Conservation Deputy Director

Johnson County; Maine; On-site; USD 101,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

Johnson County Conservation Board seeks a qualified leader to oversee conservation programs, budgets and staff. You will implement board policies, manage grants, and supervise a team in fulfilling the county’s conservation goals.

This role requires strong knowledge of conservation laws and public administration, plus excellent communication with residents and partners. The position emphasizes project management, property oversight, and alignment with state regulations while advancing

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with five years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management; minimum three years supervisory experience.
• Knowledge of conservation laws, local government and Board policies.
• Experience writing and managing grants and budgets.
• Strong communication and public outreach skills.
• Ability to supervise staff, design programs, and supervise project management.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and technical services to County Conservation Department and JCCB.
• Assist in budget establishment, grant administration, and project management.
• Develop and implement site and annual plans; prepare reports and accomplishments.
• Oversee staff recruitment, training, supervision, and performance evaluation.
• Coordinate with groups, agencies and the public; manage property and land acquisitions.

Skills

Budgeting

Staff supervision

Grant administration

Policy understanding

Public communication

Program coordination

Report writing

Facility management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in natural resources/outdoor recreation/public administration or related field

Job description

Address:

2048 Hwy 6 NW, Oxford, Iowa, 52322

Salary Range (Min-Mid)

$100,921.87 - $121,106.24

Dept./Office/Position Type

Conservation - Managerial

Employee Type

Regular

Job Description

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under direction of the Conservation Director, provide professional administrative and technical services to County Conservation Department and Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB). Implement Board policies, strategies and organizational goals established by JCCB. Assist in establishing budgets, write grants, administer grants, and assist with project management. Assist the Conservation Director in fulfilling the Board’s responsibility for the custody, control, and management of all real property within the conservation system, as outlined in Iowa Code 350.

Knowledge of:

• Natural Resources, Cultural History, and Recreation:

• Basic field identification and natural history of native plants and animals, particularly in Iowa.

• Federal, state, and local legislation and regulations relating to conservation

• Code of Iowa relating to conservation

• Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in the natural world and its constituent parts, e.g., astronomy, geology, ecology, field biology, and the like.

• Pre-settlement and settlement history of Iowa and Johnson County.

• Environmental restoration principles and practices.

• Knowledge of and involvement with organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc.

• Natural resources, including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems.

• Political process and political climate in Iowa, as pertains to local government and conservation.

• Principles and practices of public management, administration, and employee relations

• Work safety regulations and standards

• Organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc.

• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills

Ability to:

• Prepare, discuss, justify, and work within a budget.

• Recruit, hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff in accordance with Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) employment policies

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups, organizations, the general public, and colleagues.

• Possess general outdoor recreation and sporting skills (or an appreciation thereof) in one or more areas such as canoeing, backpacking, hiking, biking, orienteering, archery, firearms safety, hunting, fishing, trapping, boating safety, etc.

• Comprehend, analyze, and interpret conservation laws, principles, and practices, and the ability to explain them to various audiences.

• Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of personnel.

• Coordinate, schedule, and delegate responsibility to effectively administer various program components.

• Properly procure, manage, allocate, and dispose of Board property.

• Develop, oversee, implement, and evaluate site plans, comprehensive plans, annual plans, and annual reports of accomplishments.

• Effectively develop and apply policy and procedure under Board guidelines, in compliance with local, State, and Federal law.

• Plan, develop, and evaluate programs appropriate for the needs, wants, and desires of Johnson County, its residents, and visitors.

• Develop short and long-range goals, set objectives, and strategies to implement these goals.

• Knowledge of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program development.

• Basic knowledge of environmental and conservation education principles and concepts.

• Communicate, orally and in writing, effectively to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations.

• Responsively handle visitor and public complaints and emergencies, with courtesy, tolerance, and respect for differing opinions.

• Prepare news releases, fliers, and other basic publicity.

• Operate visual aid equipment.

• Work with and cooperate with other officials, private agencies, and organizations.

• Design and maintain educational displays and exhibits.

• Operate computers, audiovisual, photographic, and other equipment necessary for program development.

• Understand the impact and use of radio, TV, and social media to advance organizational objectives, experience in presenting to the public.

• Be detail-oriented and accurate when working with documents and information

• Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing, which permits effective communication

• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations, which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse

• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials, both in electronic and hardcopy forms

• Occasionally lift, push, and/or move up to 75 pounds

• Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, and crawl

• Occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas, and ditch embankments

• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations

• Occasionally work in inclement weather conditions

• Work flexible schedule, evenings and additional time as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, public administration, or a related natural science field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. Minimum three (3) years of supervisory experience.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must pass a background check.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Assist setting direction for the conservation department’s work units by exercising general supervision over staff, including conducting staff meetings to review work plans, progress of assigned work, and results.

• Administer policy by directing the county conservation program with written and oral administrative policy in accordance with Board policy.

• Prepare reports and recommendations by researching records, current mandatory standards, and contacts with other agencies; formulate recommendations on a wide range of problems, proposals, and/or issues.

• Oversee, and be actively involved in community outreach/public relations/marketing by organizing and facilitating meetings and maintaining public contacts and contacts with organizations and other county departments.

• Assist in administering the budget and finances; obtain budget requests from staff.

• Prepare annual budget presentation to the Conservation Board and County Board of Supervisors; maintain and monitor expenditures and budget activity.

• Assist carrying out the land acquisition program of the JCCB; identify potential willing sellers with suitable land to add to the Board’s program; writing offers and acceptance agreements and negotiating land transactions; formulate recommendations to the Board disposition or exchange of real property to maximize the public conservation benefit yielded by the Board’s landholding portfolio overall.

• Assist delegating tasks and responsibilities to staff to optimize productivity and ensure that projects are completed effectively and efficiently

• Assess strengths and capabilities of staff, communicate expectations and deadlines, and provide the necessary resources and support for successful task completion.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County’s and JCCB policies, procedures, and safety practices.

• Remain informed on current trends, procedures, and philosophies related to outdoor recreation.

• Maintain knowledge of the design, development, and management of park facilities.

• Promote and support the preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation of natural resource areas.

• Maintain a general understanding of national and state programs related to natural resources and outdoor recreation

• Maintain specific knowledge of local programs and initiatives affecting natural resources and public use of those resources.

• Conduct research and investigations related to outdoor recreation, park development, and natural resource management.

• Periodically report findings, recommendations, and relevant updates to the Director or, when designated, to the Board on behalf of the Director

• Research and identify available grants from federal, state and private sources.

• Review grant opportunities to determine eligibility, report to and advise on requirements for application; prepare applications, ensure applications are complete, and submit as specified.

• Attend work regularly at the designated place and time, including department meetings and professional development opportunities.

Supplemental Description

Compensation Grade

15