Regional Coordinator Position Descriptions

[Clancy Green]

Oklahoma is seeking position descriptions for regional coordinators/district liaisons or similar positions. We anticipate that the job will be focused on a smaller subset of conservation districts (rather than individually or all) to provide better interaction between the local districts and the state agency. We are particularly interested in what other states have identified as job duties.

[David Williams]

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

Approved Classification:
OFFICE OF STATE PERSONNEL Effective Date:

POSITION DESCRIPTION FORM

(PD 102R 92)
Analyst:

1. Present Classification Title of Position:
Environmental Specialist 7. Present Position Number or
Proposed Position Number 60032333
2. Usual Working Title of Position:
Regional Coordinator 8. Department, University, Commission, or Agency:
Agriculture and Consumer Services
3. Requested Classification of Position: same 9. Division: Soil and Water Conservation
4. Name of Immediate Supervisor: David Williams 10. Section or Unit: District Operations Section
5. Supervisor’s Position Title & Position Number:
Deputy Director; 60032352 11. Street Address, City, and County:
216 W. Jones St., Raleigh Wake County
6. Name of Employee:
Brandy Myers 12. Location of Workplace, Building, & Room Number
Old Health Building, 3rd Floor-I

I.
A. General Description of Organizational Unit: The District Operations Section of the Division of Soil and Water Conservation is responsible for administering GS 139 the Soil and Water Districts Law, including both the State Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) covering all 100 counties within North Carolina. The Commission and the local soil and water conservation districts are responsible for the conservation of soil and water resources with the broad enabling authorities outlined in Chapter 139. Soil and Water Conservation Districts are subdivisions of the state governed by 492 elected and appointed officials. Soil and Water Conservation Districts, through multi-agency agreements, form a conservation partnership which implements over $60 million dollars of state, federal, and local funds.

The Section is responsible to: 1) keep the 96 SWCDs legally organized and operational under GS 139, along with compliance with GS – 159 the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act and the Public Records and Open Meeting Laws; 2) implement a training program for SWCD staff and board supervisors; 3) assist SWCDs to administer operational agreements and interagency agreements between local SWCDs, USDA, Division of Soil and Water Conservation and local county governments; 4) assist SWCDs to maintain eligibility for state funding for district operations, technical assistance, and supervisor expenses; 5) assist SWCDs in preparing and administering long range plans, comprehensive business plans and workload analysis with the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service; 6) obtain and manage resources for SWCDs associated with state funding, interagency agreements or grants, such as EPA, TVA or NRCS financial and technical assistance programs; 7) provide SWCDs with technical assistance on conservation issues including water quality, watershed management , farmland preservation, community conservation, conservation easements, water resources, forest and wildlife management and other natural resource issues, coordinating state and federal programs with local conservation needs; 8) implement a public information education and outreach program for SWCDs; 9) assist with multi-county and multi-state conservation programs and projects including activities carried out through the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts; 10) help coordinate local SWCDs along with the supporting federal and state resource professionals to complete conservation projects and programs at the local, regional and state level.

B. Primary Purpose of Position: The position is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures set by the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission, NCDA&CS and the Division of Soil and Water Conservation to ensure effective and timely local delivery of the state nonpoint source conservation and cost share programs through local conservation districts within the 34 central counties. The position represents the Division on various regional and state committees and task forces; interacts with public officials, educators, environmental organizations, land trusts, and the private sector on both state and federal conservation issues; and seeks opportunities to secure technical, financial and educational resources for local districts to promote conservation of natural resources on the state’s private working lands. Regional activities include coordination and implementation of watershed and stream restoration projects, environmental educational programs, and various special projects as assigned (e.g. new technologies for animal waste management).

The position plays an important role in information transfer by assisting local district officials and staff in planning and carrying out state conservation program activities and training; advising district boards in prioritizing and targeting nonpoint source water quality problems within their respective boundaries and watersheds; assisting district boards in the preparation of cost share strategy plans, basin plans, yearly work plans, grant applications, community conservation projects and programs.

The duties and responsibilities of this position are multidisciplinary and involve considerable knowledge of the technical aspects of nonpoint sources, land and water management, biological and ecological systems, the application of agricultural and stormwater best management practices (BMPs), state, federal and local rules, regulations and policies, and federal and state cost share programs. This position interacts regularly with the Division of Water Resources, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the Cooperative Extension Service, and other partner agencies and organizations.

C. Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week including extensive travel, local night meetings with SWCDs, field visits and project implementation. Occasional weekend work is required.

