DIstrict Manager

Introduction: The Ward Soil Conservation District is a political subdivision entity of Ward County, governed by the State of North Dakota. The District works in partnership with the local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office providing staffing per an intergovernmental operating agreement, implementing farm bill programs through the District Conservationist and correlating work activities. Services currently offered by the Soil Conservation District includes planning and implementation of tree planting by machine, weed barrier installation, ground tilling, shallow-depth livestock pipeline plow, no-till grass drill, drone aerial photography services, livestock water quality testing and execution of the Alliance to Advance Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The General Manager position is a full time position. The General Manager functions as the chief executive officer of the Ward Soil Conservation District and has the overall leadership and oversight for personnel, technical and program planning, finances, public outreach, project management and implementation. The General Manager represents the District to public and private partner organizations.

The General Manager ensures that adequate technical, financial, and educational resources are available to meet the conservation needs of constituents. Continually monitoring and improving the District’s ability to assist constituents in meeting the natural resource needs of Ward County.

The General Manager acts on behalf of the 5-member Board of Directors, within the authorities described in the position description, in the District’s Employee Handbook, and as otherwise authorized by the Board of Supervisors. Reports to the Board of Supervisors regularly at Board meetings, through regular reports, meetings of various committees and communication as deemed appropriate.

Position Purpose:  Lead District personnel to accomplish District’s mission, goals and objectives. The General Manager has supervisory authority over all other employees of the District, but may delegate supervision of program staff to the District’s Management Team. Responsibilities include assigned duties; day-to-day supervision, formal and informal performance evaluations, and ensuring staff receive proper training and are informed of District policies.

This position provides technical planning assistance to landowners and support for WSCD conservation programs. The position is a combination of office work and fieldwork, working with farmers, other land users and government agencies offering them conservation planning and technical assistance to improve water quality, conserve the soil, manage nutrients, and protect and improve wildlife habitats.

Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Experiences and Personal Characteristics: An ideal candidate will have the following:

• Degree (Bachelor preferred) in agriculture, agronomy, biology, conservation, ecology, environmental science, farm operations, forestry, natural resources management, business, business administration, business management, operations management, management science, public administration or a related discipline. However, related past experience managing a natural resource organization, agency, a business or comparable experience with farming/ranching operation will be considered.
• Be a highly motivated self-starter with demonstrated ability to successfully lead a productive and talented team. Must be dependable, people oriented and detail oriented.
• Demonstrate proficiency as a manager, responsible for organizational, project, staff and personnel management.
• Possess a professional demeanor both in the workplace and while representing the District in the field, hosting public meetings, workshops, while presenting educational, natural resources concerns, conservation practices and opportunities in urban conservation.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including public speaking.
• Demonstrate proficiency for managing multiple tasks and priorities to solve problems effectively and in a timely manner.
• Experience working with on-the-ground implementation of conservation practices and natural resources management.
• Demonstrate proficiency using computer and office machines for correspondence, financial, data entry, data analysis and management. Have the ability to learn computer applications that are specific to program needs.
• Working knowledge of farm machinery operation & maintenance, soil and water conservation, farming and ranching principles, practices, methods, and procedures.
• Good organizational skills and able to work independently or as a team member. Must have the ability to work well with others.
• Ability to work nights and weekends if necessary, including overnight travel.
• Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours, after dark, and during inclement weather. Must possess or eligible to obtain a valid North Dakota Driver’s License.
• As a partner with federal agencies, background investigations including fingerprinting, are required in order to access networked USDA computers and programs.
• Sufficient mobility and ability with or without reasonable accommodation, to perform the physical functions of the job, both in the office and in the field.
• United States citizen or alien authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicant may be required to submit to a drug test.