Deputy Director of Conservation

Story County; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Story County is seeking a Deputy Director to provide high-level administrative, strategic and operational support to the Director in managing conservation, recreation, and education programs. You will participate in strategic planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and community engagement, while overseeing day-to-day operations.

Responsibilities include leading projects, coordinating reports and budgets, and developing plans for county park systems, trails, and natural resources programs in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.
• 3–5 years in a related role with supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience in park management or environmental programs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in planning, directing and evaluating conservation services and staff.
• Supervise staff; manage performance and scheduling.
• Participate in strategic/operational planning and budgeting with management.
• Lead projects, long-range planning and reports; assist in budgets and grants.
• Foster teamwork and morale across the department.
• Coordinate with partner agencies and act for the Director when needed.

Skills

Conservation knowledge

Budget management

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

MS Office

GIS tools

Job description

Summary Description

This position provides high-level administrative, strategic and operational support to the Director in managing conservation, recreation, and education programs in Story County by participating in strategic planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and community engagement. The Deputy Director oversees day-to-day organizational operations and supports the Director in achieving the Board's mission to protect and enhance our natural resources, educating the public on conservation and providing high-quality outdoor experiences for the public.

Summary Description

This position provides high-level administrative, strategic and operational support to the Director in managing conservation, recreation, and education programs in Story County by participating in strategic planning, budgeting, staff supervision, and community engagement. The Deputy Director oversees day-to-day organizational operations and supports the Director in achieving the Board's mission to protect and enhance our natural resources, educating the public on conservation and providing high-quality outdoor experiences for the public.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Assists the Conservation Director in planning, directing, coordinating and evaluating (direct or through subordinate managers) the services, programs and staff of the conservation program that includes park management, outdoor recreation, law enforcement, natural resource management, environmental education, administration and budgeting.
• Supervises and evaluates the work of assigned staff; recommends personnel actions related to selection, performance review, scheduling, and disciplining; administers personnel and related policies and procedures.
• Participates as a member of the Conservation management team, including participating in strategic/operational planning, budget development and management, problem identification and resolution, and recommending and implementing strategies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the delivery of services and programming.
• Provides departmental leadership over projects, including development projects, long-range planning and management plans; prepares agendas and other materials for meetings; coordinates information and prepares reports; assists in developing and managing operational and capital budgets.
• Contributes to strategies for promoting effective teamwork and high morale across the department, ensuring a supportive and highly communicative work environment.
• Develops the operations plan for the county park systems based on established strategic and operational goals; monitors progress and makes adjustments as needed.
• Oversees organizational planning, coordination, and scheduling in all areas of Conservation department activities.
• Prepares grant proposals to secure addition funding for projects; monitors grant-funded projects; prepares paperwork for grant reimbursement.
• Provides leadership over trails and other natural resources programs while adhering to budgets, best practices, and current standards; works with other staff and volunteers to develop and manage natural resource programs and trails; plans special events; plans natural resources or trails workdays.
• Coordinates efforts and maintains relationships with partner agencies.
• Acts on behalf of the Director during absences.
• May perform the duties of a Park Ranger as needed if law enforcement certified upon hire.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of natural resources conservation principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the common practices, tools, terminology, and safety precautions of building, park, and equipment maintenance.
• Knowledge of the geography of the county, including the location of park buildings and structures.
• Knowledge of state laws and local ordinances governing park and recreational areas.
• Knowledge of public environmental education principles and practices.
• Knowledge of personnel management principles and practices.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in developing and implementing conservation programs and services.
• Skill in communicating complex ideas both orally and in writing.
• Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with county officials, community partners, staff, and the general public.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the work of subordinate positions to be able to answer questions and resolve problems, usually associated with three to five years’ experience or service.

E-VERIFY PROCESS:

Story County participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each applicant's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. All candidates who are offered a position with Story County must complete Section 1 of Form I-9 along with the required proof of their right to work in the United States and proof of their identity. Please be prepared to provide required documents on the first day of employment. For additional information regarding acceptable documents for this purpose, please contact Human Resources at 515-382-7200 or go to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services web page at: http://www.uscis.gov .

Physical & Environmental Characteristics

• The work is typically performed intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light (24 pounds or less) and heavy (25 pounds or more) objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to machinery with moving parts, dust, dirt, and grease, noise, contagious or infectious diseases, or irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.