by The Ann Arbor Independent Editorial Team

Long-time Washtenaw County Conservation District Manager Dennis Rice is retiring and as a result the District is looking for a new District Manager. In addition, The Washtenaw County Conservation District is hiring a MAEAP Technician (Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program) to implement MAEAP in Washtenaw County.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is a local agency of state government organized under provisions of the Michigan State Conservation District Law, Act 297, Public Acts of 1937, as amended; and the updated Conservation District Law, Act 463 of 1998. Boundaries of the District are those of Washtenaw County. The District assists landowners with, and provides leadership in, the conservation, management and use of natural resources of Washtenaw County.

The Washtenaw County Conservation District was organized in 1948 through the process of petition, hearing and referendum under leadership of some very dedicated landowners who realized the importance of our soil and water resources. At a May 6, 1948 referendum, county land occupiers elected L.G. Steiner, Neil Nixon, and Walter Wolfgang as the District’s first directors.  Subsequent appointments by the State Soil Conservation Committee of William Hayes and Sam T. Bailo completed the first Board of Directors.

Here is more information about the available the job openings:

DISTRICT MANAGER

The Washtenaw County Conservation District is seeking a District Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the District. The Conservation District is a local unit of State government, assisting landowners with the conservation and management of their natural resources.

The position of District Manager is primarily administrative with some technical duties. Some of the responsibilities include: budget preparation; maintenance of records, files and reports; maintain a computerized accounting and bookkeeping system; supervise District staff; supervision of the District’s conservation tree and plant sales program; implementation of an information and publicity program, including a print annual report, monthly e-mail newsletters, preparation of news releases, presentations to groups, displays at fairs and community events, and maintaining a website and Facebook page; reviewing public notices; and providing information to landowners and the general public on soils, conservation practices and natural resources management. About 90% of the duties are administrative and about 10% technical. This is a full-time, salaried position.

Ideal candidates must have highly developed communication skills, both written and spoken; good interpersonal and customer service skills; and be a self-starter with the ability to work independently and in a team setting.

A college degree in agriculture, natural resources or business management, or a minimum of three to five years of experience in business management or non-profit administration will be considered.

Other highly desired skills include:

• excellent organizational skills;

• project organization and management experience;

• grant writing and grant administration experience;

• familiarity with agriculture, conservation and/or natural resources management;

• office management/supervisory experience or leadership skills;

• accounting/bookkeeping experience;

• excellent computer skills and familiarity with MS Office programs, QuickBooks, website and Facebook page management;

• punctuality, honesty, and integrity.

All applicants must have a valid driver’s license, have a reliable vehicle, be able to pass a federal background check and qualify for employee dishonesty bonding.

Salary range: $30,000 to $40,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance coverage; mileage and expense reimbursement for business related expenses and use of personal vehicle; and paid vacation and sick leave. A healthcare reimbursement plan and retirement program are negotiable.

A position description, additional information about the job and the District are available on the Conservation District website at: https://www.washtenawcd.org/employment-opportunities.html

Application Deadline: position open until filled. Submit cover letter and resume with three work-related references via e-mail with “District Manager Position” in the subject line to: dennis.rice@mi.nacdnet.net , OR mail to District Manager Position, Washtenaw County Conservation District, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9506.

Tentative Starting Date: September 18, 2017

MAEAP TECHNICIAN
The Washtenaw County Conservation District is seeking a MAEAP Technician (Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program) to implement MAEAP in Washtenaw County through on-farm technical assistance and education to help agricultural producers reduce identified environmental risks, and make progress toward MAEAP verification. This is a full-time, salaried position, grant-funded through the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDA&RD).

The Conservation District is a local unit of State government, assisting landowners with the conservation and management of their natural resources. MAEAP is an innovative, proactive program that helps farms of all sizes and all commodities voluntarily prevent or minimize agricultural pollution risks.

A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture, natural resources management, animal, crop, environmental, agronomy, dairy, and/or soil science, or horticulture is required. A minimum of two years of experience in natural resources or agriculture fieldwork is preferred, as is knowledge of and experience working with agricultural producers and practices.

Other highly desired skills include: Good organizational skills; good written and verbal communication skills; self-starter, able to work independently and also able to work in a team setting; computer skills and experience with Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint; and be able to work outdoors in varying conditions and rough terrain. All applicants must have a valid driver’s license and personal vehicle for work use, and be able to pass a federal background security check.

Salary range: $39,520 to $45,760 commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include: Worker’s Compensation and Unemployment Insurance coverage; mileage and expense reimbursement for business related expenses and use of personal vehicle; paid vacation and sick leave; healthcare reimbursement plan negotiable.

A position description, additional information about the job and MAEAP are available on the Conservation District website at: https://www.washtenawcd.org/employment-opportunities.html

Application Deadline: 4:30 p.m., EDT, Friday, June 23, 2017. Submit a cover letter and resume with three work-related references via e-mail with “MAEAP Tech Position” in the subject line to: dennis.rice@mi.nacdnet.net , OR mail to Dennis Rice, District Manager, Washtenaw County Conservation District, 7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103-9506.

Tentative Starting Date: Late July, 2017