Organization: Hamilton County Soil & Conservation District

About the position:

Deadline to Apply: May 12, 2023

Office Location, Hours, and Compensation:

• 1325 East Kemper Road, Suite 115, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246
• 80 hours bi-weekly; infrequent overnight travel; occasional evening and weekend work
• Starting Salary Range: $78,830 to $106,420 annually; commensurate with qualifications and experience
• Generous benefits package for all full-time regular employees which includes paid parental leave, tuition assistance, etc.

Nature and Purpose of the Position: 

The position of the Executive Director is an administrative and technical position of the Hamilton County Conservation District authorized by Section 901 of the Ohio Revised Code. The employee occupying this position is directly responsible to the District’s five-member Board of Supervisors and is subject to the direction of the Board and to the guidance and assistance of the Division of Soil and Water Conservation, Ohio Department of Agriculture. The Executive Director will propose a vision for the long-range future of the District, carry out the responsibilities assigned by the District Board and represent the Board at meetings and events. 

 

Responsibilities for Program Management and Outreach: 

The Executive Director will:

• Oversee the staff, ensure training protocols for each position, set annual goals and personal objectives for each position, hold employee reviews twice a year, and provide the Board with performance evaluations.
• Oversee the budget of the District.
• Communicate with state and local legislators to ensure sufficient funding for conservation programs.
• Oversee the Business Service Officer’s bookkeeping.
• Serve as the District’s Agriculture Pollution Abatement Enforcement Official as required by ORC 901 and as the Enforcement Official for the District Earthwork Program.
• Oversee District school and adult education programs and staff.
• Provide leadership in conducting the District’s information program.
• Provide information and technical assistance to cooperators, agencies, organizations and landowners.
• Attend meetings during and after regular working hours within and outside of the District as directed by the Board, with infrequent overnight travel if required.
• Identify new challenges and opportunities for the District and pursue timely innovations as warranted.
• Keep necessary records, make reports and perform related work as required.
• Assist the Board in preparing the Annual Plan of Work, the Long-Range Plan of Work and Annual Report, and refer to the Annual Plan of Work when preparing the monthly board agenda.

 

Responsibilities for Organizational Knowledge and Performance:

The Executive Director will perform his/her/their duties with a minimum of supervision from the Board. Through direct training and guidance and through personal development, the Executive Director will develop a working knowledge of:

• The purpose of the conservation district;
• Responsibilities, authorities and basic policies of the Board according to the enabling act and amendments thereto;
• The relationship between District employees, the National Resource Conservation Service and employees of other agencies assisting the District;
• The long-range program of the District as well as current activities and the Annual Plan of Work; and
• Ways to motivate individuals and groups, so that the Executive Director can effectively address both large and small groups of people.

 

Responsibilities for Organizational Management and Administration:

The Executive Director will:

• Keep informed of federal, state and private conservation programs and suggest areas where technical and financial assistance could be utilized in solving problems;
• Meet with state, county and other local officials and legislators concerning the District programs as directed by the Board;
• Administer the District’s program as directed by the Board:
  • Prepare a budget for the coming year and a 5-year forecast for the Board before presenting it to the Board of County Commissioners and/or Budget Research Department;
  • Coordinate and oversee the schedules and assigned responsibilities of all District employees;
  • Analyze work schedules and accomplishments periodically and realign the ongoing program as needed;
  • Oversee the Business Service Officer in keeping current time and leave records for all District employees, activity records and relevant reports and the District Annual Report;
  • Assist the Board in preparing the Annual Plan of Work.
• Oversee the implementation of an information and publicity program which will promote the District and its work and continuously encourage soil and water conservation practices.
• Administer the MOU and working contract with the Hamilton County Engineer to take on responsibilities for the education, outreach and pre-construction components of the NPDES Phase II Storm Water Program.
• Assist the Board with correspondence and other business that they may have in connection with the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
• Review Memoranda of Understanding between the District and cooperating agencies as needed.
• Coordinate public revisions of the District’s Long-Range Plan.

 

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration, Education or other field related to conservation
• Experience in a leadership or program management role with budgeting, fund development, grant and financial management, and natural resource management
• Experience with non-profit organizations, government, and human resources
• Strong ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills and media relations skills
• Basic computer skills
• Valid Ohio driver’s license and insurance

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Administration, Education, or other field related to conservation
• Successful experience as a manager in the nonprofit, governmental, or private sectors
• Commitment to continuous professional development and organizational innovation

Find more information here.