CONSERVATION EDUCATOR 1 - UNDERFILL

State of Nevada (NV); Reno (NV); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Nevada Department of Wildlife seeks a Conservation Educator to oversee wildlife education and volunteer programs in the Western Region. The role includes coordinating staff and volunteers, developing and presenting educational programs for all ages, and maintaining data for grants.

You will train leaders, manage facilities like Oxbow Nature Study Area, and participate in regional events and publications. A strong background in education and wildlife concepts is essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in education, journalism, communications, outdoor recreation/leadership/education, wildlife management, biology or related field.
• Alternative path: high school diploma with two years of professional experience coordinating and presenting education programs in hunter and boating safety, aquatic and environmental education.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, coordinate and present educational programs in hunter and boating safety, aquatic and environmental education.
• Recruit and supervise volunteer and contract instructors; schedule workshops and training opportunities.
• Evaluate instructor effectiveness and provide guidance and materials; assess local demand for programs.

Skills

Communication skills

Public speaking

Writing/editing

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school + 2 years experience

Job description

Nevada Department of Wildlife is recruiting for a Conservation Educator within the Conservation Education Division. Incumbent, coordinates and manages Wildlife Education and Volunteer Programs for northwestern Nevada. Coordinate, recruit, supervise, train, and schedule all Wildlife Education and volunteers in the Western Region along with coordinate, schedule and manage volunteer projects in the Western Region. Incumbent will maintain and track technical reports on student visitation data and instructor volunteer hours for federal aid grants. Incumbent will manage and maintain the Oxbow Nature Study Area and Verdi Nature trail; develop and present wildlife education and interpretive programs for children and adults at the Oxbow Nature Study Area and the Verdi Nature Center.

Position is responsible to recruit, train, coordinate, supervise and schedule volunteer instructors and interpreters for the wildlife education program, and train volunteer leaders for scheduled projects. Incumbent will plan and implement continuing maintenance of Oxbow and Verdi facilities. Lead Project WILD and Aquatic WILD classes. Participate in Trout in the Classroom training classes for teachers and participate in other Wildlife Education programs such as the Maison T. Ortiz camp. Incumbent will take part in agency participation in regional events such as the Wild Sheep Foundation Expo. As assigned, writes for publications, helps with videotaping efforts or radio presentations, and prepares visual aids and equipment. Position will also assist with research or other writing projects. Position will support coordination efforts of Statewide Wildlife Education Coordinator with planning and implementation of statewide Wildlife Education programming; Develop regional Wildlife Education and Volunteer budgets. Incumbent will assist in maintaining the Trout in the Classroom Program (TIC).

Conservation Educators plan, organize, implement and evaluate educational programs designed to teach hunter and boating safety, environmental concepts and other wildlife related areas to the public, and participate in public relations activities. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in education, journalism, communications, outdoor recreation/leadership/education, wildlife management, biology or related field; OR graduation from high school and two years of professional experience in coordinating and presenting education programs in hunter and boating safety, aquatic and environmental education; identifying training needs for the public; writing and editing publicity materials and public service announcements; and/or preparing and presenting radio and television broadcasts.

Plan, organize, coordinate and present educational programs in hunter and boating safety, aquatic and environmental education, or other assigned area in accordance with program goals and objectives; recruit and supervise volunteer and contract instructors; schedule and coordinate workshops and other training opportunities for instructors.

Evaluate and critique instructor effectiveness; identify developmental needs, provide technical guidance and assist instructors in securing educational materials and guest speakers; survey and review local demand for instructional programs; write contracts for training, inspect training facilities, and maintain records related to course frequency and attendance.

Develop and participate in the annual and biennial budget preparation process; compile and assess data; identify priorities and program needs; submit requests for funding; recommend fund transfers as appropriate; monitor program expenditures to ensure sound fiscal management.

Train, supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned personnel; assign and review work; develop and modify work performance standards and annual work programs; counsel and discipline staff as appropriate.

Direct, coordinate or participate in public affairs activities; prepare and present radio and television broadcasts; conduct live and prerecorded interviews to provide information concerning assigned program areas, Division activities and current wildlife issues; respond to written and telephone inquiries and speak before community groups.

Write and edit publicity materials and public service announcements; take photographs and write feature articles; write news releases and stories for newspaper publication; prepare bulletins, newsletters, pamphlets, lesson plans and visual aid materials.

Maintain professional working relationships with various community organizations by attending meetings, explaining policies and programs, and soliciting information concerning the needs of service organizations, schools and the public; incorporate information into program curriculum and reassess results.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Under direct supervision, incumbents receive training in performing part of the duties outlined above. Progression to the next level may occur upon meeting minimum qualifications and with the recommendation of the appointing authority.

General knowledge of: journalism principles and practices used to produce news releases and broadcasts; educational concepts and techniques sufficient to provide guidance and assistance to persons conducting training courses; hunter educational programs, boating safety, aquatic and environmental programs.

Ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; speak effectively in public to explain programs, policies and procedures; comprehend technical information and written materials; write clear, concise and grammatically correct written materials for publication.