Conservation Program Manager
POSITION SUMMARY:
The purpose of this position is to lead and direct the operations of the conservation programs and ordinances within the Marathon County Conservation, Planning and Zoning Department. This includes developing strategies and policies to protect our community’s land and environment to achieve the goals of the County’s Comprehensive and Strategic plans as well as the County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan. The Conservation Program Manager develops work plans, assigns workloads, and supervises the conservation staff; applies for and manages grants to assist with funding program and project implementation; and serves as a member of the CPZ Management Team assisting with department programs and policies.
QUALIFICATIONS:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Natural Resource Management, Soil Science, Agronomy or a related field, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in land resource programs or a related field; OR any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities. Prior supervisory experience preferred.
NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Possession of a valid driver’s license and a driving record that meets County standards or ability to obtain reliable transportation.
EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:
This position is considered a working management position with the expectation that the manager will step in and step-up to assist their team and department where needed. The successful applicant will seek out and keep skillsets up to date as it relates to all areas of their primary duties.
The following duties are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive but will be the primary duties. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Conservation Program Management:
Leads, manages, and supervises the operations, personnel and policies of the diverse conservation programs including managed grazing, farmland preservation, animal waste management, nutrient management, livestock licensing, etc. As needed, may be required to help cover for staff on day-to-day duties in the conservation program.
Oversee the implementation of the Marathon County Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Lead staff on implementation strategies, recommending programs and policies to achieve the goals of the Plan and seeking and managing funding sources for program implementation. Collaborate with staff, co-workers, peers, and policy makers to strategize and innovate ways to expand conservation efforts and programs in the County and State.
Oversight of conservation program ordinances and related complaints, investigations, enforcement processes, and follow-up actions. In some instances, may lead/conduct the violation and citation process. In coordination with the conservation program staff decides when and how to address violations through stepped enforcement, and when to engage Corporation Counsel as it relates to enforcement, violations, and citations.
Community Engagement :
Builds, engages, and participates with strategic partnerships and multi-disciplinary teams of internal and external stakeholders in land and water management programming to build and enhance the community capacity in achieving goals. This includes but is not limited to the following: USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, UW-Extension, Department of Natural Resources, WI Department of Agriculture, county departments, town and municipal governments, lake groups, various associations, and citizens, to further the Department and County’s mission and to encourage participation in those programs.
Conducts land resource related training/educational programs for the public, customers, and staff.
Leadership and Departmental Management :
Serves as a member of the Conservation, Planning, and Zoning Department management team which includes assisting with development of Department policies, budgets, grant applications, etc.
Develops and presents recommendations to improve department programs and operations.
Develops individual work plans and monitors implementation for assigned staff.
Completes staff performance reviews and improvement plans
Lead, support, and sustain the CPZ culture by demonstrating and embracing the department’s and county’s core values. Monitors and evaluates department culture with the management team, develops and implements strategies to continuously improve the working environment and service of the department.
Develops and leads policy discussions with the Environmental Resources Committee and other Committee’s, as necessary, to achieve goals of related plans as well as to introduce new topics for consideration.
Represent the department with various land and water related organizations and agencies.
Responds to general department questions from citizens and governmental officials.
Additional Tasks and Responsibilities
While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this position and may also be performed by other unit members.
Serves on county or other community committees to promote cooperation and improve services to County residents.
Performs other related functions as required.
Deadline Note:
