Benton Soil and Water Conservation District
Human Resources and Operations Coordinator

Location: Foley, MN

Reports To: District Manager

Position Overview:

The Human Resources and Operations Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of the organization by managing four key areas:

1. Human Resources
2. Grants Management
3. Outreach Coordination
4. Staff Training, Health and Safety

This role requires a highly organized and motivated individual with excellent communication skills and the ability to multitask in a dynamic environment.

Primary Areas of Responsibility:

1. Human Resources

• Coordinate the recruitment and onboarding process, including posting job vacancies, screening resumes, scheduling interviews, conducting reference checks, and preparing orientation materials.
• Maintain up-to-date and legally compliant employee records.
• Administer employee benefits, such as health insurance and retirement plans, and support employee engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a resource for employees regarding the Americans with Disability Act, medical-related leave, and employee assistance programs.
• Conduct monthly team meetings to discuss operational adjustments and make recommendations to management.
• Stay informed on labor laws and perform compliance audits, consulting with the insurance company risk reduction team as needed.
• Develop and implement a long-term talent acquisition strategy with the District Manager.
• Review employee benefits periodically and recommend changes to management and the personnel committee

2. Grants Management

• Ensure compliance with individual grant rules. Develop local grant policies and procedures. Coordinate the grant reconciliation process with funders. Provide necessary documentation and grant compliance guidance details to the District Manager and SWCD Supervisors.
• Track grant use by employee, activity and time. Manage a GIS based project tracking system.
• Maintain a database of grant proposals, awards, and correspondence. Prepare and submit progress grant reports. Collaborate with finance team to track grant expenditures and prepare financial reports.
• Coordinate project workflow and the project application and selection process including procedures that support and ensure proper and strategic use of funds. Assist management and staff decide which grants are available for. Answer staff questions related to options for grants.
• Work directly with the manager on budget implications of grant and time management. Review staff billable time for proper time coding and billable rate calculations. Functional knowledge of the accounting systems for the District.
• Develop grant workplans and extensions. Manage staff time tracking and assist the District Manager with grants proposals, budgets and organizational capacity.

3. Outreach Coordination

• Provide leadership to management and staff for the SWCD education and outreach program. Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage with the public. Take incoming event and activity requests, match those requests the Districts outreach plan and identify which to pursue/develop. Obtain and maintain a drone pilots license and capture pictures and videos of projects and conservation activities.
• Coordinate outreach events, including workshops, conferences, and community meetings.
• Maintain the website and social media platforms. Develop photos, short videos and statements with staff assistance to use as material for online posts print materials to newsletters, press releases, and other avenues.
• Represent the organization at public events and meetings, promoting its mission and programs.

4. Staff Training, Health and Safety

• Develop, manage and implement the staff and supervisor training and skills development plan. Schedule and coordinate training sessions. Serve as the employee development advisor and individual development plan coordinator, ensuring staff obtain and maintain credentials.
• Serve as the Employee Well-Being Advocate through active management of employee assistance programs. Hear and investigate reports of harassment and employee concerns.
• Monitor ongoing workplace risks and implement strategies to mitigate them. Oversee and conduct safety training. Attend training and manage equipment safety training. Ensure all employees safety training, equipment and workwear.
• Complete District insurance annual audits and ensure proper coverage in place for liability and property.

Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in business administration or accounting or a related field and certification as a Society for Human Resource Management Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) or Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
• Possess an equivalent combination of education and experience at the discretion of the hiring authority.
• Strong organizational, time-management written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs. Familiarity with Quickbooks on-line

Working Conditions:
The Operations Assistant will typically work in an office environment but may occasionally attend events or meetings outside of standard office hours and will visit conservation projects with the drone. Some travel may be required.

This job typically requires: sitting, standing, walking, crouching, feeling, manual dexterity, grasping, talking, driving, lifting, hearing, typing, and seeing. This position is generally moderate duty and may require the exertion up to 60 pounds of force. Most work is in a normal office environment. Limited lifting of 20 pounds or less is required.

Activities that occur constantly (5–8 hours/shift): sitting, talking, hearing, repetitive motions
Activities that occur frequently (2–5 hours/shift): N/A
Activities that occur occasionally (up to 2 hours/shift): standing, walking,
Activities that occur rarely (do not exist as regular part of job): lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, handling, grasping, feeling, eye/hand/foot coordination

The physical demands described here are representative to those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The information requested on this application is intended to be used by the Benton SWCD in
determining suitability for employment for the position which you are currently seeking or may seek in
the future. If hired, the information may be later used for consideration for other positions, verification
of employment history or disciplinary action if the information provided is not truthful. You are not
legally required to provide any of the information on this form at this time. However, failure to provide
complete, accurate information may result in the SWCD being unable or unwilling to offer
employment to you.