Conservation Director Brad Freidhof announces the promotions of Dave Gustafson from Assistant Operations Superintendent to Operations Superintendent and Jeremy Rieck, from Natural Resource Management Specialist to Natural Resource Manager.

Dave “Gus” Gustafson began his career with the Conservation Department in 2004 as a Field Worker I. His outstanding work ethic and dedication to the Conservation Department resulted in multiple advancements within the department. In 2006 he was promoted to Field Worker II, five years later he was selected to serve as the Utilities Person for the department and in 2021 he was hired as the Assistant Operation Supervisor. Gus has performed almost every role within the operations program of the Conservation Department; his knowledge and experience will serve him well in the new role of Operations Superintendent.

Jeremy Rieck also joined the Conservation Board in 2004. He was initially hired as a Vegetation Technician for the Department. This job title was changed in 2012 and became a Natural Resource Management Specialists. Jeremy has seen the natural resource management program within the department grow extensively in his tenure. In 2004 the natural resource management program consisted of a natural resource manager and one (1) natural resource management specialist. Today, the natural resource management program consists of a natural resource manager, four (4) natural resource management specialists, and three (3) natural resource management technicians. These staff are tasked with caring for and protecting native plant communities and restoring degraded ecosystems that are a part of the Johnson County Conservation Board holdings. Tasks are becoming increasingly more challenging due to the impacts of climate change, and invasive species.

Throughout Jeremy’s career he has worked hard to advance his knowledge and skills, often going above what was required of his position. Jeremy has advanced his skills and knowledge throughout his career, demonstrating his drive to continue to learn and stay proactive with the latest natural resource management research and practices. Jeremy is a certified Arborist and has self-trained to become the in-house GIS specialist for the Conservation Department.

Combined these staff have 42 years of experience with the Johnson County Conservation Department and a strong understanding of the high standards the Johnson County Conservation Department is known for. Please join me in congratulating Gus and Jeremy on their promotions with the Johnson County Conservation Board.