Deputy Director

Deadline Deadline 10/04/2026 Description Job Description DEFINITION AND DUTIES: Under direction of the Conservation Director, provide professional administrative and technical services to County Conservation Department and Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB). Implement Board policies, strategies and organizational goals established by JCCB. Assist in establishing budgets, write grants, administer grants, and assist with project management. Assist the Conservation Director in fulfilling the Board’s responsibility for the custody, control, and management of all real property within the conservation system, as outlined in Iowa Code 350. Knowledge of: Natural Resources, Cultural History, and Recreation Basic field identification and natural history of native plants and animals, particularly in Iowa Federal, state, and local legislation and regulations relating to conservation Code of Iowa relating to conservation Comprehensive knowledge of and interest in the natural world and its constituent parts, e.g., astronomy, geology, ecology, field biology, and the like Pre-settlement and settlement history of Iowa and Johnson County Environmental restoration principles and practices Knowledgeof and involvement with organizations and agencies concerned withconservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc Natural resources, including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems Political process and political climate in Iowa, as pertains to local government and conservation Principles and practices of public management, administration, and employee relations Work safety regulations and standards Organizations and agencies concerned with conservation, natural resource management, education, water quality, etc English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills Ability to: Prepare, discuss, justify, and work within a budget Recruit,hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff inaccordance with Johnson County Conservation Board (JCCB) employmentpolicies Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate Establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups, organizations, the general public, and colleagues Possessgeneral outdoor recreation and sporting skills (or an appreciationthereof) in one or more areas such as canoeing, backpacking, hiking,biking, orienteering, archery, firearms safety, hunting, fishing,trapping, boating safety, etc. Comprehend, analyze, andinterpret conservation laws, principles, and practices, and the abilityto explain them to various audiences Oversee the recruitment, training, and supervision of personnel Coordinate, schedule, and delegate responsibility to effectively administer various program components Properly procure, manage, allocate, and dispose of Board property Develop, oversee, implement, and evaluate site plans, comprehensive plans, annual plans, and annual reports of accomplishments Effectively develop and apply policy and procedure under Board guidelines, in compliance with local, State, and Federal law Plan,develop, and evaluate programs appropriate for the needs, wants, anddesires of Johnson County, its residents, and visitors Develop short and long-range goals, set objectives, and strategies to implement these goals Knowledge of where to find resources to expand knowledge and program development Basic knowledge of environmental and conservation education principles and concepts Communicate, orally and in writing, effectively to groups and individuals in formal and non-formal situations Responsively handle visitor and public complaints and emergencies, with courtesy, tolerance, and respect for differing opinions Prepare news releases, fliers, and other basic publicity Operate visual aid equipment.Work with and cooperate with other officials, private agencies, and organizations Design and maintain educational displays and exhibits Operate computers, audiovisual, photographic, and other equipment necessary for program development Understandthe impact and use of radio, TV, and social media to advanceorganizational objectives, experience in presenting to the public Be detail-oriented and accurate when working with documents and information Have clarity of speech, hearing, and writing, which permits effective communication Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations, which permits moderate use of a keyboard and mouse Havesufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of awide variety of materials, both in electronic and hardcopy forms Occasionally lift, push, and/or move up to 75 pounds Stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, and crawl Occasionally walk on uneven and unstable surfaces such as construction sites, wooded areas, and ditch embankments Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work and attend meetings at various county facilities and other locations Occasionally work in inclement weather conditions Work flexible schedule, evenings and additional time as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in natural resources, outdoor recreation, public administration, or a related natural science field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management; OR any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work. Minimum three (3) years of supervisory experience. Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must pass a background check. SPECIFIC DUTIES: to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Assistsetting direction for the conservation department’s work units byexercising general supervision over staff, including conducting staffmeetings to review work plans, progress of assigned work, and results. Administerpolicy by directing the county conservation program with written andoral administrative policy in accordance with Board policy. Preparereports and recommendations by researching records, current mandatorystandards, and contacts with other agencies; formulate recommendationson a wide range of problems, proposals, and/or issues. Oversee,and be actively involved in community outreach/publicrelations/marketing by organizing and facilitating meetings andmaintaining public contacts and contacts with organizations and othercounty departments. Assist in administering the budget and finances; obtain budget requests from staff. Prepareannual budget presentation to the Conservation Board and County Boardof Supervisors; maintain and monitor expenditures and budget activity. Assistcarrying out the land acquisition program of the JCCB; identifypotential willing sellers with suitable land to add to the Board’sprogram; writing offers and acceptance agreements and negotiating landtransactions; formulate recommendations to the Board disposition orexchange of real property to maximize the public conservation benefityielded by the Board’s landholding portfolio overall. Assistdelegating tasks and responsibilities to staff to optimize productivityand ensure that projects are completed effectively and efficiently. Assessstrengths and capabilities of staff, communicate expectations anddeadlines, and provide the necessary resources and support forsuccessful task completion. Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County’s and JCCB policies, procedures, and safety practices. Remain informed on current trends, procedures, and philosophies related to outdoor recreation. Maintain knowledge of the design, development, and management of park facilities. Promote and support the preservation, conservation, and rehabilitation of natural resource areas. Maintain a general understanding of national and state programs related to natural resources and outdoor recreation. Maintain specific knowledge of local programs and initiatives affecting natural resources and public use of those resources. Conduct research and investigations related to outdoor recreation, park development, and natural resource management. Periodicallyreport findings, recommendations, and relevant updates to the Directoror, when designated, to the Board on behalf of the Director. Research and identify available grants from federal, state and private sources. Reviewgrant opportunities to determine eligibility, report to and advise onrequirements for application; prepare applications, ensure applicationsare complete, and submit as specified. Attend workregularly at the designated place and time, including departmentmeetings and professional development opportunities. Supplemental Description: Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application. Compensation Grade15 Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, outdoor recreation, public administration, or a related field and five (5) yrs. of progressively responsible experience in natural resource management OR combination. Minimum three (3) yrs. supervisory exp. #J-18808-Ljbffr My County Parks