Job Tag: Conservation

The Adirondack Trail Improvement Society (ATIS) seeks an Executive Director, with the possibility of a merged position with the Junior Program Director or Trail Crew Director. ATIS provides educational & recreational programs for youth (“ATIS Junior Program”) & adults (“ATIS Adult Program”), as well as maintains & enhances public hiking trails (“ATIS Trail Crew”) in the vicinity of Keene Valley, NY.

Reporting to the ATIS Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership & will manage day-to-day operations with responsibilities for program development & evaluation for the Jr Program & Trail Crew. The role includes managing 2 part-time program directors who oversee ~20 seasonal summer counselors & ~10 seasonal trail crew members. The Executive Director will cultivate relationships with partner organizations (such as the Adirondack Mountain Reserve/ AMR & the New York State Department of Conservation/ DEC), community organizations & members to advance the organization’s mission & impact. Additionally, the role will support Board governance, manage fundraising, provide financial management, & serve as the primary spokesperson of ATIS within the community. For a detailed description of the opportunity & its responsibilities, please visit https://www.atistrail.org/executive-director-search.html

Ideal candidates for this position will share our commitment to healthy enjoyment of wild lands, youth development, & preservation of trails, & will bring a variety of experiences & attributes, including:

Nonprofit Leadership: 7+ years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, with demonstrated success in people management, strategic planning, fundraising, program development, strategic planning, & understanding of nonprofit governance best practices.
Community Builder: Skilled in cultivating trusting relationships with staff, partners, community organizations, youth participants, members, & donors.
Visionary Leadership: Ability to provide strategic vision & leadership to advance the organization’s mission & impact.
Program Excellence: Experience in program development & evaluation, emphasizing hands-on participation, staff coaching & development, & dedication to program excellence.
Financial Management: Demonstrated capability in fundraising, stewarding financial resources, & garnering support for organizational endeavors, with knowledge of nonprofit financial management principles.

The Search Committee acknowledges the need for flexibility in the Executive Director role to meet organizational & community needs. We are open to options such as: a Part-Time Executive Director, a Full-Time Executive Director with Merged Jr Program Director Responsibilities, or a Full-Time Executive Director with Merged Trail Crew Director Responsibilities. Candidates are encouraged to indicate their preferences during the application process. The Executive Director role is based in Keene Valley, NY during the peak season. The salary range for this role is $27,500-$80,000 per year depending on role configuration. Salary is negotiable & based on skills, experience & whether a year-round or seasonal position. Benefits, paid vacation & a relocation allowance are included.

The Adirondack Trail Improvement Society is an equal opportunity employer & encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. ATIS makes employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, & competence. ATIS prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, gender (including transgender, gender identity & gender expression), religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, 3 professional references & any supporting materials to the following email address: ED******@*******il.org

Summary: Provide tech advice & oversight on agricultural water mgmt., groundwater hydrology, water reserves & climate change planning to the Rio Grande binational river basin program. Work w. local partners, scientists & researchers on water conservation issues. Build interactive maps in ArcGIS.
Responsibilities

Master’s in Hydrologic Science/Eng. or related field.
5 yrs exp working on agricultural water mgmt. & groundwater hydrology for large conservation org.
Exp must include hydrological modeling & climate scenario planning modeling. ArcGIS & spatial mapping exp req.

Qualifications

Master’s in Hydrologic Science/Eng. or related field.
5 yrs exp working on agricultural water mgmt. & groundwater hydrology for large conservation org.
Exp must include hydrological modeling & climate scenario planning modeling. ArcGIS & spatial mapping exp req.

The Rivanna Conservation Alliance (RCA) is a small nonprofit working to make a big difference in the Rivanna River watershed. Our mission is to work with the community to conserve the Rivanna River and its tributaries through water quality monitoring, restoration, education, and advocacy. RCA is committed to increasing awareness and action on the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice within the Rivanna watershed. We are working to build long term relationships and share our resources, environmental expertise, and scientific data to help address community identified watershed needs.

RCA is a regional leader in volunteer water quality monitoring and is the only nonprofit in Virginia with both bacterial and biological monitoring programs with the highest level of certification from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. RCA’s 50 long-term biological monitoring sites help track changes in stream health over time, and the bacteria program identifies acute water quality concerns and public health risks in urban and recreational streams.

RCA’s professional staff work with more than a thousand volunteers each year, greatly extending our reach and impact. We also engage the community through strategic partnerships and collaborative projects with nonprofits, schools, local governments, businesses, and community groups. RCA’s culture values creativity, respect, continuous learning, a can-do attitude, and a healthy sense of humor. We strive to support staff members’ needs for flexibility and work-life balance, and we make sure to spend time together enjoying the places we are working to protect.

