Conservation Deputy Director

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Job Description

Under direction of the Conservation Director provide professional administrative and technical services to 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 Boards responsibility for the custody control and management of all real property within the conservation system as outlined in Iowa Code 350.

• Natural Resources Cultural History and Recreation:

• 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

• Organizations and agencies concerned with conservation natural resource management education water quality etc.

• English language to include grammar spelling sentence structure vocabulary and proofreading skills

• Prepare discuss justify and work within a budget.

• Recruit hire train manage evaluate discipline and motivate staff in accordance with Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) employment policies

• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups organizations the general public and colleagues.

• 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.

• Comprehend analyze and interpret conservation laws principles and practices and the ability to explain them to various audiences.

• Oversee the recruitment training and supervision of personnel.

• Coordinate schedule and delegate responsibility to effectively administer various program components.

• Properly procure manage allocate and dispose of Board property.

• Develop oversee implement and evaluate site plans comprehensive plans annual plans and annual reports of accomplishments.

• Effectively develop and apply policy and procedure under Board guidelines in compliance with local State and Federal law.

• 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.

• Knowledge of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program development.

• Basic knowledge of environmental and conservation education principles and concepts.

• Communicate orally and in writing effectively to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations.

• Responsively handle visitor and public complaints and emergencies with courtesy tolerance and respect for differing opinions.

• Prepare news releases fliers and other basic publicity.

• Operate visual aid equipment.

• Work with and cooperate with other officials private agencies and organizations.

• Design and maintain educational displays and exhibits.

• Operate computers audiovisual photographic and other equipment necessary for program development.

• 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

• Work flexible schedule evenings and additional time as needed

Bachelors 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.

Special requirements: Valid drivers license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must pass a background check.

• Assist setting direction for the conservation departments work units by exercising general supervision over staff including conducting staff meetings to review work plans progress of assigned work and results.

• Administer policy by directing the county conservation program with written and oral administrative policy in accordance with Board policy.

• Prepare reports and recommendations by researching records current mandatory standards and contacts with other agencies; formulate recommendations on a wide range of problems proposals and/or issues.

• Oversee and be actively involved in community outreach/public relations/marketing by organizing and facilitating meetings and maintaining public contacts and contacts with organizations and other county departments.

• 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 Boards 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 Boards landholding portfolio overall.

• Assist delegating tasks and responsibilities to staff to optimize productivity and ensure that projects are completed effectively and efficiently

• Assess strengths and capabilities of staff communicate expectations and deadlines and provide the necessary resources and support for successful task completion.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Countys and JCCB policies procedures and safety practices.

• 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

• 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.

Supplemental Description

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.

Compensation Grade