Executive Director

Position: Under general administrative direction of the conservation board, serves as chief executive officer responsible to plan, coordinate, direct and oversee all aspects of the county conservation board program and department.  Oversee administration of conservation staff.  Manage all real property in the conservation system, according to Iowa Code 350.  May serve as peace officer for Boone County owned and managed properties.  

Education and Experience: Bachelors Degree in Conservation, Natural Resources, or related sciences and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.  Iowa Law Enforcement Academy certification with at least (1) year experience in law enforcement or have the ability to obtain certification is preferred but not required.  Supervisory experience preferred.  

Knowledge and Skills: Natural resources, cultural history of Iowa and outdoor recreation
*Federal, state, and local legislation and regulations relating to conservation
*Basic field identification and natural history of native plants and animals in Iowa
*Natural resource management including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, and prairies
*Organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc.
*Environmental and conservation education principles and concepts
*General outdoor recreation and sporting activities
*Work safety regulations and standards
*Principles and practices of public management, administration, and employee relations                       

Ability to: Recruit, hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff and volunteers in accordance with Boone County Conservation Board employment policies
*Prepare, discuss, justify, and work within a budget
*Represent Boone County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
*Establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, conservation board members, County Board of Supervisors, other departments, agencies, organizations, and members of the public
*Coordinate, schedule and delegate responsibility to administer various program components
*Collect data, keep records, and prepare reports
*Be detail-oriented and accurate when working with documents and information
*Develop, oversee, implement, and evaluate site plans, comprehensive plans, annual plans, and annual reports of accomplishments
*Develop and apply policy and procedure under conservation board and Code of Iowa
*Develop and evaluate programs appropriate for the county
*Patrol county owned and managed properties
*Respond to visitor and public complaints, and emergency situations
*Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, word processing, spreadsheets and presentations, e-mail and internet
*Organize and present facts, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
*Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations 
*Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays
*Recommend and implement improvements, enhancements in natural resource and recreational management
*Knowledge of proper safety and procedures/occupational hazards associated with maintenance /repairs of building and grounds
*Ability to resolve disputes/ conflicts with use of diplomacy, tact, and persuasion.

Special requirements: Must have valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage.  Successful candidate will be required to pass a post-offer physical, drug screen, and background check. 

Principal duties and responsibilities:  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive.  Other skills and duties may be required and assigned.  
*Set and oversee direction for the conservation department 
*Administer and develop policy by formulating, planning and directing the county conservation program in accordance with board policy *Manage personnel administration by making department head decisions
*Formulate recommendations to the conservation board on a wide range of issues
*Oversee community outreach/public relations
*Administer budget and financial information
*Seek grant support that is in accordance with the vision and mission of the Department
*Carry out land acquisitions by working to identify potential willing sellers with land to add to the county conservation board program
* Assist the conservation board chair in the function and conduct of meetings as requested
*Attend work-related meetings and professional development opportunities
*Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with BCCB policies, procedures, and safety practices
*Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.   

 For a complete job description and to learn more about Boone County Conservation, go to our website or facebook page.