SAN JUAN ISLANDS CONSERVATION DISTRICT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / DISTRICT MANAGER POSITION DESCRIPTION

ABOUT: San Juan Islands Conservation District

The San Juan Islands Conservation District serves all of San Juan County and was founded in 1947; it is one of 45 local conservation districts overseen by the Washington State Conservation Commission (WSCC). A Conservation District is a non-regulatory, governmental entity established to provide landowners and residents with technical and financial assistance. In Washington State, the 45 Conservation Districts are authorized by RCW 89.08.
Our Mission is to work cooperatively with San Juan County residents and partner agencies to develop and implement sustainable natural resource practices that protect and conserve our environment for today and tomorrow. The San Juan Islands Conservation District helps landowners conserve natural resources by providing free services, project “cost share” funding and technical assistance.

As one of the States 45 non-regulatory Conservation Districts, we help residents throughout the San Juan Islands achieve their goals for land stewardship and productivity. We are committed to conserving and enhancing natural resources in the San Juan Islands for farming, wildlife, public health, forestry, recreation and residential uses.
Conservation Districts were formed on a national level following the Dust Bowl of the 1930s, which brought attention to the need to conserve natural resources, particularly soil. A model Conservation District Law was developed in 1937 under the leadership of President Roosevelt with a goal of creating local leadership to coordinate the conservation efforts of various entities and tailor them to meet local conditions and priorities. This idea was hugely successful and today nearly 3,000 Conservation Districts across the US work with local landowners and residents to develop solutions to local resource concerns.

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director/District Manager

The Executive Director/District Manager of the San Juan Islands Conservation District is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District, identifying and securing grants and other funding resources, and supervision of all district employees, projects, and programs. He/she serves as a member of a dynamic team of natural resource conservation professionals working together and with the San Juan Islands community to enhance, protect, and restore our Islands’ natural resources as directed by the District Board of Supervisors. Funding for this position is subject to state and local government grants and contracts.

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY:

Understand the specific function and mission of the District. Administer the District’s policy & procedures, annual & long range plans, project goals & objectives as well as memoranda of understanding/inter-local agreements with the partnering agencies. Have the ability to provide leadership for a positive internal working relationship with District Employees. Provide direction and leadership to employees through frequent communication and regular meetings.

Organize, plan, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks with minimal supervision. Stay aware and informed on local, state, and federal and private landowner issues, grants, and programs in the field of natural resource conservation.
SPECIFIC DUTIES: (including but not limited to)

Grant Fund Management

(1) Oversee the writing of grant proposals and track the implementation.
(2) Oversee preparation of grant invoicing and reporting in accordance with the Board Policy and State requirements.
(3) Monthly review of funding needs and development of grant requests to meet the needs.

Planning and Implementation

(1) Assist the Board in preparing and administrating the annual and long range plans.
(2) Coordinate with landowners and partner agencies involved in projects.
(3) Provide outreach to landowners to identify natural resource conservation needs.
(4) Work with the Natural Resources Conservation Service personnel in promoting the application of conservation practices, which develop and protect all natural resources within the District.
(5) Develop and implement an informative publicity program to promote the District resource conservation programs.
(6) Provide final or periodic project review for lessons learned and recommendations for future projects.
(7) Conduct field investigations, surveys, and assemble data needed in the development of conservation practices for structural and non-structural solutions to problems with water quality, soil erosion, drainage, irrigation, soil fertility, and nutrient management.

District Accounting:

(1) Monitor the District’s accounting and bookkeeping system, under the supervision of the Board’s treasurer/auditor and all applicable laws.
(2) Review balances of accounts and monthly financial statements for consistency and completeness prior to final Board approval.
(3) Maintain employee records; prepare payroll and quarterly tax reports.
(4) Prepare checks and vouchers for authorization of payment.
(5) Maintain receipt and check book balances and make timely deposits.
(6) Prepare annual budget for Board Approval.
(7) Prepare and file all financial reports as required in a timely manner.
(8) Oversee Annual Self Audit and 3-year State Audits.

Supervision of District Employees:

(1) Maintain a harmonious work place.
(2) Responsible for the supervision and assignments of all District employees, contractual personnel, and volunteer staff.
(3) Schedule regular staff meetings. Advise staff on policies, procedures, annual and long range plans, project goals and objectives.
(4) Provide career growth and training opportunities for staff.
(5) Schedule periodic employee reviews.

Office Duties:

(1) Answer phones and meet general public in a courteous manner. Answer questions and direct inquires to the appropriate person or agency.
(2) Maintain a standardized computer and filing system. Keep accurate and up-to-date records.
(3) Receive incoming mail and or correspondence, take action as needed or route to the appropriate party. Board to be advised at monthly meetings of correspondence. Mail outgoing items in a timely manner.
(4) Prepare District Calendar, notification Board of meetings, set agenda with Board Chair, and coordinate meeting details.
(5) Perform other duties as assigned by the Board.
(6) Assist other districts, groups, and agencies to promote conservation.
(7) Attend regular SJICD meetings, and other local, area, and state meetings as needed. Attend training sessions and workshops related to skills development. These sessions maybe located locally, regionally, or nationally.

QUALIFICATIONS:

(1) A bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields: Natural/environmental science, environmental planning, public administration, management, agriculture, agronomy, forestry, sustainable development, or any closely related field. Master’s degree preferred.
(2) Ability to work with diverse groups involved with agriculture and the environment. This may include meeting participation and presentations for public groups and organizations.
(3) Grant writing and grants management experience strongly preferred. Experience with budgeting and financial management preferred.
(4) Strong interpersonal, communication (oral and written) and personnel management skills. Ability to multitask.
(5) Knowledge of federal, state, and local programs involved in natural resource management. Knowledge of the natural ecology of the Northwest in general and the San Juan Islands in particular.
(6) At least 3 years of supervisory and program management experience is required. Additional qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.
(7) Ability to operate motor vehicle. A valid WA state driver’s license is required.
(8) Computer literacy essential.
(9) Must be able to pass Washington State Patrol background check.

TO APPLY: Please send resume and cover letter to linda@sjicd.org. Review of applications will begin on March 1st. Position will be open until filled.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time position with excellent benefits, including state retirement (PERS), health and dental, sick leave, vacation, and holidays. Starting salary is $70,000-$80,000 annually depending on qualifications.