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Director of Conservation

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Posted 06/12/2026
County Story
Location Ames, Iowa
Salary $120,799.24 - $174,953.31 Annually
Deadline 07/12/2026

Description

Summary Description

The Story County Conservation Board is seeking an experienced and visionary leader to serve as its next Conservation Director.  The Conservation Director is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the County's conservation programs, natural resource management initiatives, parks, and environmental education programs.  This position directs the overall operations of the Conservation Department and has oversight responsibilities for 23 full-time positions along with seasonal staff.  The Director works collaboratively with county leadership, government agencies, community organizations, and the public to advance conservation goals, protect and enhance natural resources, and promote stewardship throughout Story County.  This position directly reports to the Story County Conservation Board.  

The FY27 salary range for the Conservation Director is $120,799.24 - $174,953.31 with starting pay up to midpoint ($143,592.33) with commensurate experience and qualifications. 

The director shall reside in Story County during any period of employment for the county.  Residency within the county must be established no later than one year after successful completion of the initial probationary period of county employment.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

  • Plans, organizes, directs, and oversees Conservation Department operations consistent with county board policies, procedures, and guidelines, and with relevant government regulations.
  • Selects, orients, directs, motivates, trains, evaluates, recognizes, and retains staff; makes decisions and/or recommendations in matters such as pay and bonuses and decisions in matters such as performance reviews, corrective actions, and terminations.
  • Recommends policies, plans, and programs necessary for the Conservation Board’s policy making functions.
  • Oversees a consistent and comprehensive outreach program to engage the public with conservation.
  • Directs the planning, development, and management of county land and facilities.
  • Establishes efficient intergovernmental cooperation and maintains cooperative relationships with staff and elected and appointed officials of other governmental units.
  • Coordinates with professional consultants, staff, and others in the development, implementation, and evaluation of conservation work.
  • Provides vision and oversight of research projects and feasibility studies for department operations and planning functions.
  • Ensures sound fiscal management by reviewing and analyzing current fiscal conditions, projecting financial needs and resources, managing budgets, and recommending appropriate financial alternatives.
  • Provides leadership to secure public and private funding for conservation goals and initiatives.
  • Facilitates communication between department employees and the board.
  • Ensures coverage of emergency situations and related work during atypical business hours.
  • Works with landowners, agencies, and others to encourage the adoption of conservation practices.
  • Recommends land protections to the board and implements those protections when approved.
  • Identifies current and future staffing needs.
  • Supervises the implementation of a consistent and comprehensive community engagement program.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

  • Knowledge of community conservation programs and skill in their administration.
  • Knowledge of the principles and methods of conservation planning and development and skill in implementing those principles and methods.
  • Knowledge of conservation principles, natural resource management practices, and environmental stewardship strategies.   
  • Knowledge of budget management principles.
  • Knowledge of grant management principles and practices
  • Knowledge of personnel management principles and practices.
  • Knowledge of laws and regulations affecting conservation.
  • Knowledge of environmental education principles and practices.
  • Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
  • Skill in developing and implementing conservation programs and services.
  • Skill in communicating complex ideas both orally and in writing.
  • Skill in researching, developing, and presenting detailed reports.
  • Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with county officials, community partner, staff, and the general public.

Qualifications

  • Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
  • Experience sufficient to thoroughly understand the diverse objectives and functions of the subunits in the division/department in order to direct and coordinate work within the division/department, usually interpreted to require five to seven years of related experience.
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. 

Qualifications

See Qualifications in Description below.

To Apply

Complete application online along with cover letter and resume. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/storyia/jobs/5371734/director-of-conservation?pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs

More Information

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/storyia/jobs/5371734/director-of-conservation?pagetype=jobOpp