Soil & Water Conservation Director

About the role

The New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District (NHSWCD) seeks an experienced Soil & Water Conservation Director to lead the department's water quality improvement and soil conservation programs. The ideal candidate will manage the district's administrative operations, oversee conservation planning, environmental education, and natural resource initiatives, and represent the district at various levels.

Responsibilities

• Direct operations and programs of the NHSWCD, including supervising staff and coordinating initiatives to protect and improve soil and water resources.
• Assess community needs, develop and promote conservation programs, and coordinate educational initiatives and outreach activities.
• Provide technical assistance for conservation and stormwater projects, conduct site inspections and follow-up monitoring, and represent the district during development activity planning and technical review processes.
• Maintain Job Approval Authority (JAA) and implement ecological and engineered best practices through state and federal financial incentive programs.
• Assist the NHSWCD Board of Supervisors by drafting correspondence, resolutions, and proclamations, preparing the Board's agenda and minutes, and responding to inquiries from County officials, media, and the public.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to protect soil and water resources and support long-range planning and implementation of conservation initiatives, including stormwater control measures and cost-share programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science, Agriculture, Ecology, Biology, or related field, and five (5) years of related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.
• Valid North Carolina Driver License required by first date of employment with a good driving record.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of water and soil quality and natural resource best practices.
• Highly effective and demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively to various audiences.
• Solid computer proficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Skills

• Strong leadership and management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with local, state, and federal partners.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.

Benefits

Compensation: Current salary range is $68,495.00 - $116,441.00 with a hiring range of $68,495 - $92,468, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary is negotiable within the hiring range and will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

New Hanover County offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Employer paid 401k contributions;
• Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
• Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
• Paid parental leave;
• Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
• Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
• Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
• Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
• And so much more!

Pay

$68,495.00 - $116,441.00 with a hiring range of $68,495 - $92,468, plus a competitive benefits package.

Schedule

Hours are 8AM-5PM weekdays; must be available for evening meetings, special events, and during emergency situations. Must obtain residency in New Hanover County within 6 months of employment.

Application Information

A completed application must be submitted and received through the New Hanover County website at www.nhcgov.com. Applicants are required to thoroughly complete this online application and are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume in the "attachments" section. All applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred for consideration will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.