District Manager

The Delta Conservation District (DCD), a unique unit of local government, is seeking to fill the full-time salaried position of District Manager, to coordinate and oversee all operations.  The mission of the Delta Conservation District is to assist all county residents with information, education, and technical services in all aspects of natural resource and/or environmental issues, specializing in local assistance to non-industrial private landowners.  The DCD is co-located with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) with its office located in Gladstone, Michigan. 

Principal Qualifications 

We seek an individual that possesses work experience and proficiency in: 

• Natural Resource Management, including a general understanding of invasive species control
• Coordinating and evaluating personnel
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Preparation of grant applications and fund management
• Preparing an annual budget and monthly financial reporting (understanding of QuickBooks preferred but not a limiting factor).
• Highly organized and efficient in the use of technology, including productivity apps, email, etc.
• Well-developed understanding of social media content, creation, and marketing

The District Manager reports to, and interacts directly with, the DCD elected Board of Directors, to ensure the District meets its objectives developed by the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and State of Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). 

Primary Responsibilities and Duties 

• Compile informational packets for the DCD Board, inclusive of monthly financial statements (coordinate with Board Treasurer), existing and future prospective District activities, and staff undertakings each month and quarter.
• Develop an annual budget and appropriations act.
• Develop an annual business plan.
• Coordinate updated summary of the county natural resource assessment plan annually.
• Conduct an annual meeting and election, as necessary, as defined by Conservation Law.
• Develop and manage a strategic business plan that ensures long-term financial sustainability of the DCD, including but not limited to, identifying and securing diverse, short and long-term grant funding for DCD personnel and programs.
• Serve as the DCD spokesperson on a local, State and Federal level, including representing the District at community events and with varying conservation partners.
• Coordinate all grant and other agreements established with MDARD, NRCS, and other Federal and State government entities.
• Coordinate and/or assist with planning and conducting DCD workshops and tours for community schools, general public, and conservation organizations.
• Maintain and update the DCD website and develop other social media presence as appropriate to fulfill the District’s mission.
• Direct the development of educational materials that promote the mission of the DCD.
• Oversee District banking and required insurance acquisition.
• Provide employee payroll through QuickBooks, track employees vacation and sick hours, and manage day-to-day operations.
• Provide direct supervision and necessary assistance to DCD staff.
• Maintain “Hard Copy” files in accordance with the CD Retention Schedule’s required protocol.
• Attend, as needed/required MACD and MDARD meetings and conferences, including some overnights.
• Prepare and work with auditors on biennial financial audits.
• Coordinate annual fall and spring tree sale.

Salary and Benefits 

The Delta Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against an individual with respect to employment, compensation, term, condition, or privilege of employment, because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual preference, height, weight, disability, genetic information, marital status or other legally protected status. 

The District Manager is classified as a salaried full-time, “At Will”, employee, subject to policies contained in the DCD Employee Handbook. 

The District currently provides a voluntary Municipal Employees Retirement System program, 16 paid holidays and vacation times as follows; 4 hrs. Per 80hrs. for the first 3-yrs. annual leave days (increasing with yrs. accumulation), and 104 hrs of sick leave. The District will provide Workman’s Compensation Insurance, the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare taxes, and Unemployment Insurance. 

The salary range is $55K – $65K, commensurate with applicable education, skills, and experience. 

Required Education & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and professional experience in business management, administration, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience in organizational operations, staff or program coordination, or administrative management.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of natural resource management, conservation programs, agricultural systems, or environmental stewardship.
• Experience with project management, including planning, implementation, tracking deliverables, and reporting.
• Proven ability in budget development, financial tracking, and grant or program fiscal management.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.