POSITION DETAILS

Full-time, exempt
Some flexibility in work schedule, with occasional evening and weekend hours required for scheduled events
Position based in Charlottesville, VA, with the option for occasional remote work
Reports to the Executive Director and the Director of Monitoring
$47,840 to $52,000 annually, commensurate with experience
Benefits include health insurance, 15 days of PTO plus paid Holidays, and the option to participate in RCA’s 403(b) retirement plan with 3% employer matching.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Watershed Coordinator will be responsible for promoting the health and resilience of the Rivanna River and its watershed by supporting RCA’s water quality restoration and monitoring programs through program planning, coordination, and field work.

The level of effort put towards each program, and the specific activities carried out under each, will vary by season and the specific funding sources supporting the position. Water quality restoration work will include projects such as planting and maintaining riparian forest buffers and conservation landscaping, promoting forest health by managing invasive plants, implementing stormwater management practices, and stabilizing and restoring streams. Water quality monitoring work will include sampling streams for E. coli and turbidity, collecting data on stream health through benthic macroinvertebrate sampling, and tracking pollution incidents and sources through chemical sampling.

Through early spring 2025, the position will primarily support the Rivanna River Forest Health and Resilience Project. It will also focus on riparian forest buffer plantings and becoming trained and certified in RCA’s bacteria and biological monitoring programs. In late spring 2025, the position will take on more water quality monitoring responsibilities.

The Watershed Coordinator will work closely with other RCA staff members, community and agency partners, volunteers, and contractors to accomplish their work.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Water Quality Restoration (60-80% in first year of the position).

Build relationships and coordinate with organizational partners, property owners, and contractors to identify, plan, implement, and maintain restoration projects
Conduct site visits with property owners to discuss various restoration project options and potential sources of technical and financial assistance
Plan and design riparian forest buffer and conservation landscaping projects
Recruit, coordinate, and lead volunteers for regularly scheduled workdays focused on invasive plant removal, tree planting, meadow planting, live staking, and other riparian buffer improvement projects
Create restoration project maps and outcome reports
Maintain forest buffers and other planting projects with support from volunteers as needed
Provide planning, coordination, and topical research/writing support for restoration-focused projects and partnerships
Help develop and share outreach materials and educational content related to environmental restoration
Support restoration-focused grant writing and reporting as needed
Procure, organize, and maintain restoration-related equipment, supplies, and materials

Water Quality Monitoring (20-40% in the first year of the position)

Achieve and maintain certification in RCA’s bacteria and biological monitoring programs (on-the-job training and certification provided)
Help recruit, train, and coordinate RCA’s water quality monitoring volunteers
Support the Director of Monitoring with program related tasks as needed, such as managing data, coordinating Science Advisory Committee meetings, and developing reports
Help acquire and maintain monitoring supplies and equipment
Support RCA’s bacteria monitoring program by scouting sampling locations, collecting water samples in the field, processing water samples in RCA’s lab, and reading and reporting results
Support RCA’s biological monitoring program by scouting sampling locations, collecting benthic macroinvertebrate samples, performing laboratory ID work, and analyzing and reporting results
Help respond to acute water pollution incidents and/or high bacteria levels by collecting bacterial, eDNA, and/or chemical data (training provided)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental studies, biology, natural resources, chemistry, microbiology, forestry, landscape architecture, environmental planning, or a related field, or an equivalent amount of relevant training and experience
Working knowledge and demonstrated passion for the natural environment and watershed restoration
Strong project planning and coordination skills
Significant enthusiasm for hands-on field work, including ability to perform physically demanding work in variable weather conditions
Ability to use (or learn to use) standard landscaping tools such as weed whackers, loppers, shovels, etc. and water quality monitoring equipment
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
High level of organization, attention to detail, and ability to carefully follow data collection protocols and data quality procedures
Ability to work independently and schedule time in an efficient manner
Willingness to work hard, maintain motivation and focus, and be flexible and creative to complete programs and tasks even when challenges arise
Extensive computer experience and comfort using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Drive
Willingness to be a team player and pitch in to support other RCA staff and needs where possible
A valid driver’s license and ability to use a personal vehicle to drive to different locations in the Rivanna watershed with program equipment and supplies. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal mileage rate.
Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
Ability to pass a background check

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Three to five years of work experience directly related to the responsibilities of this position.
Experience in local invasive and native plant identification
Experience motivating and managing volunteers and working with multi-stakeholder initiatives
Proficiency with ArcGIS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The nature of this position requires, on occasion, travel to remote locations where access may involve walking through brushy areas, clambering on stream banks, walking on slippery surfaces, wading through water, and paddling a kayak or canoe. The ability to sit, stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, paddle, carry equipment, stoop, climb, and crouch in outdoor settings is required. Ability to withstand outdoor discomforts, including inclement weather is required.

TO APPLY

Interested applicants should send a resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications, and three professional references to ex**@**********er.org. Complete applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. No phone calls please.

Rivanna Conservation Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

The University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College is seeking applicants for a full-time, tenure track faculty position (at rank of Assistant Professor) in our Biology and Wildlife Conservation programs, to begin August 2024.

