Executive Officer

The Alameda County Resource Conservation District (ACRCD) and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) collaborate as the Conservation Partnership to serve as the lead conservation agency in Alameda County.

We provide technical and educational services for natural resource conservation and agriculture enhancement. The Partnership collaborates with many partners including private landowners, local, state and federal agencies and other organizations to develop and implement various conservation and agricultural strategies.

The fundamental principles of the working landscape, conservation and enhancement, and of the local agricultural heritage, provide focus for the Partnership's work. We currently employs biologists, farm and range specialists, resource conservationists, conservation planners, education and outreach specialists, and engineers. This combination of technical skills and resources allows us to readily meet the needs of our local land-managers and landowners, including farmers, ranchers, rural landowners, and the urban communities.

We collaborate on many aspects of project planning and implementation, including seeking appropriate funding sources, assistance with regulatory permitting needs, project oversight, technical assistance and education.

Position Overview:

The ACRCD has an exceptional leadership opportunity for a highly motivated Executive Officer to manage the ACRCD, and partner with and support the agricultural and conservation community within Alameda County and the East Bay.  The Executive Officer oversees 5 full time and several part time District staff members. The annual budget averages one million dollars. 

You'll lead and manage our District team in the delivery of services as outlined by the Board of Directors and the District's strategic plan. This highly collaborative position requires the ability to effectively communicate the District's goals, activities, roles, and responsibilities to other agencies, organizations, and individuals. The ACRCD works in collaboration with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as the Conservation Partnership in Alameda County.

Responsibilities:

• Be able to communicate and advance the mission, strategic vision and values of the ACRCD and its Board of Directors.
• Maintain and further develop an exceptional network among the agricultural and conservation community to identify and generate partnerships and revenue development opportunitie.
• Lead, manage and continue to develop a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment where multi-tasking to set/revise priorities and create new opportunities is the norm. 
• Support staff in the continued delivery of outstanding service in an efficient and timely manner.
• Have the demonstrated business experience and skills necessary for overseeing and managing District budget and finances with support from administrative and technical staff. 
• Committed to "best practices" in all areas.
• Work collaboratively with a diverse array of clientele and partners, particularly our primary partner the USDA NRCS.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree, or sufficient demonstrated experience, in a field related to the District's scope of work, i.e. agriculture, natural resources management, or business in these fields.
• Basic knowledge in the fields of conservation, agriculture and natural resources sufficient to represent the ACRCD to partners, the public and to communicate effectively with staff project managers.
• Experience leading and managing technical and administrative staff members with a focus on team results.
• Familiarity with special district and /or non- profit operations and budgets is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, other basic office software applications, and web-based communications.

Other Position Info & Requirements:

• Must possess a valid California driver's license; may be required to use personal vehicle for work duties, with mileage reimbursed at the prevailing federal rate.  
• Position requires USDA-NRCS Computer Security Clearance and associated background check.       
• Work is primarily performed in the District office, with some potential for work in the field.         
• Position will require flexible work hours when necessary, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Compensation: Salary is $80K, based on experience. Benefits including medical, dental and vision. 401K is available (no employer contribution).
To Apply:

Please email your resume, salary history, the names of three current references, and a cover letter explaining why you are interested in and qualified for the position, no later than Wednesday December 5, 2012. 

Please send all documents as attachments to one email. Documents should be in PDF or MS Word (please do not send documents larger than 1 MB). Please no images, graphics or photographs. Inquiries and applications will be kept confidential. 

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.