Executive Director

Posted	09/23/2021
County	Palo Alto
Location	Ruthven ,Iowa
Salary	Salary range $55,000 - $62,000. Standard county benefits included.
Deadline	10/14/2021

Description
Executive Director - Palo Alto County Conservation Board Opening DESCRIPTION: Permanent, full-time position. The Palo Alto County Conservation Board is seeking an energetic, highly motivated, proven leader to serve as the Board’s Executive Director, directing the day-to-day activities of a multi-faceted conservation program. The Director will be responsible for developing, directing and facilitating the administration, operations/maintenance, recreation services, environmental education, capital development, and park and natural resource management for the department. The Conservation Board manages over 30 park and wildlife areas and the Director will be responsible for the maintenance and habitat management of these areas. The Director must be a strong, visionary leader with excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to manage and lead multiple projects simultaneously. The Director is accountable for developing the Board’s strategic plan, managing the budget, implementing Board policies, supervising staff, and interacting effectively with a wide variety of local and regional officials, advisory board members, and the general public. This position is exempt under the FLSA. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A Bachelor’s Degree with a major field of study related to park management, wildlife/fisheries management, outdoor recreation, or related field is required and a minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management and personnel leadership. Must be a resident of Palo Alto County or able to become a resident within 30 days of hire. SALARY: Salary range $55,000 - $62,000. Standard county benefits included. REQUIREMENTS:  Candidates must be willing to undergo background checks in reference to their driving record and criminal history.  TO APPLY: Submit Palo Alto County’s standard application (available on-line at www.paloaltoccb.org), resume and cover letter by 11:00 a.m. October 14, 2021 to: Palo Alto County Conservation Board, P.O. Box 417, Ruthven, IA 51358.  
Other Duties, Functions, Responsibilities and Skills - The following are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other skills, duties, and responsibilities may be required and assigned:
*  Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, and holidays and be on call 24 hours per day to handle or consult on issues and problems 
*  Knowledge of all policies, methods, procedures, and regulations of the Conservation Board as well as state and federal laws, and local legislation and regulations relating to conservation
*  Coordinates, directs, and organizes the financial resources of the department to efficiently and effectively accomplish the maintenance, improvement and development of county park and conservation areas and educational programs
*  Recruit, hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff and volunteers in accordance with the Palo Alto County employment policies listed in the county employee handbook
*  Prepares and manages department budgets in a fiscally responsible manner and work within a budget
*  Develop, oversee, implement, prepares, and evaluate site plans, comprehensive plans, annual plans, and annual reports of accomplishments and department activities
*  Regularly inspect areas, buildings, vehicles, equipment and related facilities to determine projects and work to be completed 
*  Respond to visitor and public complaints and emergency situations, ability to handle stressful situations
*  Recommend, manage and implement improvements in natural resource areas, including timber stand improvement, prairie and tree planting, invasive species control, and prairie burns
*  Implement public recreation  
*  Manage all real property under authority or management of the Conservation Board, implement and apply policy and procedure according to Iowa Code 350
*  Review and document employee performance in relation to County and department goals and expectations                                                          *  Oversees enforcement of park rules, state and local laws and ordinances
*  Communicates effectively and tactfully with the public, both individually and in groups
*  Writes, coordinates, and administers grants
*  Maintains effective working relationships with staff; other county departments; local, state and federal agencies; and private organizations 
*  Verifies and approves all departmental payrolls, claims and expenditures
*  Prepares the agenda for each Board meeting and assists the Chair person in the functions of the meeting
*  Maintains certifications and keeps current on trends and developments in areas of responsibility
*  Develops specifications, secures bids, and negotiates contracts 
*  Travel required for training and conference related to position of Director
*  Knowledge of proper safety and procedures/occupational hazards associated with maintenance/repairs of buildings and grounds 
*  Knowledge of material, methods and techniques utilized in construction and maintenance activities
*  Knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration, supervision and management technique
*  Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
*  Ability to develop long range plans, organize work schedules
*  Ability to use tact in handling delicate and sensitive public relation problems
*  Ability to analyze and evaluate the opinions of the public and special interest groups
*  Ability to make financial determinations on budgets and expenditures
*  Skill necessary to objectively evaluate Board programs, operations and facilities; proficient organizational skills
*  Performs various other duties relating to scope of responsibility as assigned by the County Conservation Board

Certifications: Iowa Driver’s License, CPR and First Aid Certification, trained and certified herbicide, pesticide and fungicide applicator (within one year of employment), ability to become ILEA certified.  

Required Essential Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 75 pounds of force. Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting, walking on uneven and unstable ground such as construction sites, wooded areas and ditch embankments.

Environment: Frequently subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions and extreme temperatures, cold and heat. Position will encounter dusty, windy, wet and Icy work conditions.

Other: Must be a resident of Palo Alto County or able to become a resident within 30 days of hire. Be reliable, responsible, and dependable in fulfilling obligations. Reliable work attendance. Maintain a high level of confidentiality and personal high level of integrity. Represent Palo Alto County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner. The Above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee assigned to this job classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all skills, effort, responsibilities and working conditions required of a person assigned to this job classification.