Executive Director, Pine Barrens

Summary:

The employee in this title has the primary responsibility of providing direct oversight and supervision of the staff that perform work for the Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning & Policy Commission. The employee is responsible for ensuring protection of the natural resources of the Central Pine Barrens, that proper land management and stewardship occur in a cooperative matter with land managing agencies on a regional scale and that development occurs in accordance with the Commission’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Long Island Pine Barrens Protection Act. The employee will ensure the Division operates in accordance with SCWA policies with oversight from the SCWA CEO and Board.

Job ID/Number:

Posted Date:

11/7/2025

Job Location:

Position Type:

Full Time

Division:

Central Pine Barrens

Description:

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the implementation of the mission, goals and objectives of the Central Pine Barrens Commission as required by New York State Law and its comprehensive land use plan.
• Oversee the overall day-to-day operations of the Division and manage its staff to ensure the goals, objectives and work responsibilities are carried out in an optimal, cost-effective and efficient manner.
• Maintain proper staffing capacity; oversee personnel issues and conduct performance reviews.
• Ensure that appropriate contracting, procurement, record keeping, office management, insurance, and legal requirements are followed for the Division.
• Oversee the Central Pine Barrens Commission’s financial management and prepare budgets to ensure fiscal solvency, adhering to appropriate financial controls.
• Supervise the preparation of contracts, grants and voucher payments for New York State and other agencies for work performed by the Commission under various agreements.
• Build partnerships and collaborate with local, state and county agencies and other groups within the Central Pine Barrens and through the Commission’s Councils.
• Provide overall supervision of the design and implementation of stewardship programs.
• Direct and supervise educational and public information programs.
• Identify and secure grants and other eligible funding sources to undertake special research and planning initiatives.
• Supervise the investigation and processing of land use complaints and handle all litigation matters.
• Attend meetings pertinent to implementing the work of the agency and speak at public functions, workshops and seminars on agency-related work, projects and operation.
• Interact with elected officials, civic and special interest groups on behalf of the Commission Board.
• Interact with reporters and other media representatives on agency matters.
• Respond to applicant requests for agency related information, serving as the Freedom of Information Officer.
• Oversee the maintenance of library, files and records related to the agency.
• Attend public events sponsored by the agency.
• Compile documents and records for litigation matters.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, resource conservation, environmental field or regional land use planning; Master’s degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience of 8 or more years working in the public/government sector in areas related to natural resource management, public lands management, resource conservation or related areas; 10 years preferred.
• Knowledge of the management of fire dependent ecosystems, wildfire risk reduction & the use of prescribed fire.
• Good knowledge of applicable federal, state and municipal laws, regulations and regulatory codes.
• Innovator and action-oriented leader who demonstrates collaborative teamwork, adaptability and creativity.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with other government offices and the public.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple demanding initiatives concurrently.
• Able to work in high tension situations and maintain composure; diffuse high-tension situations and demonstrate political savvy in dealing with high level contacts.
• Working knowledge of MS Office programs, Adobe Acrobat and ARCGIS.

* The Authority may accept an equivalent combination of education and experience to meet the requirements*

Interested candidates should submit their application/resume with salary requirements via the SCWA website (www.scwa.com and click “Career Opportunities”). Annual salary for this position is commensurate with education and experience within a range of $150-170k.

(The Authority shall not employ relatives of employees as defined to mean an employee's spouse, child, stepchild, stepparent or direct descendant of grandparents of the employee as defined in the

New York State General Municipal Law 810.)