Job Summary

Develops and superintends the management of the land and resources owned by Aitkin County to ensure economic, environmental and social benefits to Aitkin County and the general public.  Fiduciary responsibility to County taxpayers and local units of government to manage tax forfeited lands and resources producing both immediate and future direct and indirect revenue developing and promoting the resources and economy of Aitkin County.
 

Supervision Received

Employees working in this job class work under administrative direction and are free to plan, develop, and organize all phases of the work necessary for its completion within broad program guidance. Generally, they develop and utilize procedures and methods that do not conflict with major organization policies.  
 

Supervision Exercised

Manages the Assistant Land Commissioner who oversees forestry staff and seasonal equipment operators. Directly supervises the County Surveyor, Recreation Specialist, Long Lake Business Manager, Assistant Land Commissioner, and clerical support. Is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department and its divisions. 

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints; training and rewarding employees. Responsibilities also include, in collaboration with the Human Resources Department, interviewing, hiring, implementing performance improvement plans, disciplining employees, and resolving grievances.
 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance is an essential requirement of this position.

1.    Oversees management activity of natural resources on County lands.  
2.    Markets and promotes County Natural Resources      
3.    Supervises the development, management, and maintenance of timber, minerals, wildlife, and other natural resources on County lands. 
4.    Supervises the development and maintenance of the County parks, water and road access program, campgrounds, wayside rests, recreation trails, and swimming beaches.  
5.    Formulates policy for management of lands.
6.    Develops and supervises a comprehensive management plan (long-term and short-term) for County lands. 
7.    Supervises and maintains an accurate record of ownership and classification of all public lands within the County.  
8.    Plans and supervises the land exchange and sales program of tax forfeited and county fee lands.  
9.    Makes land classifications and appraisals of land, timber and other products and uses.
10.    Enforces trespass laws and regulations.
11.    Seizes and appraises timber and other products and property cut and removed illegally from tax-forfeited lands.
12.    Performs other duties concerning tax-forfeited lands as directed by the County Board.
13.    Oversees and supervises the County Geographic Information System (GIS) program.
14.    Oversees and supervises the County land survey remonumentation program and Geographic Positioning System (GPS).
15.    Superintends the operation of Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC).
16.    Assists the County Administrator in overseeing and supervising the economic development program, specifically forest industry. 
17.    Prepares and maintains departmental budgets
18.    Responsible for supervision of employees in the Land Department and GIS.  Assists in the supervision of the land survey, LLCC, and economic development employees
19.    Researches natural resource and County land issues, advises County Board of Commissioners, other departments, State legislators, etc. on issues regarding County land, natural resources, etc.
20.    Develops and maintains detailed, accurate records regarding resources on County lands including but not limited to: soils, timber, water, wildlife, minerals, gravel, peat, aesthetics, recreation, historical, scientific and development           opportunities.
21.    Analyzes legal descriptions to calculate location, dimension and acreage for tax records and collaborate with other departments on matters regarding land and natural resources.
22.    Adheres to collective bargaining agreements, county policies and procedures, and applicable laws, including timely/accurate reporting and consistent/uniform administration of EEO, FLSA, FMLA, ADA, Workers’ Compensation and          Return to Work programs, in close collaboration with the Human Resources Department. Completes departmental new hire orientations promptly and staff performance appraisals in accordance with county policy. 
23.    Conducts business in accordance with the Open Meeting law.
24.    Serves as the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Land Department, Responsible Authority Designee. Appropriately responds to requests for government data. Maintains department data in accordance with records retention          schedules.  
25.    Coordinates annual emergency practice drills in department.
26.    Attend conferences and continuing education courses as needed.

•    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university in Natural Resources Management, Forestry, or a related field, plus four years of related supervisory and administrative experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Experience in accounting, lobbying, finance and/or budget preparation beneficial. 
Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. Employment reference checks and a criminal background check will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.

Must be willing to work flexible hours when necessary, including occasional evenings for meetings and rare weekends for training and other events.  
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:
1.    County and departmental policies, procedures, and practices. 
2.    Laws, ordinances, best management practices, and regulations related to department functions and natural resources issues.
3.    Techniques, methods and tools required to accomplish department workload and objectives in an efficient and safe manner including computer knowledge and experience sufficient to operate computer software used by the department.
4.    Rectangle land survey and associated tools, instruments and techniques.

Skill in:
1.    Written and oral communication skills sufficient to communicate the policies and procedures of the department to County Board, subordinates, contractors, other agencies, customers and the public.
2.    Typing skill sufficient to complete 30 net words per minute without errors.
3.    Preparing and making presentations to groups.
4.    Reading, writing, and speaking English proficiently. Includes writing departmental policies and procedures and precise memos to Boards, Committees, and other organizations.
5.    Effectively organizing and prioritizing workload.
6.    Innovative, critical and analytical thinking as it relates to County and department policy, procedure and problem solving.
7.    Reading and understanding detailed real estate descriptions.

Ability to:
1.    Present a positive attitude in the workplace, promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation, and be able to treat co-workers, supervisors, and subordinates with respect, honesty, and consideration. 
2.    Maintain confidentiality.
3.    Use good judgment, integrity and tact when dealing with the public, other employees or other agencies.
4.    Travel and work in excess of standard hours when necessary.
5.    Compose agreements, RFP's and contracts, and solicit bids and quotes from sources.
6.    Prepare and monitor annual budgets.
7.    Represent the County on legislative matters involving departmental programs.

Language Skills

Very High Skills – Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.  Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.  Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.  Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or governing boards.  

Mathematical Skills

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.  Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.  Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations, and permutations.  Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of  variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis. Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.  Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations, and proofs of theorems.

Reasoning Skills

Very High Skills - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.  Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
 

Computer Skills

Ability to Travel

Occasional travel required for trainings and meetings in and out of Aitkin County.

Competencies

To perform the job successfully, an individual should consistently demonstrate the following competencies (definitions attached or available upon request):

Ethics, attendance/punctuality, safety and security, dependability, analytical, design, problem solving, project management, technical skills, customer service, interpersonal skills, oral communication, written communication, teamwork, change management, delegation, leadership, managing people, quality management, business acumen, cost consciousness, diversity, organizational support, judgment, motivation, planning/organizing, professionalism, quality, quantity, adaptability, initiative, strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and innovation.
 

Work Environment

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equipment and Tools

Computer, copier, fax, telephone, printer, shredder, power tools, hand tools, surveying equipment, laser levels, construction calculators, measuring and metering devices, specific forest related tools such as prisms, clinometer, Biltmore sticks, statistical charts specific to forestry (i.e. stocking tables), county-owned vehicles, and personal vehicle (requires proof of insurance on file).

Physical Activities/Requirements

Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, use of fingers, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Must have the ability to lift and/or carry up to 50 pounds.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee performs medium work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

The position requires working in an office setting the majority of the time. Approximately 5% of the time is spent working outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and may require walking long distances in difficult terrain. Seldom exposed to chemicals and annoying and hazardous insects.

Working safely is a condition of employment. Aitkin County is a drug-free and alcohol-free workplace.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. Aitkin County reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee.
 

The County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

09-08-2021

Our Vision: We strive to be a county of safe, vibrant communities that place value on good stewardship of local resources.

Our Mission: Aitkin County’s mission is to provide outstanding service in a fiscally responsible manner through innovation and collaboration with respect for all.

Our Core Values: Collaboration, Innovation, Integrity, People-Focused, Professionalism