DIRECTOR OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: 

Performs highly responsible professional, technical, and administrative work directing the County’s Soil and Water Conservation program. The Director provides leadership in delivering conservation services, environmental education, and resource management initiatives to protect and enhance Durham County’s natural resources and its rich agricultural heritage.

Work is performed under the general direction of the Deputy County Manager and the Durham Soil and Water Conservation District Board. The Director exercises full supervision over departmental staff and formulates long-range goals, develops policy recommendations, and collaborates with County leadership and elected officials.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• • Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff; processes employee concerns; directs work; counsels and disciplines employees; and completes performance appraisals.
  • Plans, organizes, assigns, and reviews work; establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors work progress; and provides technical guidance.
  • Enhances and promotes Durham County’s natural resources through technical assistance, environmental education, and economic incentive programs.
  • Contact landowners and land users to assess soil and water conservation concerns; collects and evaluates physical and environmental data.
  • Develops and recommends feasible conservation solutions and assists landowners with development of conservation plans.
  • Provides technical assistance in woodland, wildlife, pond, pasture, stream restoration, stormwater and hay-land management.
  • Develops, implements, and monitors the District’s Annual Plan of Work and Long-Range Plan goals and objectives.
  • Ensure departmental Strategic Plan goals are implemented effectively.
  • Develops environmental education goals, objectives, and community outreach programs.
  • Secures, administers, and monitors grants supporting best management practices and conservation initiatives.
  • Oversee the Nutrient Sensitive Cost Share Program and other conservation funding programs.
  • Prepares and maintains reports, records, policy documents, and performance metrics.
  • Prepares press releases and public communications regarding conservation programs, events, and accomplishments. 
  • Stays abreast of Falls and Jordan Watershed rules effecting agriculture.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable guidelines, codes, ordinances, and regulations related to conservation and land development.
  • Serves as liaison to Durham Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), federal, state and local government.
  • Performs related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 

• • Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of soil and water conservation in rural, suburban, and urban environments.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local guidelines, codes, ordinances, and regulations related to conservation and land development.
  • Knowledge of environmental planning, natural resource management, and best management practices.
  • Ability to plan, organize, and implement short- and long-range conservation programs.
  • Ability to develop policy recommendations and strategic planning documents.
  • Ability to analyze technical data and develop practical conservation solutions.
  • Ability to prepare and present reports, research findings, and recommendations in oral, written, and graphic formats.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with landowners, land users, elected officials, governmental agencies, community partners, and the public.
  • Ability to plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of professional and technical staff.
  • Skill in the use of basic engineering and surveying equipment.
  • Ability to administer grants and manage program funding effectively.
  • Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• • Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, Engineering, Earth Science, Conservation, Forestry, Biology, or a closely related field.
  • Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in natural resource conservation or related work. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
  • Four years of supervisory experience required.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIREMENTS:

• • Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Technical experience installing Best Management Practices (BMP's) and Stormwater Control Measures (SEM's)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (WORK ENVIRONMENT):

Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

STANDARD CLAUSES:

May be required to work nights, weekends, holidays and emergencies (man-made or natural) to meet the business needs of Durham County.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of essential functions and responsibilities that are required of an employee for this job. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.