District Manager, Management

Background

The District Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Conservation District. This person will provide technical and administrative leadership to complete the coordination, management and administration of conservation programs. The District Manager ensures that all District functions are managed and services provided under the direction of the District Board in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and district policies.

The District Manager must deliver services to private landowners and the general public in a professional, efficient, and productive manner leading to the conservation of natural resources, consistent with the mission and goals of the District. The successful candidate must be able to work with landowners, farmers, ranchers, community organizations, and government agencies. The position reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.

• Provide technical assistance to landowners and agencies with conservation planning and practice implementation.
• Make necessary contacts with partner organizations in order to assist the producers with their conservation plans and practice implementation.

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials.
• Represent the Board, as directed, at local and regional meetings that may affect the Board and/or District programs.
• Coordinate monthly Board meetings and keep the Board informed of actions taken, trends in conservation, and issues of interest to the Board.
• Serve as liaison to staff with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Washington Conservation Commission and other partner organizations and agencies.
• Maintain the general operations manual.
• Oversee the management of the district’s computer systems.

• Prepare and oversee the budget for District operations and ensure all expenditures are appropriate and accountable.

• Promote existing district, state, and federal programs to interested landowners, operators, community organizations and agencies.
• Develop and maintain a public outreach program for District programs.
• Organize regional conferences and local farm tours.
• Coordinate the development and publication of the District’s Facebook page and website.

• Organize and revise the District’s Five Year Plan with the Board of Supervisors.
• Develop and implement annual work plans with the Board of Supervisors.
• Secure necessary resources and technical support to implement the adopted Five Year Plan and associated annual work plan.
• Maintain record‑keeping system for projects.
• Fulfill contracted scopes‑of‑work and reporting requirements.
• Help producers lay out management projects.

The applicant must have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues and a proven commitment to conservation on private lands with preference given to applicants with an agriculture background and experience.

A bachelor’s degree and supervisory and program management experience is preferred. Additional qualifying experience may substitute year‑for‑year for the education requirement.

• A professional knowledge of theories, principles, policies, and practices of conservation districts.
• A working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and policies that directly affect natural resource conservation on private lands in Washington State.
• Ability to utilize administrative, personnel and analytical skills and to act independently to carry out district operations under the direction of the Board of Supervisors.
• Ability to take policy direction from the Board and translate this direction into tangible results.
• Ability to meet deadlines, attend frequent meetings, and travel as needed.
• Ability to communicate, both written and oral, effectively to a diverse audience.
• Ability to fulfill job duties as described.
• Process and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Understanding and appreciation of the role of conservation districts as nonregulatory providers of conservation support and technical assistance to private landowners.

This is a full‑time position. Compensation is $35,000 to $55,000/yr DOE with medical, dental, and vision insurance, all federal holidays off, and 4% match on retirement contributions. Personal days accrue at the rate of one per month.