New Hanover County is seeking an experienced Soil & Water Conservation Director to provide leadership and management of the Soil & Water Conservation Department by implementing water quality improvement and soil conservation programs, serving as the Clerk to the NHC Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors, and overseeing the administrative operations of the department. The ideal candidate for this position will possess knowledge of water and soil quality and natural resource best practices, highly effective and demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present information effectively to various audiences, solid computer proficiency, and excellent interpersonal skills.
The New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District (NHSWCD) works to protect and enhance the soil and water resources of New Hanover County through conservation planning, environmental education, and natural resource initiatives. As one of 96 Soil and Water Conservation Districts serving North Carolina’s 100 counties and organized into eight regional areas, the District develops and approves soil and water conservation plans, assists public and private landowners with stormwater management, delivers educational programs for students and community groups, and coordinates conservation efforts with local, state, and federal partners through a Memorandum of Understanding to support the preservation and responsible management of natural resources.
Essential duties for this position include directing the operations and programs of the New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District, including supervising staff and coordinating initiatives that protect and improve soil and water resources. The Director assesses community needs, develops and promotes conservation programs, initiatives, and grants, and coordinates educational initiatives and outreach activities. Responsibilities include providing technical assistance for conservation and stormwater projects; conducting site inspections and follow-up monitoring; representing Soil and Water during the planning and technical review processes for development activities; maintaining Job Approval Authority (JAA) and implementing ecological and engineered best practices through state and federal financial incentive programs; assisting the NHSWCD Board of Supervisors by drafting correspondence, resolutions, and proclamations; preparing the Board’s agenda and minutes in accordance with Open Meeting laws; and collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to protect soil and water resources. The role also manages departmental budgets, grants, and contracts; prepares reports and ensures compliance with applicable regulations; supports the District Board through correspondence and updates; responds to inquiries from County officials, media, and the public; and assists with long-range planning and implementation of conservation initiatives, including stormwater control measures and cost-share programs.
About New Hanover County
At fewer than 200 square miles, New Hanover is the 2nd smallest of the 100 North Carolina counties, but one of the most densely populated. With over 240,000 citizens, it has become the center of rapid urbanization in the southeast region of North Carolina. In addition to being a great place to live, New Hanover County is a great place to do business. New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow.
New Hanover County operates under a governing board/manager form of government where policy setting is the responsibility of the Board and policy execution is the responsibility of the Board appointed County Manager. To serve the citizens of this progressive, regional urban center, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners adopted a county-wide strategic plan, where its backdrop is framed by these vision and mission statements and a set of shared values that govern how the Board and staff make decisions. These shared values are professionalism, integrity, innovation, equity, stewardship, and accountability.
New Hanover County is dedicated to the recruitment and recognition of a talented and diverse workforce that is committed to public service. Our shared values guide the way we conduct ourselves and deliver services to our customers. Supported by the work of our Office of Diversity and Equity, New Hanover County celebrates diversity in our employees’ backgrounds, beliefs, identities, and abilities, while supporting growth opportunities for all. Our talented team has a passion for providing care and services that effect change on the everyday lives of the residents they encounter. The differences that unite us are a reflection of the community we serve. If this sounds like an organization that models the values you uphold, we invite you to join our team at New Hanover County.
****
New Hanover County offers:
-
Employer paid 401k contributions;
-
Retirement plan through the NC Retirement system;
-
Flex time availability, depending on your position;
-
Paid sick and personal leave + 13 paid holidays per year;
-
Paid parental leave;
-
Paid community services leave to give back to our community;
-
Education leave to obtain a degree within your line of work;
-
Medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options;
-
Onsite, employer-paid health and wellness center;
-
Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives;
-
Opportunities to make a difference in your community;
And so much more!
-
Please check out our careers page atwww.nhcgov.com/careers for more information on why New Hanover County is a great place to work.
Applicant Information
This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through Thursday, April 6, 2026. After the priority consideration date, applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Compensation
The current salary range for this position is $68,495.00 - $116,441.00 with a hiring range of $68,495 - $92,468, plus a competitive benefits package. Salary is negotiable within the hiring range and will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.
Residency
Residency in New Hanover County may be required within six months of employment to ensure accessibility and active engagement within the community.
Hours are 8AM-5PM weekdays; must be available for evening meetings, special events, and during emergency situations. Must obtain residency in New Hanover County within 6 months of employment.
Application Information
A completed application must be submitted and received through the New Hanover County website at www.nhcgov.com. Applicants are required to thoroughly complete this online application and are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume in the "attachments" section.
All applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred for consideration will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.
In compliance with G.S. 153A-94.2(b), if this position requires an applicant for employment to work with children in any capacity, the county must require the applicant to undergo a criminal history record check conducted by the SBI for all offers of employment made after October 1, 2025. These checks must be performed in accordance with G.S. 143B-1209.26, which authorizes the SBI to provide fingerprint-based state and national criminal record checks to cities and counties. Additional information on how to complete this required check will be provided to the selected candidate after an offer of employment is accepted.
