Ida County Conservation Director
Back to Job List| Posted | 10/02/2025 |
|---|---|
| County | Ida |
| Location | Id Grove , Iowa |
| Salary | 62-68k DOE |
| Deadline | 11/17/2025 |
Description
Ida County Conservation Board 299 Jasper Ave. Ida Grove, IA 51445
Executive Director of Ida County Conservation Board. Job Type: Full-time, FLSA status: Exempt. Closing Date: Open until filled. Start Date: Flexible. Salary: $62-$68,000 depending on experience. Paydays are every other week.
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.
The Conservation Director provides strategic leadership and operational management for the County Conservation Department. This position oversees all conservation areas, programs, staff, and facilities to ensure continued quality service to the public and the protection of natural resources. The Director enforces Iowa Code Chapter 350 and local regulations to safeguard public safety, facilities, and natural assets.
Organization: The Conservation Director serves as the executive representative of the County Conservation Board on a day-to-day basis. Reporting directly to the Conservation Board, the Director is responsible for implementing Board policies, providing professional guidance, and ensuring alignment with departmental goals and statutory obligations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Prepare agendas and documentation for all Conservation Board meetings in compliance with Iowa Code Chapter 21.
- Provide regular reports to the Board on operations, staff activities, revenue, and expenditures.
- Seek and manage grant opportunities, including applications, reporting, and project oversight.
- Develop annual budget proposals and modify budgets as needed to meet Board objectives.
- Employ, supervise, train, and evaluate staff in accordance with Board authorization.
- Manage purchasing, departmental operations, and enforcement of applicable laws and regulations.
- Oversee public use of facilities, including fee collection and recordkeeping.
- Coordinate and supervise facility maintenance, construction, and improvement projects.
- Deliver or coordinate public programs, outreach, and educational opportunities.
- Ensure visitor and staff safety in all conservation areas.
Working Conditions:
- Hazards: Exposure to custodial chemicals, pesticides/herbicides, biohazards, heavy equipment, and power tools (gas and electric).
- Environment: Duties performed in office, field, and public settings; interaction with crowds common.
- Physical Effort: Ranges from sedentary office work to physically demanding outdoor labor.
- Work Schedule: Non-standard work week including evenings, weekends, and holidays. Occasional overnight travel and on-call availability required.
Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (at Time of Hire):
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience (4–6 years) in conservation or management may substitute for a degree.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Access, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).Ability to perform under pressure and communicate tactfully in diverse situations.
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 lbs regularly and 75 lbs occasionally; perform physical tasks such as walking, standing, kneeling, and climbing.
- Must hold a valid Iowa Driver’s License.
- Ability to work outdoors in varied and extreme weather conditions.
Knowledge and Training to be Acquired Within the First Year:
- County and state budgeting/accounting standards (GAAP).
- Public bid letting and procurement procedures.
- Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance.
- CPR and basic first aid certification.
- Interdepartmental collaboration and effective communication.
- Wildlife and fisheries habitat management practices.
Preferred Skills and Certifications:
- Operation of park equipment (tractors, mowers, UTVs, boats, sprayers, trailers, etc.). Ability to operate and maneuver large trailers safely.
- Knowledge of building and facility construction methods.
- Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License – Category 3OT, or ability to obtain.
To Apply
Attached resume, cover letter, and references to the form in the "More Information" link below:
More Information
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfdAoFgFWpLva4AQj3yDscrcy6dAVHp9cboQTRCQlWWiDyzLg/viewform?
