Accountable to: Chairman of the PCD Board of Supervisors
Application Deadline: February 1, 2026
Anticipated Start date: February 15, 2026
Salary: starting between $18 and $22 per hour, depending on qualifications.
General Position Description: The Phillips Conservation District Administrator will serve as an advocate for improving natural resource conditions of Phillips County utilizing available technical, financial, and educational resources, and focusing or coordinating them to meet the needs of the local land user for conservation of soil, water, and related resources.
Status: The position is three-quarter to full time, averaging 30-40 hours per week. Hours and days of work may vary according to the needs of the Phillips Conservation District and the employee, but it is preferable that work days be designated. Remote work will be allowed for qualifying events (such as power outages, impassable roads, government shutdowns, etc.). The employee will serve a six-month probationary period. Funding for this position is based in part on the availability of administrative grant funds.
Office Location: Malta NRCS Field Office, USDA Building, 1120 Highway 191 S., Malta, MT 59538
Benefits: The employee is eligible to participate in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). A monthly healthcare stipend is provided, in lieu of healthcare insurance. The employee will accrue vacation and sick leave credits, which can be used after a 6-month probationary period. The employee receives holiday pay (prorated) for all State holidays.
Travel: The Administrator must have transportation, a valid driver's license and proof of vehicle liability insurance. Occasional travel to various Conservation District and related meetings is expected. The employee will be reimbursed for travel expenses and mileage at the State reimbursement rate.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:
Planning
Assist in long range planning process and implementation.
Develop, implement and monitor annual operational plan for achieving annual strategic objectives.
Prepare reports for the board to update them on the progress of achieving annual operational plan.
Financial management
Work with the finance committee in all aspects of financial management.
Prepare annual budget for board approval.
Prepare financial reports for the finance committee to review before monthly meetings.
Implement the board approved budget with available funds, while maintaining the fiscal integrity of the organization's finances.
Develop and follow fiscal policies as approved by the board.
Maintain time sheets and work with accountant to pay staff and ensure that annual and quarterly reports are submitted.
Board of Supervisors
Board Communications and Involvement
o Mentors the Board in implementing governance best practices.
o Update the Board regarding program activities and other priority areas.
Board Meetings
o Work with Board Chair to develop agendas for Board meetings.
o Record, distribute and file monthly meeting minutes.
o Prepare and disseminate briefing materials related to the meeting agenda.
o Notify Supervisors, the NRCS liaison and other partners of monthly meetings.
o Give public notification of all CD meetings, regular and special.
Personnel and Administration
Lead the development of personnel policies.
Lead the development of an appropriate staff structure, complemented by the use of contracted services where needed.
Provide leadership and support to all staff and contracted individuals.
Participate in continuing education and professional development opportunities.
Work with the board to develop annual plan for staff evaluations.
Administer the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (S.B. 310) for the Conservation District by providing information and assistance with forms, receiving and reviewing applications, forwarding application to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, scheduling team inspections, and maintaining an annuallog of permit numbers and actions taken.
Maintain an organized filing system.
Solicit and assist with landowner orders for conservation trees and shrubs, keep record of orders and payments received, places orders with Nurseries and schedule delivery, sort orders, and arrange for landowner pickup.
Responsible for no-till drill, tree planter and fabric layer rental, scheduling, contracting, maintenance and collection of rental fees.
Maintain a sufficient inventory of supplies for sale by the district, such as landowner maps and planting products.
Fundraising
Prepare and submit grant applications, perform grant administration and reporting in accordance with grant rules and deadlines.
Organizational Visibility/Communications
Serve as primary point of contact and liaison for the Phillips CD.
Serve as primary point of contact for all Montana Range Day needs (PCD is the 2026 & 2027 host). Assist the NRCS staff when possible.
Assist the NRCS staff when possible.
Provide information and distribute educational materials relevant to the district, utilizing events such as Ag Day, Phillips County Fair, etc.
Attend meetings with stakeholders and resource groups to inform, update and/or coordinate on PCD activities such as tours, and other educational events.
Make preparations for functions such as banquets, awards, educational workshops, tours, etc.; provide for agenda, speakers, entertainment, location, equipment, educational materials, programs, door prizes, food and advertisement.
Coordinate with schools for education events, contests, workshops, speakers, materials, grant opportunities, distribution of conservation trees, and equipment for natural resource research.
Provide public information through media outlets on Phillips CD activities, upcoming meetings, and opportunities for volunteer and stakeholder participation and input.
Attend and participate in Montana Association of Conservations Districts (MACD) Conventions, Area Meetings, and other events relevant to the district.
Network with statewide Conservation Districts and CD partners such as MACD, Milk River Watershed Association, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, World Wildlife Fund, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, MSU Extension Service and many others.
Seek opportunities to secure public visibility for PCD through media outlets, presentations, conferences and other venues.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
Oral and written communication skills.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, Supervisors, and the public.
Grant writing and contract administration skills.
Ability to organize and present data.
Self-starter, ability to work independently.
Maintain confidentiality.
Ability to supervise and train employees.
Ability to work a flexible schedule.
High School diploma or above.
Office experience including bookkeeping, records management, grant management and computer proficiency.
Rural background is helpful.
Knowledge of natural resource issues.
For further information contact Conni French at 406-654-1334, ext. 101
A cover letter and resume may be sent to:
phillipsconservationdistrict@gmail.com
Employment Disclaimer: This job description is not a contract -- management reserves the right to change its contents at any time. This organization complies with the guidelines set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, or disability. This organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
