Conservation Education Analyst

Richland County; United States; On-site; USD 46,283 - 56,569; Full time

Job summary

Richland County is seeking an experienced professional to manage the operations of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD). This role involves overseeing environmental programs, providing technical and financial oversight, and developing educational initiatives for various community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field and at least two years of professional-level experience in environmental or conservation-related work. Knowledge of grant administration and collaborative project management is essential.

Qualifications

• Two years of professional-level experience in environmental or conservation-related field.
• Knowledge of programs administered by RSWCD, RCCC, or RCCD preferred.
• Valid state driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Manage operations of the RSWCD, coordinating environmental programs.
• Provide technical and financial oversight for projects.
• Conduct education programs for landowners and students.

Skills

Data analysis

Project management

Communication

Education program development

GIS mapping

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Science, Education, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Photographic and video editing software

Job description

General Statement of Work

The purpose of the class is to manage operations of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD), coordinating and implementing environmental and conservation programs in Richland County, and promoting outreach and information programs for the Richland County Conservation Department (RCCD) and the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC).

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide technical and financial oversight for RSWCD projects, supervising project participants, interns, volunteers, Administrative Assistants, and other staff.
• Coordinate diverse project teams from Richland County departments, SCDNR, USDA‑NRCS, university partners, non‑profit organizations, and Conservation Districts statewide.
• Develop, coordinate, and conduct comprehensive education programs for the RCCD supporting RSWCD and RCCC programs, and work closely with the RCCIO to serve landowners, farmers, teachers, students, natural resource professionals, public officials, and the general public.
• Perform financial responsibilities including state and federal grant administration, proposal writing, budgeting, accounting, report preparation, and project implementation; supervise grant participants and subcontractors.
• Develop new and synthesize existing educational materials (brochures, print and digital media, photography/videos) and conduct programs to educate public officials, citizens, and professionals about conservation easements, historical restoration projects, greenways, mitigation banking, watershed and water quality protection projects, and other natural resource conservation programs.
• Conduct and oversee fieldwork, research, and data analysis to support technical and grant‑funded programs, communicating results through technical reports, articles, and presentations.
• Work cooperatively with K‑12 Richland County schools to develop, coordinate, and conduct environmental and conservation programs and curricula; provide teacher certification programs and in‑service training for teachers.
• Align programs and curricula with relevant academic standards and guidelines; mentor school conservation projects and support classroom conservation education.
• Collaborate with the Richland County Public Works Department (Stormwater Management Program) to develop, coordinate, and conduct environmental and water quality programs benefiting water quality and conservation efforts.
• Represent the RCCD and develop cooperative educational programs with Richland County Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling, Sustainability Coordinator, the City of Columbia, Clemson University, USC, USDA, SC Department of Agriculture, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SCDNR, and partner organizations.
• Notify and monitor the RSWCD Board of Commissioners to ensure compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements of state and federal agencies such as SCDNR, USDA‑NRCS, SCACD, and NACD.
• Create long‑range plans and annual work plans for the RSWCD, evaluate program effectiveness, and use results to guide future activities and long‑range planning.
• Responsible for creating and monitoring budgets associated with grants and conservation programs; oversee daily and project‑based accounting and bookkeeping for the RSWCD.
• Supervise the Administrative Assistant, interns, and others in conduct of duties; indirectly supervise educational activities carried out by the Conservation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant.
• Represent the RCCD, the RCCC, and the RSWCD at local, statewide, and national conservation conferences and workshops; serve as spokesperson and produce letters and statements representing the opinions and views of the RSWCD.
• Organize the RSWCD Board, ensure Commissioner compliance, oversee preparation and publication of agendas, minutes, and communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Training

• Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Education, or related liberal arts field.
• Master’s degree or completion of work toward a Master’s degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of professional‑level experience in an environmental, conservation, and/or historic restoration‑related field.
• Knowledge of, and specific experience with, programs administered by the RSWCD, the RCCC, and/or the RCCD preferred; alternatively, any combination of education and experience that meets the requirements for performing the essential functions.
• Valid state driver’s license.

Minimum Qualifications and Standards

• Data: Gather, organize, analyze, examine, or evaluate complex environmental, conservation, budgeting, planning, and policy information to develop educational materials and programs.
• People: Perform professional‑level work involving technical, educational, and policy data, solving people and work‑related problems in a dynamic environment with coordination among County staff, state and federal agencies, K‑12 teachers, professional organizations, and citizen groups.
• Tech: Use office machines, GIS mapping, photographic and video editing software; maintain internet‑based media such as podcasts, videos, and social media.
• Reasoning: Employ inductive and deductive reasoning and decision‑making; provide directions or assignments to subordinate staff.
• Mathematical: Apply basic mathematical calculations, accounting, algebra, geometry, and descriptive statistics to plan and sequence educational activities.
• Language: Speak informally to coworkers and management, and give formal presentations to train teachers, professionals, and citizen groups; write educational articles, reports, and presentations; read trade journals and professional publications.
• Computer: Proficient use of Microsoft Office.
• Physical: Light work requiring occasional exertion up to 20 pounds; requires vision, hearing, manual dexterity, and ability to stand, stoop, and walk as needed.

Work Environment

• May work hours outside regular schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Requires regular and reliable attendance; physical presence at the workplace.
• Exposure to bright/dim light, dust, pollen, extreme heat/cold, wet or humid conditions; frequent fieldwork indoors and outdoors.
• Dynamic environment requiring sensitivity to change and responsiveness to changing goals and priorities.

EEO and ADA Statement

Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

Compensation

Minimum salary: $51,426.53.