Job Description

Position Title: Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs
Reports To: Sr. Director of National Affairs

Overall Purpose and Main Objectives:

The Director of Environmental & Regulatory Affairs develops and coordinates the organization’s natural resource and environmental programs, communications, and information at the federal, state, and local levels. As Nebraska farmers continue to face a host of environmental legislative and regulatory issues at the state and federal level, Nebraska Farm Bureau is looking to add an effective advocate on their behalf. This position will provide information and assist the organization, including County Farm Bureaus, in planning and implementing informational programs on natural resource and environmental issues.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Advocates on behalf of the organization/membership in the development, implementation, and enforcement of natural resource and environmental regulation affecting agriculture in Nebraska.
2. Serves as the primary liaison with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Nebraska Natural Resources Districts, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska State Fire Marshal, United States Department of Agricultural Natural Resources Conservation Service, and others as they are involved with natural resource and environmental issues.
3. Develops and implements organizational programs, communications and information involving natural resource and environmental enhancement and protection.
4. In coordination with the Sr. Director of National Affairs and Sr. Director of State Governmental Relations, reviews and monitors the progress of proposed natural resource and environmental legislation in the Nebraska Legislature. May prepare and present testimony and respond to questions before legislative committees on natural resource and environmental issues.
5. Monitors and assists the Sr. Director of National Affairs in rules and regulations proposed by federal agencies and proposed legislation in Congress in the areas of natural resource and environmental issues; potentially including the development of official comments and testimony.
6. Encourages County Farm Bureaus to become active in local natural resource and environmental issues and works to develop policy to further Nebraska Farm Bureau’s and American Farm Bureau’s combined mission.
7. Coordinates communication and projects among various agencies and organizations, both governmental and private, involved in natural resource and environmental development and protection.  Also, represents agricultural interests in groups and committees of these agencies and organizations.
8. Provides information and counsel, as requested, to the NEFB Board of Directors, the NEFB State Legislative Policy Committee, and other organizational policy development sources.
9. Plans and executes natural resource and environmental educational programs for various NEFB meetings and county Farm Bureau events.
10. Performs other related work as required or requested.

Required Qualifications and Skills:

Education/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in a related field and some experience in a related profession, with demonstrated ability relative to assignment.

Knowledge
Background in agricultural and/or environmental issues and interest in public policy related to environmental issues. Ability to acquire an understanding of Farm Bureau and structure at county, state, and national levels; capacity to work within such structure in the public policy arena; thorough understanding of assigned issue area. Demonstrated ability to prepare technical comments addressing issues in legislative and regulatory arena, preferred. Proficient interpersonal skills to ensure ability to work with others.

Skills

• Ability to represent and advocate on behalf of the organization in discussions, presentations, interviews, meetings, and negotiations with regard to environmental and natural resource issues that impact Nebraska agriculture.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Proficient PC skills to include Microsoft Office applications and various software packages.
• Maintain flexibility to accept duties in addition to the specialized assignment.

Physical requirements:

• Normal office environment.
• Work may extend beyond normal business hours as business needs dictate.
• Some overnight travel.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of personnel so classified.