POLK COUNTY CONSERVATION BOARD
DES MOINES, IOWA
Located near the center of the State of Iowa, Polk County covers 569 square miles. Polk County is the largest county in the State, and has a population density of 678 people per square mile. Polk County has grown rapidly in recent years to its current total of 385,691 people. Polk County, named for President James K. Polk, leads the State of Iowa in per-capita income. With an adjustment for inflation, per-capita income grew at a rate of 18.5 percent between 1991 and 2001. The Polk County Conservation Board’s mission is to provide the citizens of Polk County with quality outdoor recreation, conservation education, and the long-term protection of Polk County's natural heritage. The Polk County Conservation Board (PCCB) was established in 1956 by resolution of the County Board of Supervisors following the mandate of the electors of Polk County who by majority vote approved the establishment of a Conservation Board. This five-member board was created to acquire, develop, and maintain areas devoted to conservation and public recreation. Based on the landmark 1995 County Conservation Law, Code Section 350, passed by the Iowa State Legislature, the 99 county conservation boards in Iowa have developed one of the most successful conservation programs in the United States. PCCB manages 16 park and wildlife areas that are visited by more than 1.3 million people each year. These public recreation areas cover more than 11,516 acres. Throughout the past decade, the Conservation Board has focused its efforts towards environmental education, natural resource protection, and the establishment of recreational trails and greenways. The PCCB members are appointed on a staggered five-year term basis by the Polk County Board of Supervisors. The PCCB has been actively tending the conservation of public lands in Polk County for the past 45 years. The PCCB operates independently from the Polk County Board of Supervisors, except for the County Board oversight of the annual PCCB budget. Extensive development and population increases are placing pressure on Polk County and City parks systems throughout Polk County. Keeping pace with growth issues requires careful evaluation of where the system has been in the past and requires quality leadership for the future. Mission components for the PCCB include: Environmental Education, Natural Resources Management, and Outdoor Recreation. There are 38 full-time annual positions augmented by 60+ seasonal part-time positions. These positions include Administration, Chichaqua Bottoms Greenbelt, Construction, Easter Lake Park, Environmental Education, Equipment Maintenance, Forestry, Golf Course Clubhouse/Range, Golf Course Maintenance, Jester Park, Jester Park Equestrian Center, Natural Resources, Purchasing, Thomas Mitchell Park, and Yellow Banks Park. The PCCB has a $4 million annual budget which includes the golf course enterprise fund. This is an outstanding opportunity to be the leader and manager of a world-class conservation board that is unique in Iowa. The PCCB is seeking an experienced professional who can serve as the chief executive officer to the PCCB. This individual will be required to perform responsible administrative and supervisory work in the operation and administration of county parks and conservation, recreation, and natural resource programs. This person must be a strong leader, strong administrator, and a dedicated conservationist. Duties include: planning, administering, supervising and participating in a comprehensive Countywide conservation program including outdoor recreation, natural resource management, land and water management, and wildlife and fishery programs, supervising professional and technical employees. The assigned pay range for the Director of the PCCB is $90,000 to $110,000, DOE/Q, plus a competitive benefit package. An automobile is available for business use. Confidential resumes should be sent by close of business June 20, 2004, to James L. Mercer, President, The Mercer Group, Inc., 551 W. Cordova Road, #726, Santa Fe, NM 87505. VOICE: (505) 466-9500; FAX: (505) 466-1274; E-Mail: mercer@mindspring.com. The Polk County Conservation Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority and Female candidates are encouraged to apply.