Executive Director

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES:   Directs the planning, development, acquisition and management of county parks, recreation areas, wildlife habitats, and department programs and services under the authority of the conservation board. Develops policies for conservation board approval. Researches and advises conservation board on conservation and recreation practices and techniques. Prepares agenda for, and attends conservation board meetings. Maintains department records and files. Prepares official correspondence. Prepares and submits all reports required of conservation board in a timely manner and in proper format. Plans, prepares and administers department budget. Represents conservation board at county budget hearings and proceedings. Completes grant applications to secure funding for department programs. Ensures compliance with local, state and federal laws affecting conservation practices and policies. Represents conservation board in land acquisition negotiations, adhering to all legal requirements. Conducts a public relations program by articulating the philosophy of the conservation board and promoting its programs and services. Prepares press releases; gives interviews; speaks at schools and community groups; and responds to questions and complaints from public. Serves as conservation board field leader and directs department employees in development, operation and maintenance of conservation and recreation areas. Prepares payroll and maintains personnel records for department employees. Maintains parks and recreation areas by performing a variety of physical tasks, including cleaning and repairing park facilities; mowing grass, trimming trees and landscaping; and construction improvements.             

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:  The individual must possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities, or be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. The individual also must be physically able to safely perform the essential functions of the job, with or without the aid of mechanical devices. Knowledge of principles and methods of forestry, conservation, park maintenance, recreation, aqua culture, ecology, natural history, and wildlife management. Knowledge of local, state and federal ordinances and laws relating to conservation, recreation, wildlife management, and fish and game enforcement. Knowledge of basic principles of budgeting, accounting and office management. Ability to proficiently perform basic math and bookkeeping functions. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to prepare detailed reports and to maintain files and records. Ability to retrieve, access and interpret technical sources of information, including local, state and federal legal codes and regulations. Ability to effectively recruit, hire, coordinate, supervise and evaluate the work of employees. Skill in motivating employees. Ability to establish effective working relationships with employees, board members, public officials, and the public. Ability to work effectively with people of all ages. Ability to safely operate a range of motor vehicles, including tractors and trucks. Ability to safely operate firearms. Ability to operate standard office equipment, including calculator, computer, typewriter and telephone. Knowledge of and skill in applying principles of carpentry, plumbing and electricity. Knowledge of methods and tools used in welding and fabrication. Ability to safely operate and maintain landscaping and construction vehicles, machinery and power and hand tools including tractors; mowers, trimmers and weed cutters; saws, drills, hammers, measuring devices and air-powered tools. Ability to safely operate and maintain electrical tools, including wire strippers, pliers, wire nuts, and meters. Ability to safely operate control burning equipment, including torches and pumps. Knowledge of techniques of turf care, including application of seed and fertilizer in proper ratios. Ability to safely apply and work around chemicals associated with grounds maintenance, including pesticides and herbicides, and poisons. Ability to safely operate boats and motors. Knowledge of pest control methods. Knowledge of first aid techniques, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and procedures for working with blood; Ability to safely perform heavy manual labor outdoors for extended periods and to safely perform and withstand a wide range of physical tasks, including reaching with hands and arms; walking on uneven ground; standing; climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching or crawling; and lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling amounts weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision ability requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Skill in maintaining inventory of supplies. Ability to accurately perform basic mathematical functions, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and determine percentages.    

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in an office setting, and outside in department grounds, parks recreation, conservation and wildlife areas. Work involves exposure to a variety of weather conditions, including extreme temperatures rain, snow, hail, and ice conditions. Work may involve climbing ladders and working at unprotected heights; walking on uneven ground; lifting and carrying heavy objects; operating heavy equipment; and exposure to safety hazards, burns, cuts, wild animals, odors and toxic agents.    

1. Marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of essential job duties have been excluded from this job description. 

2. Essential functions are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate Ability to read and follow oral, written, and diagrammatic instructions, qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective employee and incumbents are encouraged to discuss possible accommodations with the County. 

3. Job descriptions in no way state or imply that the description includes every duty to be performed by the employee in the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor. 

Qualifications

 Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university, with major course work in natural resource/science curriculum, related conservation and planning or public administration. Three years of progressive field experience with supervisory responsibilities and knowledge in the areas of natural, historical, cultural, educational, recreational, and resource management. Must possess a valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record (verified). Must pass a post-offer physical, drug and alcohol screen and background investigation. Must be a United States citizen.