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Changes prepare agency for new challenges
MDC
11/27/02
Conservation officials say they will pursue fiscal and administrative efficiency and hold public meetings to develop a vision for the future of conservation in Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Fine-tuning its organizational structure and modest downsizing will help the Missouri Department of Conservation prepare for the future, according to top agency administrators. They say a leaner, more effective agency will be better prepared for its changing mission.
Director John Hoskins said the Conservation Department, like other state agencies, faces financial challenges as a result of a sluggish economy. Budgetary efficiency is one of the goals of changes he has made in the agency since he took over as its leader July 1. His other major goal to date has been fine-tuning the agency's administrative structure to meet its changing mission.
"For 25 years, we have used the resources that Missourians gave us to build the nation's most innovative, dynamic conservation program," said Hoskins. "In large part, that involved buying land and building facilities to help people enjoy the outdoors. Our challenge now is to take care of those assets while helping private landowners practice conservation on their land, which is nine-tenths of the state. To accomplish that mission, we have to use our resources judiciously and develop the most efficient, effective organization possible.
One of the first things Hoskins did after taking the helm of the agency was to review its administrative structure. He concluded that it was heavy on middle management.
Accordingly, on Jan. 1 the agency will fold two of its 10 regions into the remaining eight. At the same time, Hoskins will reduce the number of unit chiefs - who oversee regional operations - from three to two. In all, the changes will eliminate 14 mid-level administrator jobs and save the state $2.1 million in operating expenses annually.
Also effective Jan 1, the Conservation Department will combine its Natural History Division and its research center. It also will merge the Design and Development and Administrative Services divisions. Hoskins said that by combining units whose functions are parallel, the agency will realize additional savings.
Deputy Director Steve Wilson said the changes are intended to do more than just save money, however. "Middle management is essential to an effective organization," said Wilson. "But when it grows beyond a certain point it becomes expensive and cumbersome. Streamlining will improve communication both ways - up and down the line - and make operations smoother."
Hoskins said he believes the department's administrative structure is basically sound. The current structure was created under the administration of Hoskins' predecessor, Jerry Conley. It relies on regional coordination teams, with representatives from each division, to make local management decisions.
"Basing the decision-making process in the field rather than in the central office is responsive to local needs and results in more realistic solutions," said Hoskins. "The changes we are making won't change that at all. What we are doing is more downsizing than restructuring."
Hoskins said offices will remain open in the regions that are rolled into others, and the office staffs will stay to serve the public and Conservation Department field staff. "These will remain public contact offices," said Hoskins. "We consider that function extremely important. Handling it this way will enable us to provide services more efficiently, so we devote more of our resources for on-the-ground conservation work."
Hoskins said the Conservation Department soon will begin mapping out strategic goals. As part of that process, the agency will hold public meetings to learn what Missourians want from their conservation program.
Hoskins said he plans to use new, innovative mechanisms to encourage people to voice their needs. He plans to identify interest groups and solicit their ideas at regional public forums.
"To succeed, we need a partnership between the Conservation Department and its constituents," said Hoskins. "Between us, we will develop a vision for where we want to be 25 years from now. Working together will ensure that we get there."
- Jim Low -
MDC
11/27/02
Conservation officials say they will pursue fiscal and administrative efficiency and hold public meetings to develop a vision for the future of conservation in Missouri.
JEFFERSON CITY -- Fine-tuning its organizational structure and modest downsizing will help the Missouri Department of Conservation prepare for the future, according to top agency administrators. They say a leaner, more effective agency will be better prepared for its changing mission.
Director John Hoskins said the Conservation Department, like other state agencies, faces financial challenges as a result of a sluggish economy. Budgetary efficiency is one of the goals of changes he has made in the agency since he took over as its leader July 1. His other major goal to date has been fine-tuning the agency's administrative structure to meet its changing mission.
"For 25 years, we have used the resources that Missourians gave us to build the nation's most innovative, dynamic conservation program," said Hoskins. "In large part, that involved buying land and building facilities to help people enjoy the outdoors. Our challenge now is to take care of those assets while helping private landowners practice conservation on their land, which is nine-tenths of the state. To accomplish that mission, we have to use our resources judiciously and develop the most efficient, effective organization possible.
One of the first things Hoskins did after taking the helm of the agency was to review its administrative structure. He concluded that it was heavy on middle management.
Accordingly, on Jan. 1 the agency will fold two of its 10 regions into the remaining eight. At the same time, Hoskins will reduce the number of unit chiefs - who oversee regional operations - from three to two. In all, the changes will eliminate 14 mid-level administrator jobs and save the state $2.1 million in operating expenses annually.
Also effective Jan 1, the Conservation Department will combine its Natural History Division and its research center. It also will merge the Design and Development and Administrative Services divisions. Hoskins said that by combining units whose functions are parallel, the agency will realize additional savings.
Deputy Director Steve Wilson said the changes are intended to do more than just save money, however. "Middle management is essential to an effective organization," said Wilson. "But when it grows beyond a certain point it becomes expensive and cumbersome. Streamlining will improve communication both ways - up and down the line - and make operations smoother."
Hoskins said he believes the department's administrative structure is basically sound. The current structure was created under the administration of Hoskins' predecessor, Jerry Conley. It relies on regional coordination teams, with representatives from each division, to make local management decisions.
"Basing the decision-making process in the field rather than in the central office is responsive to local needs and results in more realistic solutions," said Hoskins. "The changes we are making won't change that at all. What we are doing is more downsizing than restructuring."
Hoskins said offices will remain open in the regions that are rolled into others, and the office staffs will stay to serve the public and Conservation Department field staff. "These will remain public contact offices," said Hoskins. "We consider that function extremely important. Handling it this way will enable us to provide services more efficiently, so we devote more of our resources for on-the-ground conservation work."
Hoskins said the Conservation Department soon will begin mapping out strategic goals. As part of that process, the agency will hold public meetings to learn what Missourians want from their conservation program.
Hoskins said he plans to use new, innovative mechanisms to encourage people to voice their needs. He plans to identify interest groups and solicit their ideas at regional public forums.
"To succeed, we need a partnership between the Conservation Department and its constituents," said Hoskins. "Between us, we will develop a vision for where we want to be 25 years from now. Working together will ensure that we get there."
- Jim Low -
