Conservation District Manager

      Genesee County

  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

This is an administrative position responsible for coordinating and supervising the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) programs. The Conservation District Manager is responsible for the planning and execution of programs involving private and public properties and other entities in all aspects of natural resource management, including both administrative and technical phases. Work is performed under the direction of the Board of Directors of the Genesee County Soil & Water Conservation District. Supervision is exercised over subordinate district employees, District budget and agency administration. The incumbent will perform all related duties as required.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

(a)     Graduate from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a bachelor's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, natural resources conservation or a closely related field AND three years of professional experience in a soil and water or natural resource conservation field AND two years in supervisory capacity of personnel, budget and administrative management; OR

(b)      Graduate of a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an associate's degree in agronomy, agricultural economics, natural resources conservation or a closely related field AND five years of professional experience in a soil and water or natural resource conservation field AND two years in supervisory capacity of personnel, budget and administrative management; OR

(c)      An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b) above.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:

A valid New York State driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for the duration of employment.  Must reside in Genesee County within six months of permanent appointment to Conservation District Manager Position.

 

TYPICAL WORK  ACTIVITIES:

Supervise and manage all personnel activities, including field work and training. Prepare job descriptions and assist with the hiring of employees. Address all other matters related to personnel under the direction of the Board of Directors.

Coordinate all SWCD activities with agencies assisting SWCD, including but not limited to USDA Natural

Resources Conservation Service, USDA Farm Service Agency, NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the county legislature.

Provide the Board of Directors with information for decision making. Analyze workload; make recommendations for allocations of personnel and equipment. Prepare cost estimates and compile statistical data.

Assist the Board of Directors in developing a long-range plan and an annual Plan of Action based on natural resource conservation needs and priorities.

Prepare an annual SWCD budget under the direction of the Board of Directors. Present the budget to the county legislature.

Write grant proposals for programs to address natural resource conservation needs. Negotiate contracts.  Provide grant implementation oversight and fulfill contract requirements.  Prepare final reports per contract.

Conduct public information program to explain the purpose, functions, and programs of the SWCD; may include an annual report, informational articles, brochures, radio presentations, tours, slide shows, and through social media.

Plan and implement earned income programs such as the seedling program, Agricultural Environmental Management  (AEM) and the agricultural value assessment program.

Assist in the survey and design of soil and water conservation projects, using GIS, GPS or Arc programs.

Collect data and assist in developing conservation management plans to abate nonpoint source pollution on agricultural and non-agricultural plans.

Assist the public in ordering trees and shrubs and other conservation plant materials.

Assist in preparing maps and specifications. Collect data for practice design and cost estimates.

Help maintain conservation practices by providing technical assistance on planned conservation practices.

Review conservation plans and advise on maintenance of conservation practices.

Assist with supervision and technical guidance of conservation district work crews as required. Work with local water resources groups, including but not limited to local watershed groups.

Present a monthly Manager’s Report to Board of Directors

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Good knowledge of materials and procedures used in construction of conservation practices, drainage systems, ponds, forests, and other conservation projects.

Good knowledge of math.

Good knowledge of agricultural practices Knowledge of engineering surveying.

Knowledge of New York State Soil and Water Conservation Law.

Skill in organizing and planning.

Good interpersonal skills.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally, including public speaking.

Ability to prepare budgets.

Ability to negotiate contracts.

Ability to understand and fulfill written and oral instructions.

Ability to supervise and evaluate staff.

Accurate and reliable.

Good physical condition and manual dexterity, able to lift fifty pounds.

Grant writing experience.

SALARY RANGE
$45, 000 to $55,000 – commensurate with education and experience


Position is Civil Service Competitive Class

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