project planning and implementation. The MCD and NRCS are partnering closely on this position. This means that nearly all aspects of the work will occur within the context of the NRCS planning process and funding programs. The activities covered by this position will broadly address natural resource goals on private lands, including erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, forest management, soil health, grazing management, and regenerative agricultural practices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to identify and address resource concerns, including, but not limited to: erosion control, water management and water quality enhancement, soil health, and grazing management.
- Work with landowners/producers to develop individualized conservation and management plans. This includes reviewing and/or developing designs, conducting field surveys, providing quality control services, and other related activities.
- Provide resources to landowners for financial assistance programs through the NRCS and MCD as assigned.
- Work closely with and attend relevant meetings with NRCS employees.
- Complete conservation planning courses and training through NRCS.
- Follow NRCS planning processes and fill out documentation to identify natural resource concerns, develop conservation plans and practices, conduct surveys for NEPA compliance, and assist landowners in applying for NRCS funding.
- Utilize NRCS software such as Conservation Desktop and Protracts.
- Develop and implement outreach activities and field days to highlight conservation projects and practices.
These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the NRCS and MCD.
NECESSARY SKILLS
- Possesses a genuine interest in the conservation of natural resources
- Works collaboratively and is a strong team player
- Highly organized and efficiently manages time, tasks, projects, computer files, etc.
- Self-motivated, self-directed, innovative, and enthusiastic
- Flexible to perform a variety of duties and adaptable to changing situations
- Excellent communication, both verbal and written
- Maintains a positive attitude and enjoys working with people
- Able to respect and tolerate different personalities and build relationships with different individuals
- Committed to high level of work quality and professionalism
- Possesses a working knowledge of ecological principles, resource management techniques, and Southwestern Colorado ecosystems.
- Able to read and interpret scientific and technical information related to natural resources and the environment
- Technical writing – writes effectively and efficiently on topics pertaining to natural resources
- Able to develop and deliver visual presentations to a variety of groups
- Efficient in basic computer use, and able to learn new technology and software
- Work safely outdoors, alone and as a team, during all seasons and weather conditions to complete required fieldwork; walk and hike over steep, uneven terrain all day; use a GPS and other equipment; carry up to 30 pounds
- Ability to safely operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle in rural settings on- and off-road
- Employee must provide their own boots, clothing, and other personal gear for fieldwork during all seasons
- Discretion in maintaining confidentiality of official records
- Assures that programs and services are carried out without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or physical or mental handicap.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS
- Able to pass a criminal background check
- Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, watershed management, environmental science, range management, botany, biology, forestry, ecology, agronomy, horticulture, or a related field
- Proficient in the following computer software applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Google, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Experience and ability to work outdoors doing the duties described above
- Hold or able to obtain a valid Colorado driver’s license and a clean driving record
- Experience driving a vehicle in the mountains
- Able to work weekend or evening hours (after 6pm) 3-5 times per year
- At least 12 months of prior job experience in forestry, ecology, natural resources, watershed management, environmental science, botany, biology, or a related field
- Prior experience working with the NRCS and conservation planning process
- Experience with farm and/or ranch management and practices in Southwest Colorado
- Experience working with private landowners
- Experience with ESRI ArcGIS Pro
HOW TO APPLY: The Mancos Conservation District is only accepting applications through . Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. Applications received by August 16, 2026, will receive full consideration.
Pay: $47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
