RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR Kent Soil & Water Conservation District

State of Maryland; Maryland; Presencial; USD 60.000 - 85.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is seeking an Administrative Officer for the Kent Soil and Water Conservation District in Chestertown, MD. This role oversees multi-agency operations, board coordination, budgeting, and conservation program implementation to meet district goals.

Applicants should have a Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience in soil conservation or natural resources, plus supervisory capabilities and strong organizational skills.

Formación

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Four years of experience in soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource programs.

Responsabilidades

• Directs the daily operations of a multi-agency workforce to ensure the Soil Conservation District meets its conservation goals.
• Oversees the Board coordination, minutes, and financial statements, ensuring accuracy and timely distribution.

Educación

Bachelor's degree

Herramientas

Administrative tools

Descripción del empleo

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 .

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 seve 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.

• Performs rigorous technical reviews of grant applications an "claims for payment" to ensure all required documentation and justifications are present.
• 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.
• Provides oversight to ensure that all grant-funded projects adhere strictly to program guidelines and conservation standards.

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

• 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.
• 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

• 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.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

Unit S (AFSCME)