The Holmes Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) board of supervisors, for the purpose of employing and managing district personnel, developed the following policy, much of which is in accordance with the Holmes County Commissioners policies. Its items and clauses are subject to change by majority vote of the current district board. A copy of this policy is available to each Holmes SWCD employee to read and familiarize themselves with its contents. This Personnel Employment Policy is not a contract or guarantee of employment.

MISSION STATEMENT

Holmes Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) is dedicated to conserving Holmes County's natural resources by working with farmers and landowners to implement practices to keep the soil healthy and improve water quality.

 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT HOLMES SWCD

 Holmes SWCD works with the citizens of Holmes County, state and local agencies, and private organizations to promote responsible land-use decisions. We provide information, technical guidance, and cost-share assistance to homeowners, farmers, and educators.  The Holmes County Commissioners  provide the majority of our funding. Those local funds are then matched by the Ohio General Assembly to support Holmes SWCD operations, conservation programs, and resource-management initiatives.  Additionally, we work closely with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Ohio Department of Agriculture, Division of Soil and Water Conservation and the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Our goal is to coordinate assistance from all available sources—public, private, local, state and federal—in an effort to develop locally-driven solutions to natural resource concerns.

 EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The Holmes SWCD is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the Holmes SWCD to provide equal employment opportunity to employees and candidates for employment. Accordingly, there shall be no discrimination against any employee or candidate for employment due to race, religion, color, national origin or ancestry, age, sex, disability, or other unlawful bias. This statement is applicable to the policies governing recruitment, placement, selection, promotion, training, transfer, rates of pay and all other terms and conditions of employment. See Employee Rights Federal & State for more information.

PURPOSE OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK

 This handbook gives employees a detailed overview of policies that are specific to Holmes SWCD along with other key procedures, guidelines, and benefits. This Handbook sets clear expectations for while also stating Holmes SWCD legal obligations and defining employee rights.

Employees need to understand that employment with Holmes SWCD is “at-will.” This means that an employee may terminate his/her employment at any time with or without notice or cause. It also means that the District can terminate an employee, at any time, with or without notice or cause.  In addition, the company may need to alter employment status, employment hours, schedule or demote employees at its own discretion with or without notice or cause.

Employees will sign to acknowledge receipt of this manual and understand and agree that they are responsible for reading and understanding its contents. They will acknowledge and understand that this manual does not create a contract of employment with the District for any purpose. Employees all must agree and understand that any and all provisions of this manual may be modified or eliminated, without advance notice, at any time.

In the event that the Holmes SWCD Personnel Employment Policy is silent on specific policies included within the Holmes County Personnel Policy Manual (2024), Holmes County policy shall be followed by employees. Each employee will acknowledge receipt and review of the current policy manual.