District Manager

DescriptionBackgroundThe District Manager is responsible for the overall operation of the Conservation District. This person will provide technical and administrative leadership to complete the coordination, management and administration of conservation programs. The District Manager ensures that all District functions are managed and services provided under direction of the District Board in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and district policies.The District Manager must deliver services to private landowners and the general public in a professional, efficient, and productive manner leading to the conservation of natural resources, consistent with mission and goals of the District. The successful candidate must be able to work with landowners, farmers, ranchers, community organizations, and government agencies. The position reports directly to the Board of Supervisors.DutiesPrimary Duties & ResponsibilitiesTechnical AssistanceProvide technical assistance to landowners and agencies with conservation planning and practice implementation.Make necessary contacts with partner organizations in order to assist the producers with their conservation plans and practice implementation. District OperationsDevelop and maintain strong working relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials.Represent the Board, as directed, at local and regional meetings that may affect the Board and/or District programs.Coordinate monthly Board meetings and keep the Board informed of actions taken, trends in conservation and issues of interest to the Board.Serve as liaison to staff with the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Washington Conservation Commission and other partner organizations and agencies.Maintain the general operations manual.Oversee the management of the district’s computer systems.Financial ManagementPrepares and oversees budget for District operations and ensures all expenditures are appropriate and accountable. Information & EducationPromote existing district, state, and federal programs to interested landowners, operators, community organizations and agencies.Develop and maintain a public outreach program for District programs.Organize regional conferences and local farm tours.Coordinate the development and publication of the District’s Facebook page and website.Program Planning, Development and ManagementOrganize and revise the District’s Five Year Plan with the Board of Supervisors.Develop and implement annual work plans with the Board of Supervisors.Secure necessary resources and technical support to implement the adopted Five Year Plan and associated annual work plan.Maintain record keeping system for projects.Fulfill contracted scopes-of-work and fulfill reporting requirements.Ability to help producers lay out management projects.QualificationsThe applicant must have a demonstrated ability to manage multiple, diverse issues and a proven commitment to conservation on private lands with preference given to applicants with agriculture background and experience.A bachelor’s degree and supervisory and program management experience is preferred. Additional qualifying experience may substitute year-for-year for the education requirement.Required Knowledge, Skills, And AbilitiesA professional knowledge of theories, principles, policies, and practices of conservation districts.A working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and policies that directly affect natural resource conservation on private lands in Washington State.Ability to utilize administrative, personnel and analytical skills and to act independently to carry out district operations under the direction of the Board of Supervisors.Ability to take policy direction from the Board and translate this direction into tangible results.Ability to meet deadlines, attend frequent meetings, and travel as needed.Ability to communicate, both written and oral, effectively to a diverse audience.Ability to fulfill job duties as described.Process and maintain a valid driver’s license.Understanding and appreciation of the role of conservation districts as nonregulatory providers of conservation support and technical assistance to private landowners.Supplemental InformationThis is a full-time position. Compensation is $35,000 to $55,000/yr DOE with medical, dental, and vision insurance, all federal holidays off, and 4% match on retirement contributions.Personal days accrue at the rate of one per month.ApplicationPlease submit your cover letter, resume, and at least three letters of reference to Rock Lake Conservation District, PO Box 438, St. John, WA 99171, or to wkane@rocklakecd.org.Open until filled.More than Just a Paycheck!Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.Read About Our BenefitsThe following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. Insurance BenefitsEmployees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.Retirement And Deferred CompensationState Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.Social SecurityAll state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.Public Service Loan ForgivenessIf you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.Holidays Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.Sick Leave Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.Vacation (Annual Leave)Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.Military LeaveWashington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.Bereavement Leave Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.Additional LeaveLeave SharingParental LeaveFamily and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)Leave Without PayPlease visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.Updated 01-07-2026