RESOURCE CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR (Kent Soil & Water Conservation District)

Introduction

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The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland''s Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health , consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow.

The Office of Resource Conservation provides farmers with financial and technical assistanceâ to install conservation practices that support crop and livestock production while protecting natural resources.Â

Current opening in the Kent Soil and Water Conservation District

This position in only open to current permanent and contractualÂ

State of Maryland employees.

GRADE

STD0018

LOCATION OF POSITION

122 Speer Road Suite 4 Chestertown, MD 21620

Main Purpose of Job

To serve as the administrative officer in implementing the policies and procedures of the Marylan Department of Agriculture and the Soil Conservation District Board of Supervisors, as directed by Maryland Department of Agriculture Regional Coordinator.

POSITION DUTIES

Personnel Supervision & Office Management

Directs the daily operations of a multi-agency workforce (MDA, County, and District staff) to ensure the Soil Conservation Distri (SCD) meets its conservation goals.Â

• Manages work assignments based on the MS-22 (Position Description); proactively reviews these duties with staff quarterly to ensure alignment with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).Â
• Conducts formal annual and mid-cycle evaluations. This includes providing detailed feedback on adherence to federal/state guidelines and drafting professional development plans to help staff reach their full potential.Â
• Serves as the primary approver for all office timesheets and leave requests. Ensures 100%Â accuracy and timely submission to the Regional Coordinator and payroll processing units, often operating on strict morning-of deadlines.Â

Board Coordination & GovernanceÂ

Acts as the primary liaison and administrative lead for the Board of Supervisors to facilitate informed decision-making.Â

• Orchestrates monthly and special Board meetings. This involves drafting comprehensive agendas and compiling technical resource materials (mapping, program updates, legislative briefs) for distribution at least five days prior to meetings.Â
• Oversees the Secretary in the preparation of official minutes activity reports, and financial statements. Reviews these documents for accuracy before distributing them to MDA, NRCS, and the Regional Coordinator within three to seve business days.Â
• Attends all Board sessions to provide real-time feedback, technical advice, and status updates on district initiatives.Â

Program Implementation & Intergovernmental RelationsÂ

Translates federal, state, and local conservation policies into actionable local programs while representing the District''s interests to external stakeholders.Â

• Interprets complex program guidelines from conservation partners and briefs the Board on implementation requirements immediately upon receipt.Â
• Represents the SCD at hearings, conferences, and meetings with local government officials. Maintains active membership in the Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts (MASCD) by attending semi-annual statewide meetings.Â
• Bridges the gap between Board policy and field operations by conducting staff meetings immediately following Board sessions to relay new policies or changes in field office protocol.Â
• Drafts formal correspondence and position papers on behalf of the Board Chairman to communicate the District''s stance on environmental and agricultural issues.Â

Budgeting, Finance & Strategic PlanningÂ

Secures and manages the financial resources necessary for District operations and sets the long-term strategic direction.Â

• Leads the development of the annual MDA budget request. This includes completing complex worksheets and providing supporting documentation for operating funds, ensuring all submissions are error-free and submitted ahead of deadlines.Â
• Presents financial plans and funding requests to the Board of Supervisors for deliberation and formal approval before submission to funding agencies.Â
• Analyzes historical workload data and emerging environmental trends (e.g., targeted watershed programs) to draft the Annual Plan of Work, which directs staff resources toward high-priority conservation areas.Â

Conservation Grants Administrative OversightÂ

Secures and manages the financial resources necessary for District operations and sets the long-term strategic direction. Performs rigorous technical reviews of grant applications and "claims for payment" to ensure all required documentation and justifications are present.Â

• Performs rigorous technical reviews of grant applications an "claims for payment" to ensure all required documentation and justifications are present.Â
• Maintains a zero-to-low error rate (under 5%) in application processing to ensure the District remains in good standing with state and federal grant auditors.Â
• Provides oversight to ensure that all grant-funded projects adhere strictly to program guidelines and conservation standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:Â Â A Bachelorâs degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:Â Four years of experience in soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource programs.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute additional administrative or supervisory experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resource program on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in soil conservation classifications or soil conservation specialty codes in the soil conservation field of work on a year-for- year basis for the required experience and education.Â

SELECTIVE QUALIFICATIONS

• Non-US citizens must be a US resident for 3 years to gain access to the United State Department of Agriculture Civil3D software.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

• Bachelor''s degree in or related to: Agriculture, Natural Resources or Environmental Science
• Experience performing administrative or supervisory experience in a soil conservation, water quality protection or related agriculture or natural resources program.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This position in only open to current permanent and contractual State of Maryland employees.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Candidates appointed to positions in this classification may be assigned duties and responsibilities which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operators license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

Unit S (AFSCME)

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Maryland Department of Agriculture Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

• Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted.Â
• Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.Â
• If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application.Â
• If you are unable to upload, email is the preferred method of delivery. You may also mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.)

If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Kathleen Newhouse at kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov TTY Users: call via Maryland RelayCandidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.Â

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the Stateâs diversity.