Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner

The Newaygo County Drain Commissioner is looking for a professional to fill the leadership role of Deputy Drain Commissioner. The selected candidate will be charged with managing office operations and schedules, maintaining accounting and financial records for over 200 individual drains within the County, and serving as a representative of the Drain Commissioner at various meetings and in the community. Insomuch, the ideal candidate will bring excellent leadership, interpersonal, communication, accounting, and computer skills and a strong work ethic to this position. While familiarity with drain codes is preferred, on the job training will be provided.   

Newaygo County is a great place to work and grow, providing a generous fringe benefit package which includes an employer-sponsored retirement plan and health insurance with no payroll deduction.

1. Represents the Drain Commissioner in that official’s absence.  As Chief Deputy Drain Commissioner, approves drain work orders, accounts payable vouchers, journal entries, permits and other legal documents as necessary.
2. Responsible for daily oversight of the work flow which includes coordinating, prioritizing and scheduling projects and assignments of office and field staff.  Responsible for training and development of staff, intercedes with difficult customers, and assists with operational and procedural inquiries. Maintains effective working relationships among employees.
3. In conjunction with the Drain Commissioner, responsible for the annual review of the proposed office budget and makes recommendations regarding funding and shortfalls.  Monitors the office budget throughout the year and makes arrangements for line item transfer requests. Approves all office purchases and completes the accounts payable process.
4. Prepares legal documents related to County drain, lake levels, Board of Public Works, and lake boards, including but not limited to Release of Right of Way, property easements, contracts with maintenance vendors, and landowner agreements.  Schedules public hearings, publishes notices, and maintains legal files.  Ensures that all meetings, legal proceedings and documentation meet the requirements of the Michigan Drain Code and other applicable statutes and laws. Coordinates meetings with attorneys, engineers, township officials, committee members, financial consultants and institutions, and contractors as necessary.
5. Establishes amortization schedules on multiple year assessments. Prepares breakdowns of amortization schedules on request by determining the portion of acreage and assessment for each split parcel. 
6. Responsible for the accounting functions for all drainage districts, lake levels, lake boards, soil erosion, Board of Public Works, and other accounts related to the Drain Commissioner, including debt projects.   Maintains separate accounts and charges the proper accounts for maintenance work, equipment usage, supplies, etc.  Works with the Treasurer’s Office and the County Administration Office to ensure proper transfer, adjustment, and recording of funds.  Balances all accounts on a monthly basis.
7. Responsible for the preparation of assessment rolls for drains, lake levels, and lake improvement boards. Ensures property descriptions of all land in the district are included. For existing districts, reviews property records for changes in ownership since last assessment and ensures that proper amounts are assessed.  Processes data to determine benefit factor, benefit percent, and dollars to be assessed. Exports special assessment amount to appear on the winter tax rolls.  Invoices Newaygo County, Townships, Michigan Department of Transportation, railroad companies, and Michigan Department of Natural Resources for drain assessment at large.
8. Responsible for utilizing and accurately entering vital information into various computer programs.
9. While in the office and in the field, responds to inquiries from residents and contractors explaining drainage districts and assessment procedures, identifying assessments, unpaid balances and interest, lake levels, lake board issues, soil erosion, and hazardous waste collection. Responds to inquiries from banks, mortgage companies, title insurance companies, and individuals about drain assessments on parcels.
10. At the discretion of the Drain Commissioner, may attend various meetings such as but not limited to the Board of Commissioner meetings, Department Head Meetings, Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners (MACDC), Northwest District Drain Commission meetings, Board of Determination for drain projects, Hearing of Apportionment for lake boards, Tax Tribunal Appeals, bid openings, and preconstruction meeting for road projects.

Education: Associates Degree or equivalent with advanced coursework in office administration, accounting, civil engineering, or related field.  Bachelor’s Degree is strongly preferred.
 
Experience: Three or more years of progressive responsibility in an administrative support role and experience with financial and accounting systems.  Familiarity with drain codes is preferred.  

• Must submit a cover letter and resume.
• Must maintain a valid Michigan driver's license.
• Must obtain State Certification for Construction Stormwater and State Certification for Comprehensive Soil Erosion and Sediment Control.