POSITION IDENTIFICATION
Title: Conservation District Manager / Grant Administrator
The Kent Conservation District is currently accepting applications for a manager of an amazing team of conservationists.
The manager is responsible for the District’s consistent achievement of its financial goals, as well as providing support for the day-to-day
operations of the District. KCD manages an annual budget of approximately $725,000, a significant portion of which is grant-funded. For
more information, visit www.KentConservation.org.
Status: Full-time (40 hours per week), FLSA Exempt
Salary: $50,000 – $60,000 a year, depending on training and experience. Benefits include mileage and expense
reimbursem*nt for business-related expenses, and use of a personal vehicle; paid vacation and sick leave.
Numerous training opportunities. No insurance but a quarterly stipend is available. Eligible to apply stipend
toward Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) of Michigan services.
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Kent Conservation District (KCD) is a governmental entity focused on protecting and preserving the natural
resources of Kent County. As a local, special purpose unit of government, KCD is governed by a locally elected, five-
member board of directors. The guiding philosophy of Michigan Conservation Districts is that local people should
make decisions on conservation issues at the local level, with technical assistance provided by government.
KCD is co-located and assists the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation
Service (NRCS). Through the Conservation Technical Assistance Initiative (CTAI) program, KCD employs a soil
conservationist and an engineer. Through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant, KCD employs an
additional engineer. These positions meet the Farm Bill related technical assistance needs in our area. Soil and
water conservation practices installed include: cover crops, alternative tillage practices, agri-chemical containment
facilities, steam crossings, grassed waterways, grade stabilization structures, forest conservation, irrigation
management plans and so much more. The USDA NRCS cost-share program provides thousands of federal dollars
to support conservation efforts on private working lands in Kent County.
Our efforts include working directly with local watershed associations and other NGOs, educating landowners on
adoption of agricultural best management practices and risk reductions through the Michigan Agricultural
Environmental Assurance program, oversight of Kent County’s Invasive Species Strike Team (run on grants and for-
hire treatments) and assistance with habitat plantings.
POSITION SUMMARY
The District Manager is responsible for the consistent achievement of KCD’s mission, business operations, and
financial objectives. This includes overseeing staff, securing and managing grants and budgets, fostering strategic
partnerships, and enhancing community engagement.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Management:
• Supervise a diverse team of 6 full-time, 4 part-time, 2 seasonal staff, and approximately 50 project-based
volunteers.
• Oversee all operational aspects including grants, budgets, work plans, and programs.
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget and risk management with Board guidance.
• Ensure compliance with state laws governing conservation districts and manage human resources
functions.
Strategic Leadership:
• Serve as the point of contact for the MDARD Conservation Programs, administered in accordance with the
Michigan Conservation District Law.
• Develop and implement a strategic business plan with the Board of Directors.
• Lead staff and volunteers to achieve the goals of the various projects.
• Foster a collaborative environment to maximize resources and support staff development.
• Manage existing partnerships and develop new strategic partnerships.
• Raise the community profile of KCD to support development efforts.
• Serve as KCD’s spokesperson and oversee the development of an annual funding plan (including four
yearly plant sales).
Grant Management:
• Identify and prepare grant applications and administer their financial oversight including quarterly reports
for 10 current grants.
• Administer MDARD grants, including operational, MAEAP, and CTAI grants.
• Oversee the implementation of conservation practices under the Farm Bill in accordance with NRCS
guidelines.
Administrative Duties:
• Conduct day-to-day business, supervise staff, provide customer assistance, and maintain correspondence.
• Prepare monthly budget reports and maintain financial accounts according to MDARD guidelines.
• Conduct public presentations and meetings.
• Maintain all records of financial transactions in accordance with the general accounting principles and for
bi-yearly GASS audit to ensure MDARD and grant requirements.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
• Minimum of three (3) years of executive-level leadership experience in a non-profit, educational, or
governmental organization.
• Experience managing a similar-sized organization with a budget of $300,000 to $800,000.
• Proficiency in fund accounting, grant application and management, and financial reporting.
• Strong management skills to build, inspire, and lead diverse teams.
• Experience supervising a staff of multiple full-time members.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and project management skills.
• Experience with MS Office, website, and social media management, and experience with QuickBooks or
similar accounting programs.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to pass a federal background check.
Preferred Skills:
• Retail sales and marketing.
• Familiarity with agriculture, conservation, and natural resource management.
• Working knowledge of federal and state environmental policies.
• A bachelor degree in a relevant field.
MEASURES OF PERFORMANCE
• Effective working relationships with Board, staff, donors, volunteers, and partners.
• Achievement of grant funded objectives, plant sale and for-hire fund management.
• Adherence to operational and annual MDARD business plan goals.
• Timely completion of all assigned tasks including quarterly grant reports.
• Preparation of monthly board meeting packets (profit and loss, balance sheet, public record minutes sent
to MDARD).
• Enhancement of conservation and educational resources to further environmental stewardship.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Primary work is based in an office setting co-located with USDA NRCS. The role involves attending meetings,
conferences, and events both locally and within Michigan, periodically (weekly to monthly) requiring field site
visits and traversal of uneven ground on farms and various natural areas assisted by KCD.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Through Indeed.com interested candidates should submit a resume, three work-related references, and a letter of
interest. The deadline for applications is June 30, 2024.
Kent Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate based on race, sex, color, religion,
national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity
or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
