06/18/2012 55020

CONSERVATION PROGRAM MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is professional managerial work in the field of soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs.

An employee in this job directs a staff of professional employees in the planning, development, promotion and implementation of soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs. Work involves determining program goals and objectives; implementing and evaluating rules, regulations, policies and procedures; and interpreting rules, regulations, policies and procedures for professional staff, special interest groups and the public. Work may involve developing, promoting and evaluating soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs of the county conservation districts. Work includes directing the provision of technical advice and counsel to county conservation district personnel and coordinating and overseeing the local implementation and promotion of the soil and water conservation and natural resource programs. Work may include administering Federal and state grants aimed at developing local conservation district programs and the completion of special assignments, which have statewide program application or the resolution of technical field problems often involving multiple political jurisdictions. Work is assigned in the form of broad program goals and objectives, and the employee exercises considerable freedom in determining specific goals, objectives and priorities. Work is reviewed by a professional supervisor through reports and conferences for attainment of program goals and objectives, completeness, and overall program quality.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs professional staff assigned regionally or statewide in the planning, development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of the state’s soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs and their implementation by county conservation districts.

Interprets soil and water conservation program rules, regulations, policies, procedures, standards and objectives.

Reviews and approves plans and programs developed by subordinate staff prior to field implementation.

Attends county conservation district meetings as necessary to help resolve problems as identified by subordinate staff.

Reviews and approves county conservation district plans after staff reviews for conformance to state program standards.

Completes special projects in the soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs.

Informs subordinates of changes in program rules and regulations governing the state soil and water conservation and related natural resource programs.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, and policies governing soil and water conservation and natural science programs.

Knowledge of the procedures and techniques utilized in effective soil and water conservation and natural science programs.

Knowledge of the goals, objectives, practices and procedures governing soil and water conservation and natural science programs.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of employee supervision.

Ability to perform and interpret mathematical calculations.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to read and interpret written materials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional soil and water conservation program or natural science program experience including or supplemented by one year of supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree in natural sciences or a related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes or is supplemented by one year of supervisory experience.