Conservation Educator

Missouri Department of Conservation; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Missouri Department of Conservation is seeking a dedicated Education Programs Lead to accelerate conservation education in schools and communities. You will oversee Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, and related programs across districts, developing curricula for workshops and trainings.

The role involves collaborating with teachers, schools, and civic groups, managing grants, and supporting special events both in-person and virtually while promoting statewide conservation education

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation education, environmental education, natural resource management, or related field.
• Three years of professional teaching experience in a related subject area.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Preferred certifications include Teaching, Hunter Education, CPR/First Aid, NRA Range Safety Officer.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver MDC conservation education programs such as Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, and archery/fishing initiatives.
• Partner with schools and communities to plan and deliver high-quality conservation education.
• Develop curricula for workshops and trainings; manage grants and budgets.
• Assist with events and marketing; conduct programs in-person and virtually.
• Coordinate statewide conservation education efforts and responses to program priorities.

Skills

Public speaking

Curriculum development

Program coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Conservation Education or related field

Job description

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Job Location: Anita B Gorman Discovery Ctr (KANSA1)

Closing Date: November 16, 2026

Interview Date: TBD

Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.

To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,Thomas E Peacherat [e-mail] at816 2713111x1435, during regular business hours.We would love to hear from you!

Summary/Objective

Accelerate conservation education in schools and the community by providing teacher trainings and student programs, as well as leading citizen involvement opportunities. Serves as the lead for facilitating and delivering MDC programs including Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, Discover Nature Fishing and other programs/activities related to conservation education such as hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational shooting sports, camping, backpacking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.

• Work and partner with schools and communities to create and deliver high-quality conservation education.
• In an assigned district, manage Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, and Discover Nature Fishing including teacher trainings and grant administration.
• Develop, schedule, and conduct curriculum for workshops, training classes, etc.
• Assist with special events and communication and marketing efforts.
• Instruct and/or assist with programs which include Hunter Education, Bow Hunter Education, Outdoor skills, youth clinics, hunts and other activities both in-person and virtual.
• Work statewide conservation education efforts as needed.
• Participate in statewide conservation priorities such as feral hog eradiation and chronic wasting disease management efforts.
• Answer questions via telephone, email and in-person discussions with internal and external stakeholders and customers.
• Order supplies and track and control expenditures to include those utilizing a state credit card; ensures proper documentation and filing of necessary documentation and forms.

Ancillary Job Duties

• Serve on internal and external committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Conservation Education, Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Three (3) years of professional teaching experience in a related subject area.
• Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
• Preferred certification in one or more of the following: Teaching Certificate, Hunter Education or similar, CPR, First Aid, Firearms, Archery or similar, NRA Range Safety Officer.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to evaluate and develop curricular material for conservation education.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and various audio visual equipment.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with teachers, school boards, county officials, college and university faculty and administrators, civic groups, Department staff and members of other news media.
• Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
• Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.
• Frequently work in outdoor weather which may be hot, cold, wet or humid.
• Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.

Physical Abilities

• Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
• Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
• Occasionally operate vehicles, power tools and land management equipment.
• Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
• Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
• Three-dimensional vision - ability to judge distance and space relationships.
• Regularly lift up to 50 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.

Exemption Status/Special Notes

This position has been determined to be Exemptaccording to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.

Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.

MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.

The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.

Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.

All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.