District Manager

TITLE: District Manager (DM)

STATUS: This is a full-time, 40 hours per week permanent, exempt position. The duty station for this position is the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District (VSWCD) office.

SALARY: Dependent upon experience, the annual salary for this position is based on the New

Mexico State Classified General Service Schedule, Pay Band 70: the entry point is $26.33 per hour ($54,760/year); midpoint is $34.23 per hour ($71,188/year); maximum is $42.12 per hour ($87,616/year).

Additional compensation includes sick and vacation leave, recognized federal holidays, and optional medical, dental, life, and disability insurance, based on the percentage of full-time employment (FTE) for hours > 20 per week. Salary increases are dependent upon availability of funding.

REPORTS TO: VSWCD Board Chair (or, in the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chair), on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: Directly supervises the Conservation Program Manager and Environmental Education Program Manager, District Assistant, and Financial/Business Assistant. Ensures that staff members who have supervisory duties (for field crews, seasonal hires, interns, volunteers, students, and others) are following District policies, procedures, and applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS: The position is responsible for providing leadership and managerial direction to staff for developing and carrying out plans, programs, projects, and overall day-to-day operation and administration of District policies, procedures, and interests, as set by the VSWCD Board. Coordinates and collaborates with partnering agencies, landowners, agricultural producers, community organizations, volunteers, Isleta and Laguna Pueblos, and others, following the strategic plans established by the Board.

MAJOR DUTIES:

· Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing.

· In all internal and external contacts, maintains a professional and business-like manner.

· Reports on the resource concerns and other related interests of the public, landowners, and Isleta and Laguna Pueblos to the VSWCD Board of Supervisors.

· Follows procedures and policies outlined in the Employee Handbook, District Supervisors Handbook, Long-Range Conservation Plan, and other related manuals.

· Maintains frequent communication with the Board Chair (or Vice Chair, if the Chair is absent), provides weekly updates, and completes assignments in a timely manner.

· Conducts duties in a safe and orderly manner, wearing proper attire for work conditions so as to not endanger self, fellow workers, or property with which the employee is entrusted.

· Complies with the VSWCD drug and background screening policy to ensure the safety and general welfare of the general public while employed. Complies with random drug screening.

MAJOR WORK DUTIES:

· Assists the Board leadership in drafting an annual work plan and maintains a calendar of due dates and activities.

· Advocates and promotes effective and responsible use and conservation of natural resources with landowners, members of the Pueblo of Isleta and Pueblo of Laguna, the general public, other resource-related organizations, associations, and public officials.

· Able to communicate the mission and interests of Valencia SWCD.

· May represent the District on external committees of resource-related organizations, if assigned by the Board.

· Participates in the development of working agreements, conservation plans, and other arrangements with various partners, organizations, landowners, members of the Pueblo of Isleta and Pueblo of Laguna, and others, as authorized by the VSWCD Board.

· Ensures fiduciary, procurement, and legal requirements are met in the development of the annual budget, audits, and quarterly reports for review and approval by the VSWCD Board, Soil and Water Conservation Commission, New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration, State Auditor’s Office, and State Procurement Division.

· Administers the approved annual budget complying with VSWCD Board direction and the fiscal and procurement policies of the District and of the State of New Mexico. Recommends adjustments within approved budget categories for review and approval by the Board.

· Follows the District’s accounting policies and ensures all expenditures and deposits are accounted appropriately in fiscal documents (in QuickBooks) and processed in a timely and accurate manner.

· Complies with the spending authority delegated by the Board.

· Identifies grants for the Funding Opportunities Committee. May assist in writing grant applications approved by the Board and submits work in a timely fashion for review by the Funding Opportunities Committee.

· Directs, supervises, and instructs staff to achieve the most efficient and effective use of their time, skills, and abilities in carrying out their respective work duties.

· Ensures staff are trained in the technical and professional aspects of their duties and effectively communicates with them about VSWCD Board direction and expectations. Recommends staff development training, as needed.

· Establishes individual employee job performance standards, assesses employee performance, develops employee improvement plans, and recommends hiring, disciplinary action, and termination, as a member of the VSWCD Personnel Committee. Such recommendations of the Personnel Committee are either approved, modified, or rejected by the Board.

· Assists with the preparation of legal documents, agreements, and other materials requested by the VSWCD Board.

· Develops and presents reports on District programs, projects, and activities. Following Board approval, takes or delegates the lead for all planned events and activities of the District. May delegate specific tasks or events to District employees or request assistance from the Board leadership.

· Balances internal and external demands, including but not limited to participating in conferences, workshops, training sessions, public and partner meetings, etc., maintaining focus on VSWCD Board approved program of work priorities.

· Completes other duties, as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Representing the VSWCD Board in the performance of

work duties is a highly visible position. Ability to effectively direct and manage organizations in the accomplishment of multiple and diverse work priorities within established budgets, policies, and procedures is essential. Excellent oral and written communication skills are required in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the VSWCD Board, staff, partners, contractors, public officials, landowners, members of the Pueblos of Isleta and Laguna, community organizations, and others. Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and QuickBooks, and research skills are highly desired. A “can-do” attitude is a must. Experience in agricultural operations or familiarity and working knowledge of natural resource management and land and water conservation practices is preferred. Must be able to assist with preparing budgets and writing grant applications for funding from appropriate federal, state, local, and private sources. Must be able to develop a sufficient working knowledge of theories, principles, practices, and techniques of natural resource conservation along with applicable legal statues, relegations, and policies.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS: The minimum qualifications are a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Wildlife Conservation, Public or Business Administration, or a related field, with five years of progressive responsibility in personnel or program management, agency administration, land conservation or natural resource management, technical and professional services, or similar work. Previous experience in a public agency, developing, presenting, or managing operational budgets is desirable. Having a Master’s degree generally places an individual in the mid-range of the salary band (or higher).

GUIDELINES: Follows VSWCD policies, procedures, and directives (as outlined in the Employee Handbook and District Supervisors Handbook). Follows federal, state and local laws.

COMPLEXITY: Significant complexity in this position entails professionalism, teamwork, self-motivation, and the exercise of proper judgement in the execution of duties and tasks.

SCOPE AND EFFECT: This position provides management essential to effectuating the District’s vision, goals, and yearly work plans, and long-range conservation plan (the District’s strategic plans.

PERSONAL CONTACTS: This position requires the professional capacity to interact and coordinate effectively and cordially with a variety of contacts, including Board members, all staff, the general public, visitors to the Whitfield Conservation Area, and District partner agency representatives.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS: To fulfill requirements of the District’s management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.in the process of setting up tables, chairs for meetings, transporting a display board for offsite presentations, and moving supplies or files in and out of storage. Must be willing and able to inspect work in the field (at Whitfield and elsewhere), including walking and hiking over rough terrain in hot or inclement weather for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Primary workstation is a desk with computer in an open-office environment (until the construction of the new administration building is completed) at a 97-acre conservation area adjacent to the Middle Rio Grande. This position is not eligible for remote work. This position is for the workday hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, although some Saturdays may be required. The District Manager must attend monthly Board meetings that begin at 4:00 p.m. and generally conclude before 7:00 p.m. Occasionally, the District Manager will attend other meetings during the month, such as Special Board Meetings.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The person in this position must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico State driver's license. Reliable transportation to work is expected.

A pre-employment background check and drug testing is required for all new employees of the VSWCD. Drug testing may be repeated randomly during employment. The District does not allow smoking anywhere on District property. Closed-toe shoes must be worn at all times on District property. A writing sample will be requested.

Pay: $54,760.00 - $87,616.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $54,760 - $87,616