Conservation Deputy Director

Johnson County•Oxford, IA

10d•$100,922 - $121,106•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction of the Conservation Director, this role provides professional administrative and technical services to the County Conservation Department and Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB). The position is responsible for implementing Board policies, strategies, and organizational goals. Key duties include assisting in budget establishment, grant writing and administration, and project management. The Deputy Director also assists the Conservation Director in managing the custody, control, and management of all real property within the conservation system, as outlined in Iowa Code 350.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, public administration, or a related natural science field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
Minimum three (3) years of supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.
May also require use of personal vehicle for official business.
Must pass a background check.
Basic field identification and natural history of native plants and animals, particularly in Iowa.
Federal, state, and local legislation and regulations relating to conservation.
Code of Iowa relating to conservation.
Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in the natural world and its constituent parts, e.g., astronomy, geology, ecology, field biology, and the like.
Pre-settlement and settlement history of Iowa and Johnson County.
Environmental restoration principles and practices.
Knowledge of and involvement with organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc.
Natural resources, including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems.
Political process and political climate in Iowa, as pertains to local government and conservation.
Principles and practices of public management, administration, and employee relations.
Work safety regulations and standards.
English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills.
Ability to prepare, discuss, justify, and work within a budget.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate.
Ability to establish and effective working relationships with groups, organizations, the general public, and colleagues.
Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret conservation laws, principles, and practices, and the ability to explain them to various audiences.
Ability to coordinate, schedule, and delegate responsibility to effectively administer various program components.
Ability to properly procure, manage, allocate, and dispose of Board property.
Ability to effectively develop and apply policy and procedure under Board guidelines, in compliance with local, State, and Federal law.
Knowledge of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program development.
Basic knowledge of environmental and conservation education principles and concepts.
Ability to operate visual aid equipment.
Ability to work with and cooperate with other officials, private agencies, and organizations.
Ability to understand the impact and use of radio, TV, and social media to advance organizational objectives, experience in presenting to the public.
Be detail-oriented and accurate when working with documents and information.
Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing, which permits effective communication.
Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations, which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse.
Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials, both in electronic and hardcopy forms.
Occasionally lift, push, and/or move up to 75 pounds.
Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, and crawl.
Occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas, and ditch embankments.
Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations.
Occasionally work in inclement weather conditions.

Nice To Haves

Possess general outdoor recreation and sporting skills (or an appreciation thereof) in one or more areas such as canoeing, backpacking, hiking, biking, orienteering, archery, firearms safety, hunting, fishing, trapping, boating safety, etc.
Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of personnel.
Remain informed on current trends, procedures, and philosophies related to outdoor recreation.
Maintain knowledge of the design, development, and management of park facilities.
Promote and support the preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation of natural resource areas.
Maintain a general understanding of national and state programs related to natural resources and outdoor recreation.
Maintain specific knowledge of local programs and initiatives affecting natural resources and public use of those resources.
Conduct research and investigations related to outdoor recreation, park development, and natural resource management.
Periodically report findings, recommendations, and relevant updates to the Director or, when designated, to the Board on behalf of the Director.
Assess strengths and capabilities of staff, communicate expectations and deadlines, and provide the necessary resources and support for successful task completion.

Responsibilities

Provide professional administrative and technical services to the County Conservation Department and Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB).
Implement Board policies, strategies, and organizational goals established by JCCB.
Assist in establishing budgets, write grants, administer grants, and assist with project management.
Assist the Conservation Director in fulfilling the Board’s responsibility for the custody, control, and management of all real property within the conservation system.
Recruit, hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff.
Develop, oversee, implement, and evaluate site plans, comprehensive plans, annual plans, and annual reports of accomplishments.
Plan, develop, and evaluate programs appropriate for the needs, wants, and desires of Johnson County, its residents, and visitors.
Develop short and long-range goals, set objectives, and strategies to implement these goals.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations.
Handle visitor and public complaints and emergencies with courtesy, tolerance, and respect for differing opinions.
Prepare news releases, fliers, and other basic publicity.
Design and maintain educational displays and exhibits.
Operate computers, audiovisual, photographic, and other equipment necessary for program development.
Assist in administering the budget and finances; obtain budget requests from staff.
Prepare annual budget presentation to the Conservation Board and County Board of Supervisors; maintain and monitor expenditures and budget activity.
Assist carrying out the land acquisition program of the JCCB; identify potential willing sellers with suitable land to add to the Board’s program; writing offers and acceptance agreements and negotiating land transactions; formulate recommendations to the Board disposition or exchange of real property to maximize the public conservation benefit yielded by the Board’s landholding portfolio overall.
Research and identify available grants from federal, state and private sources.
Review grant opportunities to determine eligibility, report to and advise on requirements for application; prepare applications, ensure applications are complete, and submit as specified.
Attend work regularly at the designated place and time, including department meetings and professional development opportunities.