RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR (Kent Soil & Water Conservation District)

State of Maryland - MDA Resource Cnsrv - Resource Conservation Ops; Maryland; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Maryland Department of Agriculture seeks an administrative officer to implement policies and oversee operations for the Soil Conservation District. You will coordinate staff, manage timesheets, and support board decisions with detailed reports and records.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree and four years in soil conservation or related programs, with strong supervisory and administrative skills. This is an on-site position within the Kent Soil and Water Conservation District.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Four years of experience in soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource programs.
• Substitutions allowed for additional admin or supervisory experience or military service in soil conservation classifications.
• Selective: US residency required for non-US citizens.

Responsibilities

• Directs daily operations of a multi-agency workforce to meet conservation goals.
• Manages staff assignments and reviews duties quarterly for alignment with MOUs.
• Conducts annual and mid-cycle evaluations with feedback and development plans.
• Approves timesheets and leave requests with tight deadlines.
• Liaises with Board of Supervisors and coordinates meetings and materials.
• Prepares minutes, activity reports and financial statements for distribution.
• Represents the District in hearings, conferences, and intergovernmental relations.
• Oversees budgeting and strategic planning including annual budget requests.

Skills

Administrative experience

Supervisory experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Introduction

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow. The Office of Resource Conservation provides farmers with financial and technical assistance to install conservation practices that support crop and livestock production while protecting natural resources.

Current opening in the Kent Soil and Water Conservation District. This position in only open to current permanent and contractual State of Maryland employees.

GRADE

STD0018

LOCATION OF POSITION

122 Speer Road Suite 4 Chestertown, MD 21620

Main Purpose of Job

To serve as the administrative officer in implementing the policies and procedures of the Marylan Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors, as directed by Maryland Department of Agriculture Regional Coordinator.

POSITION DUTIES

Personnel Supervision & Office Management

• Directs the daily operations of a multi-agency workforce (MDA,County, and District staff) to ensure the Soil Conservation Distri (SCD) meets its conservation goals.
• Manages work assignments based on the MS-22 (Position Description); proactively reviews these duties with staff quarterly to ensure alignment with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
• Conducts formal annual and mid-cycle evaluations. This includes providing detailed feedback on adherence to federal/state guidelines and drafting professional development plans to help staff reach their full potential.
• Serves as the primary approver for all office timesheets and leave requests. Ensures 100% accuracy and timely submission to the Regional Coordinator and payroll processing units, often operating on strict morning-of deadlines.

Board Coordination & Governance

• Acts as the primary liaison and administrative lead for the Board of Supervisors to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Orchestrates monthly and special Board meetings. This involves drafting comprehensive agendas and compiling technical resource materials (mapping, program updates, legislative briefs) for distribution at least five days prior to meetings.
• Oversees the Secretary in the preparation of official minutes activity reports, and financial statements. Reviews these documents for accuracy before distributing them to MDA,NRCS, and the Regional Coordinator within three to seven business days.
• Attends all Board sessions to provide real-time feedback, technical advice, and status updates on district initiatives.

Program Implementation & Intergovernmental Relations

• Translates federal, state, and local conservation policies into actionable local programs while representing the District's interests to external stakeholders.
• Interprets complex program guidelines from conservation partners and briefs the Board on implementation requirements immediately upon receipt.
• Represents the SCD at hearings, conferences, and meetings with local government officials. Maintains active membership in the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) by attending semi-annual statewide meetings.
• Bridges the gap between Board policy and field operations by conducting staff meetings immediately following Board sessions to relay new policies or changes in field office protocol.
• Drafts formal correspondence and position papers on behalf of the Board Chairman to communicate the District's stance on environmental and agricultural issues.

Budgeting, Finance & Strategic Planning

• Secures and manages the financial resources necessary for District operations and sets the long-term strategic direction.
• Leads the development of the annual MDA budget request. This includes completing complex worksheets and providing supporting documentation for operating funds, ensuring all submissions are error-free and submitted ahead of deadlines.
• Presents financial plans and funding requests to the Board of Supervisors for deliberation and formal approval before submission to funding agencies.
• Analyzes historical workload data and emerging environmental trends (e.g., targeted watershed programs) to draft the Annual Plan of Work, which directs staff resources toward high-priority conservation areas.

Conservation Grants Administrative Oversight

• Secures and manages the financial resources necessary for District operations and sets the long-term strategic direction.
• Performs rigorous technical reviews of grant applications and 'claims for payment' to ensure all required documentation and justifications are present.
• Provides oversight to ensure that all grant-funded projects adhere strictly to program guidelines and conservation standards.
• Maintains a zero-to-low error rate (under 5%) in application processing to ensure the District remains in good standing with state and federal grant auditors.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Four years of experience in soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource programs.
• Notes: 1. Candidates may substitute additional administrative or supervisory experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.
• Notes: 2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

• Non-US citizens must be a US resident for 3 years to gain access to the United State Department of Agriculture Civil3D software.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in or related to: Agriculture, Natural Resources or Environmental Science
• Experience performing administrative or supervisory experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resources program.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position in only open to current permanent and contractual State of Maryland employees.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidates appointed to positions in this classification may be assigned duties and responsibilities which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

Unit S (AFSCME)

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

EEO and Diversity Statement

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.