POSITION VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT: Executive Director

The Manistee County Conservation District is looking to hire a full-time Executive Director.

Position: Executive Director 

Location: Manistee County Conservation District 

Employment Type: Full-Time 

About Us:

At the Manistee Conservation District, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between private landowners and essential services and information. Our mission is to facilitate access to government programs and provide technical assistance in land management, empowering landowners to make informed decisions.

We take pride in offering a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of our community. Our main focus areas include environmental education, forestry, water quality management, household hazardous waste management, produce safety, and seedling sales.

Beyond our core offerings, we provide invaluable resources and advice on wildlife habitat education, plant identification, conservation-focused farming, and invasive species management. Throughout the year, we organize various workshops and presentations to encourage learning and promote sustainable practices within our region.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a passionate and qualified Executive Director to lead our organization. The Executive Director will report to the Board of Directors and will be responsible for achieving the district’s mission and financial goals, as well as managing day-to-day operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Personnel Management Duties:

• Oversee support staff and manage all human resources functions within the district, such as monitoring time and attendance, conducting performance evaluations, mentoring and training new employees, and administering necessary corrective or disciplinary actions.
• Compile background information to assist the Board in decision-making and policy formulation.

Administrative Duties:

• Develop and implement annual and long-term strategic plans to achieve organizational goals.
• Stay current on all NRCS/USDA and conservation district programs, grant opportunities, policy changes, and relevant updates.
• Oversee all operational aspects including facilities management, budgeting, work plans, and program delivery.
• Navigate state laws governing conservation districts and understand their relationship with state and local governmental units.
• Assist customers with programs and services provided by our office and the NRCS in the absence of the District Conservationist.
• Review and evaluate all new programs and keep abreast of MACD policies and initiatives.
• Identify, evaluate, and secure funding sources for district activities and programs through grants and public/private partnerships.
• Attend steering committee meetings, watershed councils, and relevant environmental organizations, as well as township and County Commission meetings.
• Represent the district at state and regional MACD conferences and retreats.
• Prepare board meeting packets and maintain clear communication by distributing minutes and financial reports.

Financial Duties:

• Remain updated on CD uniform accounting practices and prepare the annual operating budget.
• Manage financial activities in QuickBooks, including tracking inventory, processing payroll, and managing vendor relationships.
• Ensure timely processing of taxes, vendor payments, and grant monitoring.

Building Management Duties:

• Oversee building maintenance needs and manage inventory of supplies.
• Report and provide estimates to the board for building updates and repairs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environmental stewardship, business, education, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (3) years of leadership experience in a non-profit, educational, or governmental organization, preferably in environmental stewardship.
• Must be able to pass a Federal Background Security Check.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clean driving record for the past 3 years

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Proven managerial skills with strong communication abilities and a collaborative leadership style.
• Organized and clear thinker with a passion for education and the ability to manage complex budgets, grant writing, and supervision.
• Resourceful individual who can balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, and Google drive, documents, sheets etc.
• Flexibility to work evenings, occasional weekends, and travel for off-site events and training (occasional overnight trainings), as needed.
• Formal education equivalent:  A minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in a non-profit, educational, or governmental organization, preferably in environmental stewardship or related field.

Working Environment:

The primary workplace is at the district office, 8840 Chippewa Highway Bear Lake, MI. The office is co-located with the NRCS, fostering a strong organizational relationship that creates a fun and busy workplace. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. However, flexibility may be required for events, which could involve working evenings, weekends, or overnight. Occasionally, some events may take place in outdoor settings managed by the district.

Compensation:

Salary will be based on qualifications/skills and will range from $50,000 to $70,000 per year.

Benefits including health insurance, paid holidays, and vacation and sick leave are offered after a 60-day probation period.

Employees working 40 hours per week will be paid the equivalent of 8 hour’s pay for all federal holidays recognized by NRCS in a given year.

Vacation time is frontloaded annually and cannot be carried over; it follows a use-it-or-lose-it policy.

Sick leave is also frontloaded annually and accumulates in a personal/sick leave bank.

For employees with 1 to 3 years of service, the vacation allowance is 104 hours, which is equivalent to 13 days, and the sick leave allowance is also 104 hours, or 13 days.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to alycia.peterson@macd.org  by November 28, 2025.

Please list ‘Executive Director application’ in the subject line.

Contact Persons:

Erik Johnson

aeric1955@gmail.com

Alycia Peterson

alycia.peterson@macd.org

Applicants can always call the office and leave a message for a call back at a later time.

Contact Email:

alycia.peterson@macd.org

The Manistee Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate in employment, promotions, or compensation on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, age, marital status, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Employment with the District is “at will,” permitting either party to end employment at their discretion without notice. Employment is contingent upon factors determined by the Board of Directors including, but not limited to, available funding, job performance, changes in program direction or organization.

Join us in making a positive impact on our community and the environment!