D. Change in Responsibilities or Organizational Relationship:

II. A. DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Method Used (Check One)
 Order of Importance
 Sequential Order

This position has technical duties and responsibilities including but not limited to:

*25% COORDINATE SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROGRAMS AS MULTIPLE COUNTY PROGRAMS, WATERSHED-BASED PROGRAMS, ETC.

Regional Coordinators are responsible for coordinating and managing multi-county conservation programs. Programs include: multi-county grants, watershed management , assisting NCDA&CS, NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, NC Foundation for Soil and Water Conservation and the USDA NRCS in the delivery of statewide conservation programs through the SWCDs, as well as carry out statewide and technical training. Training activities include yearly supervisor training with the Institute of Government, annual regional and state wide training sessions with the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, a yearly Conservation Employee’s Training and various technical training with NRCS. Assistance with statewide programs includes: USDA Conservation Programs, NC Environmental Enhancement Program, Farmland Preservation Programs and many environmental education and outreach activities. The regional coordinators work closely with the DWR Basin Planners to integrate local water quality information in the basin planning process.

*25% PROVIDES ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The regional coordinator is directly responsible for assistance to individual assigned soil and water conservation districts and is in daily to weekly contact with each SWCD. Individual assistance to SWCDs may include building district capacity in terms of staff or finances for programs, delivery of new conservation opportunities, state and federal grants, interagency agreements, long range plans, strategic plans, business planning and fostering good relationships with county governments. Extensive time is spent with individual SWCDs to assist them with operational and legal requirements. Under policies of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, the Division provides assistance to districts collectively in cooperation to the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The regional coordinator is responsible for establishing a communication system with their SWCDs.

*25% MANAGE POLICY, PLANNING AND OPERATIONS FOR THE NC SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION COMMISSION AND 96 SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

The Regional Coordinator is responsible for carrying out policies and procedures for the administration and operations of the NC Soil and Water Conservation Program including the Soil and Water Conservation Commission and the 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts as authorized by GS 139 the Soil and Water Conservation District’s Law. As a regional coordinator, they are specifically responsible for the legal operation of their assigned SWCDs including fiscal policies, operation agreements, interagency agreements and the election and appointments of the local SWCD supervisors. In addition the regional coordinators advise the SWCDs on personnel, contracting and purchasing procedures as well as assist with conservation project and program implementation.

*25% PLANNING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE ON PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION
In coordination with the Division’s Nonpoint Source Programs and Technical Services Sections and the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Regional Coordinator is responsible for assisting districts to develop and implement effective annual and long-range plans for carrying out the missions of their assigned SWCDs. The regional Coordinator also participates in division program reviews of each SWCD and is responsible to assist the SWCDs to implement any recommendations or corrective actions specified in the program review.

Place an asterisk (*) next to each essential function. Please note percentage of time for each function.
Percentages are noted, but may vary during different work periods based on work priorities.

II. B. OTHER POSITION CHARACTERISTICS:

1. Accuracy Required in Work: A considerable degree of accuracy is required in carrying out the organizational and operational requirements of GS 139 and GS 159, as well as applying scientific information to natural resource management and conservation issues. Accuracy in professional judgment, based on experience, is required to understand the ramifications of decisions for the Division, Department, Commission, local SWCDs and the general public. Consistency is also required in administering the duties of the position because of the large number of SWCDs (96) and due to a high level of scrutiny. The ability to clearly communicate decisions and positions to a variety of interested parties is another element closely allied to accuracy.

2. Consequence of Error: Errors in judgment, assessment of an issue, application of rules and guidelines or recommended courses of action have significant programmatic consequences. Errors would result in serious loss of credibility for the Department and a failure of the Department to properly manage Chapter 139. Significant or continuing errors could result in loss of the soil and water conservation district program in individual counties or the State of North Carolina.

3. Instructions Provided to Employees: This position requires initiative and independent action, but is in close communication with the Section Chief. Instructions may be verbal or written, explicit or implicit or even vague. Most work is performed independently and the employee is required to be thoroughly knowledgeable of the requirements to carryout responsibilities with good judgment.

4. Guides, Regulations, Policies and References Used by Employees: The employee is required to have a thorough knowledge of Chapter 139 and the Local Government Budget and Fiscal Control Act. The employee is required to carryout the rules and policies of the NC Soil and Water Conservation Commission and to seek legal advice through the Institute of Government, DENR General Counsel and the Attorney General. Technical assistance requires the knowledge of NRCS technical guides, EPA and other federal regulations related to natural resource management and conservation as well as a good working knowledge of the multiple DENR rules and programs.

5. Supervision Received by Employees: Work is performed independently under the general supervision of the Section Chief. Results are reviewed for consistency across the program and evaluated as results are achieved.

