Under administrative direction, provides highly responsible and complex management assistance to the District Manager and Board of Directors in coordinating and directing District-wide programs and operations; assists the District Manager in executing the long-term vision for the District in collaboration with the Board of Directors; manages the effective use of District resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; coordinates assigned activities and fosters cooperative working relationships among District staff, and with officials, outside agencies, partner agencies, and the public.  Performs related duties as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the District Manager. Exercises direct supervision over professional and technical staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This executive management classification oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the District’s programs and operations, including short- and long-term planning, policy development and administration, and oversight of District programs, projects, and field activities. Incumbents regularly interact with the District Manager, Board of Directors, and regulatory agencies in obtaining and coordinating projects and information. Successful performance of the work requires significant knowledge of public policy, District functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement restoration projects and programs in a broad range of habitat areas. Incumbents are accountable for accomplishing District-wide planning and operational goals and objectives within broad policy guidelines and conservation projects.

TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assumes management responsibility for programs, services, and activities including habitat restoration, aquatics, water management, listed species, and facilities maintenance; assists the District Manager with planning, directing, and coordinating the District’s work plan and long range objectives.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of long range objectives; annual work plans, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned functions and programs; recommends, within District policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures related to resource conservation.
• Assists in managing and participating in the development and administration of the District’s budget; assists with mid-year budget review; assists with the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; assists with monitoring and approving expenditures; oversees and implements budgetary adjustments, as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs District field personnel; assists with development of annual work plans and evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with District standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Represents the District on various intergovernmental committees, task forces, and commissions pertaining to District management and assigned program matters.
• Assists District Manager with, applying, renewing, and managing various permits as required by state and federal regulatory agencies, including but not limited to US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW); monitors work activities; ensures compliance with permit requirements and regulations; and assists with preparation of periodic and annual reports as required.
• Provides information, input, and assistance with restoration projects and District In-Lieu Fee Program as necessary; conducts field assessments on open space lands and conducts due diligence for new projects and land being considered for purchase or restoration in collaboration with District Manager and other District staff.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the District Manager.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Serves as acting District Manager in the absence of the District Manager.  Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Mission, vision, values, purpose, and function of a resource conservation district.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Techniques for effectively representing the District in contacting governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as industry standards and best practices relevant to the assigned area of responsibility, including but not limited to CEQA, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California State Water Resources Control Board rules and regulations, and Clean Water Act.
• Principles, practices, methods, and procedures of budget development, administration, and accountability.
• Methods and techniques in the development and implementation of natural resources projects.
• Principles and concepts of habitat mitigation and monitoring plans.
• Principles and practices of grant writing and administration.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and District staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar and use of equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• HR and associated staff management techniques and assessments
• Office management and assistance to the district manager related to staffing and project compliance

Ability to:

• Work cooperatively with, provide staff support to, and implement the policies of the District Manager and Board of Directors.
• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for all District activities and operations.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Establish long, intermediate, and short-range plans, goals, and objectives which effectively prioritize and address the District’s and community’s needs.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of programs and administrative activities.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports, including long-term management plans.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Effectively represent the District in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Use initiative and independent judgment with general policy and procedures.
• Works with legal and management on HR and related issues as they apply to staff and district operations
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

EDUCATION:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in natural resource management, environmental planning, business or public administration, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the development, planning, implementation and/or operation of administrative and natural resource programs, including two (2) years of experience in a significant management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various District sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is a field and office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification will bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers, retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds. Employees conduct periodic field and site visits and, as such, are subject to the same physical conditions as field staff which include but are not limited to standing for long periods of time, walking on uneven terrain, hiking long distances, standing in water up to waist deep.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees may work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances but will aslo periodically work in the field and are exposed to the same environmental conditions as field staff, such has heat, cold, wind and rain. Employees may also interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures