Rural Lands Program Supervisor

East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District is seeking an effective program supervisor to lead and support our Rural Lands Program who is passionate about engaging rural residents, farmers, and growers. This position is responsible for building healthy habitats, protecting agricultural land, assisting landowners with conservation practices, and launching new farm businesses at the District’s Headwaters Farm.

We are looking for someone with demonstrated team leadership and people management skills who is familiar with land and water conservation and has a commitment to equity. Our ideal candidate understands issues that are unique to rural communities and has experience working with agricultural producers. EMSWCD’s Rural Lands Team is comprised of tenured staff with technical expertise and field experience. This is a leadership position that supports collaborative thinking and maximizes our impact in the rural area of our district. In this role, you’ll develop annual program benchmarks and associated work plans to advance the organization’s three strategic priorities: Soil and Water Health, Climate Action, and Equity.

Position Overview

The Rural Lands Program Supervisor is responsible for all aspects of program development, budgeting, planning, reporting, administration, and supervision for the Rural Lands program and is charged with meeting the following goals:

  • Goal 1: Implement practices that protect soil health, water quality, and quantity.
  • Goal 2: Improve riparian habitat, reduce impacts from ecosystem-altering weeds, and protect high-value native forests and riparian areas.
  • Goal 3: Provide a farm business incubator to support viable new farm businesses.
  • Goal 4: Protect Ag Land from Conversion and improve affordability.

The Rural Lands program consists of five direct reports and a team of seven. The primary charge of the Rural Lands Program Supervisor is to guide and implement rural programs and projects that focus on water quality and habitat improvements, technical and financial assistance for landowners, invasive weed control, land conservation and land access, new farmer development, and climate adaptations. The position averages 40 hours per week and is based in our North Williams neighborhood offices in Portland, Oregon. Some local travel and weekend work is required.

Studies have shown that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and women are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and qualifications for the role.

This position reports to the Executive Director and manages a team of seven with pay commensurate with experience. At EMSWCD we believe we are stronger together, and actively work to build a diverse, connected, and healthy staff and community.

Wage Range: $90,255 – $135,383

Download and read the full job description in the link here:

Rural Lands Program Supervisor – Job Description (PDF)

How to apply:

Applicants must read the information below carefully for instructions on how to apply for this position. The position is open until it is filled. We will begin reviewing applications on March 3, 2025.

To apply:

  1. Applicants must send a cover letter and detailed resume to: jobs@emswcd.org.
  2. All email subject lines should include “Rural Lands Program Supervisor.”
  3. Submit your resume along with a cover letter (no more than two pages) that includes a professional achievement you are proud of, and an example of how you successfully incorporated equity into a program.
  4. Resumes should include: all relevant positions listed in chronological order; dates employed; employer names; duties performed; and relevant training and education.

Approximate Timeline:

  • March 3: Begin application review (position open until filled)
  • Week of March 10: Begin Scheduling First Interviews
  • Week of March 17: Begin Scheduling Second Interviews
  • April 2-5: Reference check for top candidate(s); offer extended.

 

Non-Discrimination Policy

EMSWCD recognizes that communities and workplaces are strengthened by diversity and that more inclusive conservation efforts are necessary to ensure lasting and equitable outcomes. We acknowledge the historical and ongoing disparities that Black, Indigenous, People of Color and other marginalized communities disproportionately experience in income, education and health in our communities. We also understand that these disparities can impact who has access to healthy land and water. For these reasons, our staff and board are committed to making meaningful changes in the work we do so that all communities can benefit from our programs.

EMSWCD prohibits discrimination in all of its programs and activities based on race, color, gender identity national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual and romantic orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisals, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. EMSWCD is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication or program information should contact the EMSWCD Office at 503-222-7645 or jobs@emswcd.org. Veterans are encouraged to apply for positions at EMSWCD.