6. Variety and Purpose of Personal Contacts: Extensive communication and personal contacts involve local SWCD boards supervisors, soil and water commission members, SWCD staff, state and federal agencies, private citizens, other state agency staff, USDA and EPA staff, university professionals, legislative contacts and office co-workers.

7. Physical Effort: Consistent with normal office work, but employee is required to do extensive travel and to be able to carry out field responsibilities for project and program reviews.

8. Work Environment and Conditions: Office work with no known irritants or potentially harmful influences. Extensive travel and overtime required.

9. Machine, Tools, Instruments, Equipment and Materials Used: Personal computer, basic office equipment and vehicles for extensive travel.

10. Visual Attention, Mental Concentration and Manipulative Skills: Mental concentration and visual attention skills are essential.

11. Safety for Others: Responsible for basic safety in both office and field situations and with large scale events.

12. Dynamics of Work: The work performed by this employee is very dynamic with frequent changes in work priorities and schedules. The work can vary between private citizens to state and federal agencies, from program development to actual constructed projects. The employee is often the Division spokesperson and has contact with thousands of private citizens and conservation resource people. Changes in federal or state legislation or policy, public attitude, scientific information, political leadership or chance events may cause significant alteration of the work performed by this section.

III. KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS & ABILITIES AND TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
REQUIREMENTS:

A. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: This position requires extensive knowledge of conservation, natural resource management, non-point source pollution and water quality issues at the federal, state and local levels. Extensive knowledge of the principles of public administration to carryout GS 139 are required, as the ability to communicate in written and oral form and the ability to work with a wide variety of people from public officials to private citizens. Excellent organizational and planning skills are required.

B.
1. Required Minimum Training: Bachelor’s degree in one of the agricultural, biological, engineering, environmental or natural resource sciences or a closely related curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and one year of experience related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience needed to perform the work of the vacancy; or an equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the employee functional work experiences needed to perform the work of the position.

Prefer applicants with work experience with a local conservation district or comparable soil and water conservation agency.

2. Additional Training/Experience: Environmental management, water quality and/or agricultural non-point source pollution prevention. Ability to develop grant proposals and administer contracts.

3. Equivalent Training and Experience: Additional training or educational experience may be substituted for training and or education. Training and/or experience in environmental law and/or public administration are helpful.

C. License or Certification Required by Statute or Regulation:

Requires a valid North Carolina drivers license.

IV. CERTIFICATION: Signatures indicate agreement with all information provided, including designation of essential functions.

Supervisors’ Certification: I certify that (a) I am the Immediate Supervisor of this position, that (b) I have provided a complete and accurate description of responsibilities and duties and (c) I have verified (and reconciled as needed) its accuracy and completeness with the employee.

Signature:

Title:

Date:

Employee’s Certification: I certify that I have reviewed this position description and that it is a complete and accurate description of my responsibilities and duties.

Signature:

Title:

Date:

Section or Division Manager’s Certification: I certify that this position description, completed by the above named immediate supervisor, is complete and accurate.

Signature:

Title:

Date:

Department Head or Authorized Representative’s Certification: I certify that this is an authorized, official position description of the subject position.

Signature: Title: Date:

[Jake Wilson]

Here is one that we are currently trying to fill. This is a state program position that is the liaison for at least 11 mostly contiguous(of 114) SWCDS:

Why you’ll love this position: If you have an interest in agriculture and would enjoy providing assistance to local soil and water conservation districts, this is the job for you! This position is located in the department’s Soil and Water Conservation Program.

What you’ll do:
• Review cost-share contracts to ensure that Soil and Water Districts Commission policies are being met. Contracts are submitted through the online Missouri Soil and Water Information Management System (MoSWIMS) program.
• Attend soil and water conservation district board meetings to provide guidance to district
supervisors in the practical application of state statutes, commission rules, policies, and procedures relating to requirements which affect the soil and water conservation districts.
• Perform compliance reviews of randomly cost share practices for each assigned district.
• Provide training to district employees and supervisors on a variety of topics including district operations, financial tracking, cost share administration and more.
• Develop a general understanding of the rules, regulations, and policies that affect soil and water conservation in Missouri.
• Represent the program at a variety of meetings, trainings, and educational events.

All you need for success:
Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree and 1 year of relevant experience.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.
• Self-motivated and able to perform field activities without assistance or support.

Preferred Qualifications
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Commitment to customer service.

[John Switzer]

Hi Clancy,
In Michigan we have 5 regional coordinators that cover our 75 conservation districts (roughly 15 CDs each). If you send me your email address I can send you the full position description and map of the coverage areas.

[Author]

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