Resource Conservation District Supervisor

State of Maryland•Kent, MD

10d•Onsite

About The Position

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. This position serves as the administrative officer in implementing the policies and procedures of the Maryland Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors, as directed by the Maryland Department of Agriculture Regional Coordinator. The role involves directing daily operations of a multi-agency workforce, managing work assignments, conducting performance evaluations, and approving timesheets and leave requests. It also includes acting as the primary liaison for the Board of Supervisors, orchestrating meetings, and overseeing the preparation of official minutes and financial statements. The position requires translating federal, state, and local conservation policies into actionable local programs, representing the District's interests, and maintaining membership in relevant associations. Additionally, the role involves securing and managing financial resources, leading the development of the annual budget request, analyzing data for the Annual Plan of Work, and performing administrative oversight of conservation grants, including technical reviews of applications and claims for payment to ensure adherence to program guidelines and standards.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Directs the daily operations of a multi-agency workforce (MDA, County, and District staff) to ensure the Soil Conservation District (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, providing detailed feedback and drafting professional development plans.
Serves as the primary approver for all office timesheets and leave requests, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
Acts as the primary liaison and administrative lead for the Board of Supervisors to facilitate informed decision-making.
Orchestrates monthly and special Board meetings, including drafting agendas and compiling technical resource materials.
Oversees the Secretary in the preparation of official minutes, activity reports, and financial statements, reviewing them for accuracy.
Attends all Board sessions to provide real-time feedback, technical advice, and status updates on district initiatives.
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.
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.
Leads the development of the annual MDA budget request, including completing complex worksheets and providing supporting documentation.
Presents financial plans and funding requests to the Board of Supervisors for deliberation and approval.
Analyzes historical workload data and emerging environmental trends to draft the Annual Plan of Work.
Performs rigorous technical reviews of grant applications and 'claims for payment' to ensure all required documentation and justifications are present.
Maintains a zero-to-low error rate (under 5%) in application processing.
Provides oversight to ensure that all grant-funded projects adhere strictly to program guidelines and conservation standards.