Job Description
Position: Drainage Administrator
Employer: McCook County
About the Role
McCook County is seeking a Drainage Administrator to oversee drainage-related permitting, budgeting, and compliance activities within the county. This role provides a unique opportunity to assist landowners and the community in managing responsible land and water use while ensuring compliance with county regulations. The position offers casual, part-time hours, with the majority of work occurring during early spring and post-harvest seasons when drainage activity is at its peak. During these busy periods, the position will be based at the McCook County Courthouse to meet with individuals in person.
The compensation range for this position is $5,500 to $8,500 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as the administrator of the Drainage Department, ensuring proper permitting, budgeting, and completion of all administrative duties.
- Assist landowners throughout the drainage permit process—meeting in person or over the phone—to explain applications, required forms, and documentation.
- Review and process drainage permit applications for compliance with county regulations.
- Conduct site visits and inspections to verify adherence to approved drainage permits.
- Maintain accurate records, databases, and maps related to drainage permits and projects.
- Enter applications accurately into Microsoft Access, upload permits, and create hyperlinks.
- Maintain both electronic and physical records in an organized and accessible manner.
- Process invoices, payroll, and budget balancing tasks, ensuring accurate financial records.
- Receive and record payments, maintain financial ledgers and spreadsheets, and ensure accuracy for audit compliance.
- Provide information and assistance to property owners, developers, and the general public regarding drainage regulations and processes.
- Prepare and send letters to downstream landowners for drainage hearings, post hearing information on the county website, and coordinate with the administrator to ensure signage is posted at the relevant property.
- Present findings and recommendations on drainage matters to the County Drainage Board and County Commissioners as needed.
- Attend meetings, seminars, and training sessions to remain knowledgeable of drainage-related subjects and regulations.
- Maintain strong working relationships with county staff, government officials, and the general public.
Qualifications & Skills
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret legal descriptions, maps, technical drawings, and other documents related to land and water management.
- Knowledge of county land and legal descriptions, waterways, streams, and certified wetland maps.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including comfort in public meetings.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Commitment to ethical standards and transparency in decision-making processes.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, Excel, Adobe, and Google Maps); experience in Microsoft Access preferred.
- Valid South Dakota driver’s license, with ability to travel overnight as needed.
Education & Experience
- High school diploma or GED, or a combination of education, training, and experience required.
- Post-secondary education in a related field preferred.
- General knowledge of county government functions and state statutes affecting county government is highly desirable.