Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00232747

Description Activated On:  4/9/2026 10:51:41 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

 This position is responsible for administering all programs and responsibilities administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC). The position is an independent position and operates under the concurrent authority of both the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Agriculture (PDA). The position is responsible to the SCC and will operate under its supervision. This position is administratively housed within the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

A. Coordinate the general duties, responsibilities and operations of the Commission.
1. Be responsible for all arrangements for meetings and functions of the Commission, including developing the agenda and minutes and communicating/coordinating with commission members, agency staff and conservation districts.
2. Provide support and assistance to Commission chairperson and Commission members as needed.
3. Advocate for resources necessary to carryout Commission and conservation district duties and responsibilities.
4. Develops short and long-range strategies and plans for consideration by the Commission and periodically updates these strategies and plans as appropriate.
5. Supervise and support Commission staff.
6. Oversee Commission finance and budgeting responsibilities.
7. Oversee delegation agreements and contracts with conservation districts and other partners.
8. Provide policy and administrative oversight for Commission and conservation district programs and activities.
9. Coordinate legal assistance and oversight for Commission and conservation district programs and activities.
10. Coordinate interagency cooperation and communication on agricultural, conservation and environmental protection issues and provide input and assistance as appropriate.
11. Serve as the commission’s liaison between governmental agencies, advisory boards, commissions, and conservation and agricultural organizations as it relates to land and water management and conservation.
12. Attends meetings and events of partner agencies and organizations at the local, state and federal level to represent the interest of the Commission and conservation districts.
13. Interprets rules, regulations, policies, procedures and standards for the Commission and conservation districts.
14. Provide research and support on new and evolving conservation issues (e.g. soil health, sustainability, climate change, carbon credits, carbon markets, etc.) and on legislative proposals and activities (e.g. AG NPS funding proposals; changes to Conservation District Law; etc.).
15. Ensure that all duties and responsibilities of the Commission are carried out in a manner consistent with administrative, fiscal, legal and ethical requirements of Commonwealth agencies.
16. Develop and maintain a memorandum of understanding between the Commission, PDA and DEP outlining the duties and responsibilities of the agencies in supporting the Commission.
17. Develop and deliver presentations to special interest groups, legislators, media and the public on Commission and conservation district activities.
B. Provide oversight and support for the implementation of programs and activities assigned to the Commission.
1. Programs include, but are not limited to:
a. Nutrient Management (NM) Program
b. Odor Management (OM) Program
c. Professional Certifications
d. NM Specialist
e. OM Specialist
f. Manure, Hauler and Broker
g. Environmentally Sound [Road] Maintenance
h. Dirt, Gravel and Low Volume Road Maintenance Program
i. Resource Enhancement And Protection (REAP) Tax Credit Program
j. Conservation Excellence Grants Program
k. Agri-Link Low Interest Loans
l. Conservation District Fund Allocation Program
m. Leadership Development Program (Building for Tomorrow)
n. ACAP Program
2. Support and supervise program managers implementing Commission programs.
3. Assist program managers with the fiscal, administrative, legal, ethical and other aspects of program implementation, including the development of regulations, guidelines, technical and administrative manuals, and standard operating procedures.
4. Advocate for resources necessary to carryout Commission duties and responsibilities.
5. Oversee the development and implementation of delegation agreements and contracts for the implementation of programs by conservation districts and other partners, where appropriate.
6. Maintain communication with statewide organizations, state and federal agencies, and other entities regarding Commission programs and activities.
C. Provide support and oversight of conservation district operations, programs, and activities.
1. Provide training and assistance to conservation district directors and staff.
2. Provide support and oversight to conservation district directors and staff regarding the operation of districts and their programs consistent with Pennsylvania Conservation District Law and other pertinent laws.
3. Provide advice and guidance to conservation district directors and staff on unusual or difficult technical and managerial problems.
4. Ensure that the appointment of conservation district directors is carried out in a manner consistent with the Conservation District Law.
5. Advocate for resources necessary to carryout conservation district duties and responsibilities.
6. Coordinate conservation district operational needs (e.g. technical assistance, training, finance, etc.) with other branches of government.
7. Coordinates approval of conservation district projects with DEP, PDA and other entities as appropriate.
8. Provide for proper administration and oversight of funds allocated to or managed by conservation districts, including the development of administrative policies, procedures and audit standards.
9. Oversee the delegation of and contracting for certain functions and powers to districts by local, state and federal governments; monitor the activities of districts in carrying out these duties; ensure that agencies delegating or contracting programs to districts provide adequate support and program oversight; and ensure all parties carryout their duties, responsibilities and obligations under these agreements.
10. Serve as an intermediary between districts and agencies in delegated and contracted programs when disputes or disagreements arise.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

The Executive Secretary makes decisions regarding: the administration of programs, duties and responsibilities assigned to the Commission; the management of Commission financial resources; and the supervision of Commission staff.

The Executive Secretary ensures that these decisions are carried out in a in a manner consistent with administrative, fiscal, legal and ethical requirements of Commonwealth agencies.

The Executive Secretary exercises considerable independent judgment and decision making in the implementation of the Commission’s programs, duties and responsibilities.

As appropriate the Executive Secretary delegates certain program-specific decision making to program managers, including decisions regarding: the hiring and supervision of subordinates; the development and implementation of program specific rules, guidelines, policies; and the supervision of activities carried out under delegation agreements and contracts with conservation districts and other partners.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

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Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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3.   N/A
 
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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Analyze and interpret policies, regulations, and standards.
 2. Effectively communicate orally and in writing.
 3. Maintain effective working relationships.
 4. Prepare for and conduct meetings and trainings.
 5. Use a computer and software applications.
 6. Gather and analyze data.
 7. Conduct investigations/assessments.
 8. Understand state agency administrative policies and procedures.
 9. Understand PA Legislative process and procedures.
 10. Travel to other sites and locations for meetings and events, including the ability to navigate rough terrain.