Forest Preserve Director

~ The mission of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District is to preserve and manage natural areas and open spaces, provide environmental education, and offer recreational opportunities for Kendall County residents. ~

Kendall County, located in northeastern Illinois, combines city assets with a small town lifestyle and is an attractive location for businesses. The region's convenient location and moderate population encourage local economic growth and support a variety of recreational and cultural opportunities. The County occupies approximately 320 square miles and is considered part of the Chicago metropolitan area. The County seat is located in Yorkville.  

Position Overview

The Kendall County Forest Preserve District is currently accepting applications for the Forest Preserve Director position. This position functions as the chief administrator of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District. The Director plans, organizes, directs and controls all activities to achieve the Forest Preserve District mission and specific goals and objectives.

The Director functions as the chief administrator of the Kendall County Forest Preserve District. Plans, organizes, directs and controls all activities to achieve the Forest Preserve District mission and specific goals and objectives.

Work involves execution of ordinances, resolutions and policies of the Board of Commissioners and pertinent laws of the State and Federal Government. Works closely with supervisory staff to maintain a productive and motivational climate throughout the organization. All supervisors report directly to the Director. All other District employees report indirectly to the Director.

This position is Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There are some regular weekend and evening hours.  

Responsibilities 

The duties for this position shall include, but not be limited to, the following: 

• Oversees and manages all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the District including administration, natural resources, education, recreation, volunteer programs, customer service, planning, capital projects and purchases, marketing and communications, land acquisition, legal and compliance.
• Provides timely and effective communication with the Commission regarding all facets of District operations.
• Provides timely and effective communication with staff.
• Guides the development of District goals and objectives from committee planning to full Commission approval. Works with staff to implement goals and objectives.
• Develops and implements, with Commission approval, the Annual Budget & Appropriation Ordinance and Tax Levy Ordinance that achieve meeting the District's mission, goals and objectives.
• Prepares and implements, with Commission approval, a sustainable multi-year financial plan and capital budget.
• Provides strategic leadership on decision-making issues affecting the District.
• Attends all Commission meetings. Oversees the preparation of meeting agendas and packets.
• Represents the District at various meetings including, but not limited to those with local, state and federal units of government; philanthropic organizations; regional natural resource organizations; and business groups.
• Develops, implements and enforces District administrative and personnel policies.
• Promotes the advancement and understanding of the District to the general public, media, partner organizations and at public forums.
• Develops and maintains strong partnerships and cooperative efforts to forward the mission of the District.
• Responds to inquiries and performs other responsibilities as assigned by the President and Commissioners.
• Provides for the execution of all ordinances and resolutions of the Commission and the enforcement of all applicable laws.
• Selects and develops a professional staff to achieve a high level of competence and sound judgment.
• Evaluates the organization structure for efficiency and effectiveness of the District, as well as for the professional and personal growth of staff. 

Qualifications 

Education/Experience: 

• A minimum of five years of management in a leadership role.
• Bachelors Degree from an accredited university with major course work in natural resources management, public administration, business administration, finance or related field.
• Knowledge and skill in the principles and practices of public administration.
• Understanding of Forest Preserve Districts or other organizations of similar complexity.
• Knowledge of public management practices including finance, natural resources, human resources, planning, community relations, organization management and communications. 

Significant Abilities: 

• Ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.
• Ability to speak clearly and communicate effectively with the public, staff, volunteers, vendors and project partners.
• Ability to recruit, interview, train, and supervise staff.
• Ability to express ideas concisely and clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and understand problems and to determine appropriate measures to take to solve those problems.
• Ability to work effectively in an environment with diverse interests.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of people and organizations.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office.
• Ability to perform tasks that will require walking on uneven ground and in inclement weather, bending, standing, climbing, reaching and sitting.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Possession of a valid driver's license is required.

To Apply 

First, click here to download an application, then, click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email the applicaiton and your resume to:  

Jeff Wehrli
110 W Madison St
Yorkville IL 60560-1465 

~ The Kendall County Forest Preserve District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ~