RIO BLANCO COUNTY JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Natural Resources Specialist Department: Natural Resources Job Code: 40400 Reports To: County Administrator, with direction from the Natural Resources Committee FLSA Status: Non-exempt Effective Date: December 05, 2024

Job Summary: The Director will work with the White River & Douglas Creek Conservation Districts (Districts) and Rio Blanco County Commissioners (BOCC), leadership, constituents, and partners to identify policy priorities, and to develop and execute strategies to achieve policy goals. This will include representing the organizations in outreach efforts to Capitol Hill, the federal executive branch, state and local government leaders, and other key stakeholders. It will also include facilitating the District/County policy committee, engaging Rio Blanco County (RBC) citizens and partners, drafting letters/public comments, handouts and policy documents, conducting research and policy analysis, and designing and implementing public policy advocacy campaigns based on the Rio Blanco County Land and Natural Resources Plan and Policies (LNRPP).

Essential Job Functions: The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the job and may not include other non-essential or peripheral duties that may be required. Rio Blanco County reserves the right to modify or change the duties or essential functions of this job at any time.

Develop and execute RBC State and Federal policy strategy for natural resources. Engage County and Districts' leadership, constituents, and strategic partners in informing and leading collaborative policy initiatives. Inform County and Districts' leadership, constituents, and partners on relevant policy issues, including regular policy briefings and recommendations. Coordinate educational outreach and assist County and Districts' leadership in lobbying activities. Develop materials to execute regarding policy strategy (i.e., program-related reports, papers, policy briefs, and promotional materials). Provide necessary information to County and Districts' leadership for communications with the media, decision makers, partners, funders, and general public. Create reports and perform benchmarking exercises as required. Attend Districts Boards and BOCC meetings to provide updates. Assist in grant writing and fundraising in support of policy program. Responsible for ensuring that federal lands management planning is consistent with the LNRP. Advocate for County and Districts' positions on issues addressed in the LNRPand the BOCC's natural resources agenda and projects. Responsible for working with applicable county departments on natural resource issues. May serve as a member of various committees, panels, etc., attending meetings and providing input based on expertise, as appropriate; represents the County at a variety of functions related to natural resources. Manages annual budget for the natural resources department.

General Requirements: Understands, observes, and complies with all Rio Blanco County and Districts' departmental policies, procedures and protocols when performing job duties. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other County and Districts' employees, Elected Officials, representatives from other agencies and organizations, and members of the community. Regular, predictable attendance, 40 hours each week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Excellent communication skills (writing, editing, and speaking). Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders. General office practices and procedures. Detail oriented. Strong independent work ethic and time management skills. Professional understanding of agricultural and environmental public policy issues. Routine software and business applications including, but not limited to, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and databases. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment. Ability to set and meet strategic long and short-term goals and objectives Knowledge of local, federal, and state laws, statutes, rules and regulations regarding natural resources. Knowledge of internal department policies and procedures.

Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Relevant graduate or professional degree with a minimum of two years of experience in natural resource public policy, including experience with political engagement, preferred. Local government or nonprofit advocacy experience, preferred. Coalition building and community organizing experience, preferred.

Licenses or Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Driver's License.

Physical Demands: