General Manager

JOB 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.

The position 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, and 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.

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 or 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.

Residency within the Upper Big Blue NRD is preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead a multi-department public organization with sound judgment, integrity, accountability, and respect for the public process.
• Interpret and apply statutes, regulations, policies, contracts, budgets, financial statements, technical reports, project documents, and Board directives.
• Prepare and administer budgets, evaluate financial information, and make fiscally responsible recommendations.
• Communicate clearly in writing, in meetings, and before public audiences, including on complex or controversial matters.
• Build effective working relationships, manage conflict, make difficult decisions, and remain composed under pressure.
• Use standard office, financial review, records, and communication technology.

WORK SCHEDULE:
This is a full-time executive position. Regular office hours (8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.) generally apply; however, evening and early-morning Board and committee meetings, public hearings, overnight travel, emergency response, and work outside normal business hours are expected to fulfill the position responsibilities.

HOW TO APPLY:
Applicants must submit a completed Upper Big Blue NRD employment application, a cover letter describing the applicant’s interest in the position and relevant leadership experience, and a professional resume.

Email submission is preferred: careers@upperbigblue.org

Applications may also be mailed to:
Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District
Attn: Human Resources - Confidential
319 East 25th Street
York, NE 68467

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

Complete position information and the District employment application are available at: www.upperbigblue.org/about/employment

For questions about benefits or personnel-related matters: Sara Arbuck, sarbuck@upperbigblue.org, (402) 362-6601

For questions about the General Manager position, job responsibilities, or recruitment process: John Miller, Board Chairman, jmiller@upperbigblue.org