Employment Opportunities
District Manager
The District Manager is a full-time, at-will, salaried, exempt position for the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District (CSWCD).
The District Manager’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
▪ Supervisory
▪ Board Relations
▪ Representation of the District
▪ Planning and Programs
▪ Partnerships
The Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District is a non-profit, governmental agency that operates as a special district of Oregon. The District is run by a board of locally elected directors and receives funding primarily through a permanent tax rate, state, and federal grants. The District staff provides information, technical assistance, and education to property owners regarding soil and water issues on their land and helps to promote the proper and responsible use of natural resources in Columbia County. Columbia SWCD has no regulatory authority but is simply a source of advice and consultation for the public.
Supervision Received
The SWCD Board serves as the District Manager's direct supervisor. The District Manager remains in close contact with the Personnel Director and Board Chair between meetings. The District Manager reports to the full Board monthly at Board meetings, through monthly reports, and at scheduled committee meetings.
Civil Rights
This position will be performed in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws for equal employment and other requirements of civil rights statutes.
Essential Functions of the Job
Representation of the District
▪ Represent and promote the work of the District to the public and partner organizations.
▪ Coordinate with staff and board members to ensure that the District’s relationships with partners and community organizations are maintained and that the District is represented in important and relevant collaborations.
▪ Initiate and take the lead on key or strategic initiatives with outside organizations on issues such as climate resiliency, wildfire risk management, and protection of rare and declining habitats.
▪ As needed and appropriate, serve as the primary contact with members of the press and the public.
Board Relations
▪ Reports to the Board of Directors; works directly with the Board Chair and other board members to establish and implement board/committee meetings and related actions.
▪ Serves as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff.
▪ Establishes policies and procedures.
▪ Provides orientation for new directors and associate directors.
▪ Identify board development and training opportunities.
▪ Track and implement board decisions.
▪ Serve as liaison between advisory committees and the Board of Directors.
Financial Oversight
▪ Keeps the board informed of the financial forecast.
▪ Ensures compliance with relevant laws and rules pertaining to district expenditures.
▪ To seek out and apply for available grants for the District.
▪ Monitor all grant activities and ensure all grant reports are done on time.
▪ Works with an auditor and the Financial Manager to complete the annual audit.
▪ Oversee the development of annual budgets for District operations in collaboration with staff.
▪ Approves expenses.
▪ Work with the Financial Manager to ensure the District is fiscally responsible and fully accountable.
Contracting
▪ Maintain policies and rules. Chair the contracting committee.
▪ Includes scheduling and leading meetings.
▪ Review and approve bids with the contracting committee.
Supervisory Responsibilities
▪ Supervise, manage, and motivate staff members.
▪ Keep staff informed, give timely and specific feedback regarding job performance (including annual performance reviews), ensure training needs are met, and hold self and staff accountable.
▪ Oversee recruitment, selection, and orientation of new staff, with implementation by or support from other staff.
▪ Make discipline and termination decisions; terminations require approval by the Personnel Committee (an ad hoc Board of Directors committee).
▪ Oversee benefits administration, with implementation by or support from administrative staff.
▪ Maintain job descriptions and personnel files for direct reports, with support from other staff.
▪ Recommend/approve updates to personnel policies and procedures.
▪ Oversee completion of the District’s annual report and annual work plan.
▪ Oversee monthly staff reporting to the board on relevant topics responsive to the board’s information needs.
▪ Promote work-life balance, including paid-time-off, flexible schedules, and work from home + office/field.
▪ Maintain a safe, positive, and collaborative work environment; foster a culture of mutual respect and support.
Planning and Programs
▪ Responsible for establishing strategic plans and implementing actions to achieve goals.
▪ Develops and implements specific courses of action.
▪ Responsible for all aspects of the CSWCD’s programs, focusing on providing leadership for program supervisors.
Other Projects as assigned by the Board of Directors.
Qualifications
▪ Higher education is preferred, at least a bachelor's degree in environmental science, biology, agriculture, or other related fields, or business management is preferred.
▪ 5-7 years of directly related work experience or a combination of education and experience sufficient to be productive with no or little orientation.
▪ Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions and policies from the SWCD Board.
▪ Must be able to work independently, prioritize, and organize to work on multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
▪ Ability to communicate effectively with employees and the public using tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
▪ Skilled in public speaking and engaging with constituents and community partners.
▪ Intermediate knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Office and GIS applications.
▪ Knowledge of laws and regulations related to conservation, land use, and restoration.
Preferred Qualifications
▪ Familiarity and experience with the mission and work of soil and water conservation districts and other natural resource agencies and organizations.
▪ Skills in developing strategic partnerships and managing complex projects to address working lands conservation, clean water, healthy soil, diverse habitat, and rural and urban conservation issues.
▪ Knowledge of conservation-related grant opportunities, partnerships, and policy incentives.
▪ Knowledge of Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) 568.210 – 568.890, Oregon Department of Agriculture Guidelines for SWCDs, Oregon public meetings law, Oregon public contracting law, and Oregon local budget law.
▪ Ability to inspire others to care about and participate in natural resource conservation.
▪ Experience building organizational capacity and board development.
▪ Knowledge of human resources issues, including state and federal employment-related mandates.
Job Conditions
▪ Must be able to satisfactorily pass a background check.
▪ This position works primarily in the office; the District does have a teleworking policy to be used on a case-by-case basis.
▪ The office work may include working at a desk, using a computer, or standing at a table.
▪ Fieldwork will include working in and around such locations as farms and ranches, rivers, streams, and ponds; properties with dense vegetation or woodland; areas with steep, slippery, muddy, rocky, or other hazardous terrain. Dress appropriately for all work occasions.
▪ This position requires travel to conferences, workshops, training sessions, plus daytime and evening meetings outside the office. Travel for training may be outside the normal workday and may be as long as one week. A valid driver’s license is required.
▪ The District Manager shall perform all duties in a prudent and sensible manner, following established protocols that ensure safety.
▪ Ability to respond outside of normal business hours in an emergency.
Please email your resume and cover letter to the following by 04/30/25:
Deb Brimacombe
The Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District is an equal employment opportunity employer. We adhere to a policy of making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.