Conservation Executive Director

City of Santa Fe Springs; Sioux City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IPERS

Paid vacation

Health benefits

Flexible Spending

Job summary

Woodbury County in Iowa is seeking a Director to lead the Conservation Board's administrative, recreational and educational services and capital development programs. The role directs operations, supervises staff, and manages budgets and grants.

You will coordinate with other agencies, ensure rule enforcement, prepare annual reports, and oversee hiring and disciplinary processes while maintaining strong community relations and strategic planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in park administration, fish and wildlife biology, or related conservation field.
• Five years administrative or management experience in parks or conservation programs.
• Master degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and management of department programs and budgets.
• Oversee staff, hire and discipline departmental employees.
• Coordinate grants and contracts and manage long-range planning.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Public administration

Budget management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor degree in park administration, fish and wildlife biology, or related conservation field

Master degree in Public Administration or related field (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Arc View

Job description

Description

Under general direction of the Conservation Board, develops, directs and evaluates the administrative, recreational and educational services, operations and maintenance, capital development and improvement programs for the Board. Serves as Chief Administrative Officer. Supervises designated personnel. This position is under the direct authority of the County Conservation Board.

Duties

• Be on call 24 hours per day to handle or consult on major problems and work a flexible schedule as needed
• Coordinating, directing, and organizing the human, physical and financial resources of the department to efficiently and effectively accomplish the maintenance, improvement and development of county park and conservation areas and educational programs
• Supervises management staff and exercises responsibility for all other department employees
• Responsible for hiring and discipline of all departmental employees
• Review and document employee performance in relation to County and department goals and expectations
• Oversees enforcement of park rules, state and local laws and ordinances
• Communicates effectively and tactfully with the public, both individually and in groups
• Recommends appointment of department peace officers and cooperates with other law enforcement agencies
• Develops, recommends, and manages annual department budgets in a fiscally responsible manner
• Develops long-range plans and makes recommendations concerning acquisitions, development and purchases
• Writes, coordinates and administers grants and supplemental funds to assist department programs
• Maintains effective working relationships with staff; other county departments; local, state and federal agencies; and private organizations
• Researches and prepares a variety of reports including an annual report of department activities
• Verifies and approves all departmental payrolls, claims and expenditures
• Prepares the agenda for each Board meeting and assists the President in the functions of the meeting
• Maintains certifications and keeps current on trends and developments in areas of responsibility
• Develops specifications, secures bids, and negotiates contracts
• Develops and manages the natural resources of the department
• Travel required for training and conference related to position of Director
• Attendance is required

Non-Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Performs various other duties relating to scope of responsibility as assigned by the County Conservation Board

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in park administration, fish and wildlife biology, or a related conservation field, and five (5) years administrative or management experience in parks or conservation programs. Master degree in Public Administration or related field preferred
• Law Enforcement degree not required but will honor it and IPERS for law enforcement if applicant is certified.
• Ability to understand the natural resource and recreation needs of the community and formulate recommendations for the acquisition and development of public resource lands, facilities and programs to meet those needs
• Knowledge of all policies, methods, procedures and regulations of the conservation board as well as state laws
• Knowledge of material, methods and techniques utilized in construction and maintenance activities
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration, supervision and management technique
• Thorough knowledge of current literature, trends, and development in the fields of conservation, parks and recreation
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to develop long range plans, organize work schedules and direct subordinates
• Ability to maintain discipline and motivate staff
• Knowledge of computer skills to effectively operate Microsoft Office and Arc View software
• Ability to use tact in handling delicate and sensitive public relation problems
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the opinions of the public and special interest groups
• Ability to make financial determinations on budgets and expenditures
• Skill necessary to objectively evaluate Board programs, operations and facilities; proficient organizational skills
• Ability to handle stressful situations
• Satisfactory driving record and possession of a valid Iowa Driver’s License
• Basic First Aid and CPR certification
• Candidate for hire must successfully pass a background check, a physical examination, vision, back screen, hearing screen/test and Iowa DOT drug screen prior to employment

Supplemental Information

A completed County application form, resume and cover letter are required.

Deadline for receipt of applications shall be: 4:30 p.m., September 25, 2026

ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION OTHERWISE THE APPLICATION WILL NOT BE FORWARDED.

Woodbury County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will consider reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.

Benefits

Woodbury County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health and well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits can vary depending on collective bargaining agreements. Woodbury County's competitive benefit package includes:

• Health, Dental, Life & Long Term Disability
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS)
• Paid vacation days
• 10 Paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Worker's Compensation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending for Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Eye Insurance
• Discounted membership rate for Four Seasons Health Club

For more information go to: https://www.woodburycountyiowa.gov/spds-for-benefits