Chief Of Conservation

Application Deadline: 10/5/2025
Starting Salary Range: $95,000 - $118,750 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience 
Location: Main Office
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Full-time
Safety Sensitive: No

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Manages, directs, or approves all conservation activities of MWCD. These activities include land and water quality initiatives, programming to maintain and support land and watershed management practices, conservation education within and outside the organization, leveraging of relationships with state and federal agencies and conservation advocacy organizations such as Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Rural Action, The Western Reserve Land Conservancy, The Nature Conservancy, the Ohio Environmental Council and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO) etc. Oversees the development and implementation of the district-wide water quality sampling and analysis program.  Oversees the development and implementation of a district-wide sustainability program. Responsible for planning, coordination and implementation of the policies, procedures and activities involved in the administration of the conservation activities of MWCD. Works closely with executive management to develop, direct and implement conservation programs and associated funding plans. Advises the Executive Director and Board of Directors on such matters.

EQUIPMENT AND/OR SOFTWARE OPERATED/USED: The following are examples only and are not intended to be all inclusive:

Survey boat, laboratory equipment, microscopes, water quality field equipment, Microsoft Office Suite, Pictometry, various cloud based software programs.

INHERENTLY HAZARDOUS OR PHYSICALLY DEMANDING WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Is exposed to environmental conditions which may result in injury from fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, and/or poorly ventilated work areas; is exposed to possible injury from hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, or air contaminants;  is exposed to possible injury due to unclean or unsanitary conditions; works in or around crowds; has exposure to potentially vicious animals; has exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy weather conditions.

Note:  In accordance with the U.S. Department of Labor physical demands strength ratings, this is considered sedentary work.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND WORKER CHARACTERISTICS:

JOB DUTIES in order of importance

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

30% (1)

Serves as a member of the executive management team; keeps the Executive Director and the Board of Directors informed by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing pertinent conservation information and trends; directs district-wide conservation and sustainability programs; builds and maintains positive relationships with elected officials and outside agencies; responds to and resolves complex and sensitive public inquiries; represents the MWCD at meetings or other events, and serves on various outside boards, commissions, or committees in furtherance of the operations of the MWCD. Supervises direct reports including conducting interviews, training, payroll review and approval, conducting performance reviews, administering discipline, or making recommendations for same. Provides training and technical assistance to staff, schedules, and issues daily work assignments, as necessary.

30% (2)

Responsible for defining and maintaining metrics and criteria by which MWCD’s conservation (water quality, conservation, and sustainability) efforts will be assessed.  Responsible for managing assigned operational areas to achieve and surpass stated goals and objectives. Participates in the development, communication, and implementation of effective strategies. Works with the executive management group to develop and implement strategic plans for the operational structure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to achieve the organization's objectives. Assists in developing policies encompassing organizational operations, personnel, financial performance, and organization