General Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (District) in York, Nebraska is accepting applications for General Manager. The General Manager serves as the District’s chief executive and supervising officer and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the District under the direction of an elected board.

Nebraska Natural Resources Districts carry out broad responsibilities involving the conservation, development, management, and protection of natural resources. The General Manager provides leadership for a multi-department public organization whose responsibilities include:

• Groundwater quantity and quality management
• Natural resources conservation
• Flood-control and capital projects
• Parks and forestry
• Public education
• Regulatory programs
• Financial management
• Personnel administration
• Coordination with local, state, and federal partners

The successful candidate must demonstrate sound judgment, strong written and oral communication, experience managing staff and budgets, and the ability to work effectively with an elected Board, employees, landowners, agricultural producers, municipalities, government agencies, and the public.

Residency within the Upper Big Blue NRD is preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, agriculture, natural resources, engineering, water resources, environmental science, public policy, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and job experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in natural resources, water resources, public administration, executive management, engineering, project administration, or a closely related field.
• At least six years of supervisory or executive leadership experience that included responsibility for staff, budgets, policy implementation, and organizational accountability.
• Demonstrated experience with budgeting, fiscal stewardship, personnel management, governing-board relations, and complex organizational decision-making.
• Application Requirements

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to lead a multi-department public organization with sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and respect for the public process.
• Ability to interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies, contracts, budgets, financial statements, technical reports, project documents, and Board directives, with assistance from counsel and technical professionals when appropriate.
• Ability to prepare and administer budgets, evaluate financial information, oversee controls, and make fiscally responsible recommendations.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing, in meetings, and before public audiences, including on complex or controversial matters.
• Ability to build effective working relationships, manage conflict, respond to complaints, make difficult decisions, and remain composed under pressure.
• Ability to use standard office, financial-review, records, and communication technology used in a professional office environment.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must submit:

• A completed Upper Big Blue NRD employment application (available at www.upperbigblue.org/about/employment)
• A cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position and relevant leadership experience
• A professional resume

A complete application consists of the District employment application, cover letter, and professional resume. All three items must be received by the application deadline (see below).

HOW TO APPLY

Email submission is preferred.

Submit complete application materials to: [email protected]

Applications may also be mailed to:

Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District

Attn: Human Resources - confidential

319 East 25th Street

York, NE 68467

Complete applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Central Time (CT) on October 30, 2026.

QUESTIONS

Questions regarding employee benefits or other personnel-related matters should be directed to:

Sara Arbuck, Office Manager, [email protected], (402) 362-6601

Questions regarding the General Manager position, job responsibilities, or recruitment process should be directed to:

John Miller, Board Chairman, [email protected]

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The District provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in accordance with applicable law and District policy. The District will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified applicants and employees as required by law.

COMPLETE JOB DESCRIPTION & EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

www.upperbigblue.org/about/employment