Executive Director - Ida County Conservation Board

Benefits: IPERS retirement, full coverage on single-payer healthcare, vision and dental insurance, 10 paid holidays, paid sick and paid vacation time (negotiable rate at time of hire), workers comp, and life insurance. 

Organization: The Executive Director is the representative of the Ida County Conservation Board (ICCB). The position reports to and advises the ICCB. The director is responsible for implementing conservation programs, policies, financial management, and program direction. The Director leads and supervises staff, including Operations Supervisor, Naturalist, Conservation Technician, and seasonal positions. 

General Description: This is a professional position that works 40-45 hours per week, FLSA Exempt. The Director of ICCB performs simple and complex tasks to provide management and overall guidance to the operation of the department to assure continued service to the public based on conservation and business management practices. This person performs tasks compliant with Iowa Code Ch. 350 and state laws to meet management objectives of the ICCB. This position develops and implements short and long-term plans in line with ICCB Capital Improvement Plans, completes Natural Resource Management plans, develops fundraisers, and assists in the preparation of an annual budget for approval by the ICCB and the county board of supervisors. 

Working Conditions:

Hazards • Custodial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and biohazards.• Light to heavy duty equipment, machinery, and power tools (gas and electric).• Uneven terrain and various habitat compositions.

Environment • Fields, such as: forest, prairie, multi-use trails, parks, and roads.• Events, such as: fundraisers and educational programs. • Maintenance Shop, sheds, nature center, and rental facilities.

Physical Effort • Minimal to arduous

Intellectual Effort • Moderate to extensive

Work Schedule • Semi-standard work week; hours are clocked weekly, Monday through Sunday. Some weekend and holiday work might be required or shared between staff.• Overnight travel is occasionally required for training and partnership projects.• Ability to report to work on short notice and oversee schedules for other staff.

Essential Functions:

• Prepares the agenda, minutes, and resources for all meetings of the ICCB; compliant to Iowa Code Ch. 21 and 350.• Provides regular reports on field operations, staff activities, revenue, expenses, park user data, security, and social media data to the ICCB.• Prepares an initial annual budget estimate and modifies it to meet conservation board goals and projects listed in the Capital Improvement Plan. Prepares a final working budget for board approval based on funding appropriation. Negotiates ICCB's approved budgets with county board of supervisors, and develops partnerships with other agencies to ensure ICCB projects are pursued and funded. • Seeks out and submits applications for new grant opportunities, implements grant contracts, manages, and monitors all grant expenses/revenues, and continues ongoing grant projects. • Regularly uses computer programs such as, but not limited to, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, Publisher, Power Point, and Access. Mapping software such as Geocortex, Beacon, and OnX Hunt. • Implements and understands modern conservation practices on ICCB owned areas, such as: prescribed fire, timber stand improvement, invasive species removal, chemical application, prairie management and establishment, and pond and lake management. • Employs, supervises, and provides annual training for all staff positions, assistants, and employees necessary for the efficient and safe operation of the department.• Makes or approves regular purchases necessary for the continued operation of the department.• Implement laws and regulations according to the policies of the Conservation Board and state.• Collects fees from the public for the use of facilities and equipment, recording receipts and use of fee-based services from rental shelters, cabins, and campgrounds.• Supervises the management and maintenance work of all facilities and/or areas.• Monitors or supervises construction or improvement projects while working with the department Operations Supervisor or contractors.• Provides for the safety of ICCB areas’ visitors and staff by working with the local Sheriff’s Department and regional conservation officers. 

Education and Abilities at Time of Hire:

• Preferred bachelor’s degree, with a concentration in environmental sciences, natural resource management, ecology, or park management fields. Work experience in a related field for at least 6 years will be considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. • Must have CPR/First Aid certification within the first year of hiring. • Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.• Excellent communication and public speaking skills, both verbal and written.• Excellent computer program skills.• Ability to perform and communicate in a tactful manner while under physical and social pressure.• Supervise other professionals with diverse responsibilities.• Understands, enforces, and accepts the chain of command.• Building and facilities maintenance methods.• Terrestrial and Aquatic Wildlife habitat management practices.• Duties require a considerable amount of physical activity. Incumbent must be able to walk, stand, kneel, crouch, reach, stoop, and climb to accomplish tasks.• Ability to regularly lift 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and carry objects up to 75 pounds.• Work outdoors in extreme weather conditions.• Operate equipment including tractors, mowers, skid loaders, UTVs, snowplow, boats, chemical sprayers, box-scraper, drip torches, prescribed fire equipment, etc. • Ability to back up, park, and pull goose- neck trailers, dump trailers, and single axel trailers. 

Knowledge and Skills Required: 

• Government budgeting and accounting standards; follow public bid letting procedures on projects.• Fair Labor Standards Act and Equal Employment Opportunity requirements as they pertain to the department.• Americans with Disabilities Act requirements as they pertain to the department.• Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License – Categories 3OT, Aquatic, Roadside, and or Forestry or the ability to obtain license within one year of hire. • Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other department staff.• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other county departments and non-profit agencies within and outside of the county. • Understanding of ICCB’s mission to support local and regional conservation and associated ethics. 

Ida County is an Equal Opportunity Employer