La Plata Conservation District

La Plata Conservation district is hiring for a Forestry Conservation Planner. Read below for more information. 

 

TITLE: Forestry Conservation Planner – La Plata Conservation District

STATUS: Non-exempt (hourly); Full-time (40 hours/week); Occasional evening duties

SALARY & BENEFITS: Starting salary is $47,000. Benefits include health insurance stipend and paid time off.

LOCATION: Headquartered in the NRCS Durango Field Office, Durango CO. The position will serve the La Plata Conservation District area and surrounding areas. This is an in-person position.

START DATE: Preferred start is by September 30, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

HOW TO APPLY: The La Plata Conservation District is only accepting applications via email. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and references in a single PDF document to office@laplatacd.org.

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ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

La Plata Conservation District (LPCD) is one of 74 Conservation Districts in Colorado whose functions are to coordinate assistance from all available sources—public and private, local, state, and federal—to develop locally-driven solutions to natural resources concerns. This position is not a federal job, the individual will be employed by the LPCD. LPCD 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 LPCD staff in natural resource project planning and implementation. The LPCD 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 forest management and natural resource goals on private lands. The Forestry Conservation Planner position is effective through December 31, 2028, at which time the funding for this position expires.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide technical assistance to agricultural producers and landowners to identify and address natural resource concerns, including, but not limited to: forest management, 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.
• Assist landowners as assigned for pursuing financial assistance from both NRCS and other conservation programs.
• Work closely with and attend relevant meetings with NRCS staff.
• 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.
• Comply with NRCS policy regarding use of NRCS computers, vehicles, equipment and offices.
• Develop and implement outreach activities and field days to highlight conservation projects and practices.
• Occasional overnight travel outside of La Plata County may be required.
• Attend LPCD monthly Board of Supervisor meetings, local workgroup meetings or other partner meetings as assigned.

These duties are not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the NRCS and LPCD.

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Possesses a genuine interest in the conservation of natural resources
• Works collaboratively and be 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 as required to work within a NRCS office.
• 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

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Applications accepted until position filled. Please combine, in order, all three application items listed below into a single PDF attachment and email attachment to office@laplatacd.org

Required application materials: 

1) Cover letter  

2) Resume  

3) Contact information for three professional and/or academic references

 

Download a PDF of the announcement below.

LPCD Forestry Planner Position Announcement 2026.pdf