Applicants for all positions within the NRD are required to complete this general application form and submit it with other materials. 

General Manager Job Description

GENERAL MANAGER
Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District | York, Nebraska

The Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (District) is accepting applications for General Manager now through October 30, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.  The position is located at the District Office in York, Nebraska.  Click the link above for a complete job description.  Position summary and application requirements are included below.

POSITION SUMMARY

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 the Board of Directors.

Nebraska Natural Resources Districts carry out broad statutory responsibilities involving the conservation, development, management, and protection of natural resources. The District’s purposes and authorities are described in Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 2-3229 through 2-3243. The General Manager leads the administration of those responsibilities under the direction of the 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.

Residency within the District 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

Applicants must submit:

• A completed Upper Big Blue NRD General Application for 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 General Application for Employment, cover letter, and professional resume. All three items must be received by the application deadline.
 

HOW TO APPLY

Email submission is preferred.
Submit complete application materials to: 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.
 

QUESTIONS

• Questions regarding employee benefits or other personnel-related matters should be directed to:
  • Sara Arbuck, Office Manager: sarbuck@upperbigblue.org, (402) 362-6601
• Questions regarding the General Manager position, job responsibilities, or recruitment process should be directed to:
  • John Miller, Board Chairman: jmiller@upperbigblue.org

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.

Click the orange button at the top of this page for a complete General Manager job description.