Resource Conservation District Supervisor; Kent Soil & Water Conservation District

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.

STD
0018

122 Speer Road Suite 4 Chestertown, MD 21620

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.

• 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.

• 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 seven business days.
• 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 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.

• 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…