JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                        District Manager                  

REPORTS TO:                   LRCD Board of Supervisors

WORK SCHEDULE:          8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., M – F; Limited evening and weekend hours occasionally required

WORKWEEK HOURS:      40                                           

JOB CATEGORY:              Professional, Management

STATUS:                           Exempt

DEADLINE TO APPLY:      April 18, 2025

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Laramie Rivers Conservation District (LRCD) provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require modifications to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the changes would cause an undue hardship.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The District Manager (DM) works with the Board of Supervisors to establish overall direction, goals, and policies related to the mission of the District.  The District Manager is also responsible for effectively leading, organizing and managing the operations of the District within its mission.  Work includes integration and coordination of multiple federal, state, and local programs and resources.  The District Manager is expected to continually develop sufficient financial resources to fund timely district programs.  And the DM is responsible for developing and overseeing interagency and community partnerships that further the mission of the District, as well as ensuring that all district functions are managed, and services provided effectively, efficiently and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  Salary range:  $80,000.00 - $85,000.00

• This professional position requires skills and experience in program development and administration, communications, and financial management. A high degree of confidentiality, along with diplomacy, is required.
• Willingness to participate in training and mentoring opportunities to gain a comprehensive understanding of conservation practices and available programs designed to assist land managers in conserving soil, water, and related natural resources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

As project coordinator, the DM will be responsible for the quality of work performed, for effective use of public funds, and timely completion of tasks and reporting deadlines.

Program Development and Local Government Liaison

• Commit to maintaining and enhancing the natural resources of the county and acknowledge a duty to serve the public, while at the same time advocating for the private-sector agricultural community. It is increasingly important to support and uphold a positive relationship with landowners in agricultural production, as well as with small-acreage landowners, engineers, contractors, and the public.
• Maintain a continuous, sound program of public relations on behalf of the District.  Meet periodically with County Commissioners, legislators, and other public officials to discuss how the District is accomplishing goals and objectives.

• Seek information that informs the Board about local, state, and federal regulations, laws, programs and/or activities that may impact the District. Compile background information to facilitate the decision-making and policy-setting function of the Board of Supervisors.  Continually explore opportunities consistent with the LRCD mission for new projects, funding and present them to the Board for authorization.
• Prepare grant applications and other funding proposals as opportunities arise to enhance the District’s programs.  Maintain records and submit grant reporting requirements as dictated by the specifics of each grant.  Oversee the grant deliverables to make sure they are met in a timely manner.
• Maintain a working knowledge of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), conservation planning standards and procedures, and the types of conservation practices commonly employed within the District.  Ensure that operating agreements (MOU’s) are up to date and the District’s commitments are achieved.
• Implement, manage, and participate in Board-approved special projects from initiation to completion. Special projects include, but are not limited to, water quality and water development programs, cost-share programs, the Safe Harbor Program with the USFWS, and LaVA with the USFS, as well as local community improvement projects, such as Pilot Hill.

Annual and Monthly Budget, Staff Supervision, LRCD Board Meetings and Reports

• Develop a conservative annual budget and oversee budget implementation.
• Assist the Board of Supervisors in developing their strategic plan, annual plan of work and long-range plan. Publish reports on the District’s mission, planned actions and accomplishments, priority resource assessment and goals.
• Assist the District Chairperson in planning and conducting monthly board meetings. Ensure the District adheres to all Open Meeting Act requirements.
• Understand and comply with the District’s Policy and Procedures handbooks.
• Oversee all activities undertaken by all LRCD staff.  Supervise the District staff and delegate authority and responsibilities as appropriate.  For example, work closely with assigned staff to track the maintenance of LRCD’s website, and assist in the annual tree sale, as well as with the tree plantings as needed.
• Supervise District employees, prepare, and update job descriptions, conduct evaluations, and recommend needed training, disciplinary action, and recognition of employee efforts.  Supervise and evaluate work performance, including personnel actions; participate in hiring and termination, ensure quality of work produced by LRCD staff.  Assess the need for hiring staff and supervise the seasonal, temporary and part-time help.
• The District Manager is responsible for maintaining staff morale, conflict resolution, and facilitating a productive working environment for staff.
• Maintain adequate personnel records for all LRCD staff to meet state and federal requirements.

Area Meetings and Representing the Board of Supervisors

• Attend annual area and state meetings of the Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts (WACD).
• Attend pertinent public meetings and training seminars consistent with LRCD’s mission.
• Act as a spokesperson for the Board and prepare press releases about LRCD's activities.
• Contribute to the triannual newsletter and the LRCD website.
• Support the LRCD education outreach programs.
• Manage District-owned real property, as directed, which may include purchase, sale, improvements and uses.
• Perform other duties that clearly fall within the District's mission when needed or when directed by the Board.

SCOPE OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Under general direction of LRCD Board and LRCD constituents, independently accomplish the job with latitude and discretion in carrying out a variety of administrative and technical work activities that are highly visible to the public.  Incumbent is required to make decisions of significant consequences.  Work relationships with others are frequent and extend beyond LRCD to outside agencies, interest groups and the public.  Expect work environment to include both indoors and outdoors with moderate exposure to outdoor conditions.

EDUCATION:

• Required:  Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Natural Resource Management, Agronomy, Forestry, Soil Science, sustainable Development, Land Use Planning or a closely related field.  In addition, candidates must have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in natural resource management or related field. 
• Preferred:  MS degree in a natural resource or closely related field.  

EXPERIENCE:

Practical experience in business management, scientific research, scientific publication, grant application and administration, public speaking, and familiarity with the natural and cultural resources are required.  General knowledge of conservation district operations.  Demonstrate ability to manage multiple and diverse projects.

SKILLS:

• Demonstrate strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills. 
• Computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheet, and publishing and presentation software.
• Working knowledge of statistics, including use of statistical software.
• Familiarity with water quality sampling and interpretation of water quality data.
• Experience with scientific work and reports.
• Knowledge of soils.
• Knowledge of production agriculture and range issues.
• Ability to interact positively with a wide variety of people and organizations with disparate viewpoints, often in complex situations to project a favorable image of the District.
• Familiarity with government natural resource regulations and grant programs.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative on the job.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• Personal computer
• Electronic water quality monitoring devices
• Surveying equipment, Global Positioning System

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Hiking moderate distances on uneven terrain at high elevations
• Wading shallow rivers with uneven bottoms
• Sitting for extended periods of time in meetings
• Lift approximately 75 lb. for carrying equipment, and soil and water samples moderate distances

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The DM will work primarily in an office environment in the winter months.  In warmer months, frequent fieldwork is required.  Because weather conditions vary widely in Wyoming, any kind of weather conditions should be expected.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURE:

• Possess a valid driver’s license.
• Appropriate driving record to be insured under LRCD’s auto liability
• Ability to be bonded

APPLICANT/EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGMENT

The job description for the position of Director for the Conservation District describes the duties and responsibilities for employment in this position. I acknowledge that I have received this job description and understand that it is not a contract of employment.  I am responsible for reading this job description and complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.