Nestled in the beautiful rolling hills of Southeastern Ohio, Rio’s 190-acre campus offers students a small town feel and is a center for learning, innovation, and technology in the region. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the University’s Wildlife Conservation program through teaching, student advising, and the development of student-centered field opportunities. In addition, the successful candidate will teach courses in our Biology and Environmental Science programs, as needed.

The ideal candidate will possess a background, broadly, in Wildlife Management or Wildlife Biology. Anticipated teaching load includes Mammalogy and/or Ornithology, Principles of Biology, and additional courses in the Wildlife Conservation program. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop courses in their field of expertise.

Position Qualifications:

A terminal degree of Ph.D. in a related discipline is preferred, but candidates possessing a Master’s degree with experience will also be considered. Previous college-level teaching experience is preferred.

Examples of Duties

Under general supervision, performs professional environmental planning and resources management by enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of natural resources.

Reviews and approves land development plans and permits of difficult complexity for compliance with County laws and regulations regarding the protection of natural resources, including watercourses, wetlands, water pollution, aquatic habitats, rare and endangered species, agriculture, forests, and wildlife habitats.
Reviews and comments upon state and federal permits.
Conducts field surveys and mapping of watercourses, wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats.
Investigates and recommends corrective or mitigating actions for degraded streams and wet lands.
Recommends measures for forestry and wildlife improvements.
Conducts field investigations of complaints on properties for compliance with County laws and regulations.
Attends Administrative Law hearings and Board of Appeals hearings.
May assign and review the work of subordinate personnel or act as a project manager.
Performs complex environmental and natural resources planning research, compiles detailed information, makes analysis, and prepares reports on environmental management issues, areas, and problems.
Completes preliminary studies of difficult environmental problems.

Examples of Other Duties

Represents the department before community groups and serves as the department’s representative on intra-county, community, or other committees.
Assists other professionals in technical studies, research and preparation of reports.
Performs other related duties as required.

(NOTE: The duties and responsibilities listed above are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications for all positions in this class. They may not include all of the essential job functions of each position in the class. Each position may not be required to perform all of the essential job functions listed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in environmental, regional, urban or city planning, or in a natural resource, environmental or a biological science.

Plus

two years’ professional experience in a planning, science or related field.

Additional education in one of the areas listed may be substituted for the required experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience enforcing laws and regulations pertaining to the protection of natural resources. Familiarity with Baltimore County Forest Buffer Regulations, Forest Conservation Law and Chesapeake Bay Critical Area Law. Qualified Professional capable of conducting forest stand delineations, preparing and review of wetland delineations, and other complex environmental plans.

Licenses and Certificates
Possession of a valid non-commercial class C Maryland Driver’s license or an equivalent is required at the time of appointment.

Come join a growing team of conservation professionals at the Xerces Society who are dedicated to protecting some of the world’s most important animals. We are seeking a skilled conservation planner with experience in large scale farming, conservation agriculture, pollinator habitat implementation and Integrated Pest Management. We are very interested in candidates with personal or professional experience in the California citrus industry.

At Xerces, we harness the knowledge of scientists and the enthusiasm of the public to implement conservation programs. We take action by helping farms and public agencies develop conservation plans for pollinators and beneficial insects, producing ground-breaking publications on insect conservation, training thousands of farmers and land managers to protect and manage habitat for beneficial insects, protecting endangered species and their habitat, and engaging the public to raise awareness about invertebrates found on farms, forests, prairies, deserts, streams, wetlands, towns and cities. Our methods focus on habitat conservation planning, education, scientific analysis, advocacy, and applied research to conserve invertebrates, such as bees, butterflies, mollusks, and fireflies.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

You’ll be joining a growing team of professionals working to conserve some of the world’s most important animals. The Agricultural Biodiversity Specialist – Habitat and Bee Better Certified Planner will support Xerces’ private-sector partners in designing and implementing cutting-edge conservation systems for bees and beneficial insects on farms across California and the U.S.

Supervised by Senior Pollinator Habitat Specialist, Food Systems and Living Farms Project Lead, this position will collaborate closely with farm managers, crop industry leaders and key staff at some of the largest food companies in the world to design and implement biodiversity and regenerative practices on farms that serve the manufactured food and fresh produce industries, with a special focus on the California citrus industry.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with key staff at select food companies to identify and reach out to farms that will implement pollinator habitat and climate smart agriculture practices.
Work with leaders in the California citrus industry to implement pollinator conservation, soil health and carbon sequestration practices on citrus farms
Develop large-scale habitat planting plans, including protocols for site preparation, planting methods, and ongoing maintenance.
Support the promotion, recruitment, and on-boarding of farms into Xerces’

farm and food product certification program, including technical assistance throughout the application process.
Document pest management practices on farms and work with farmers to foster the adoption of Integrated Pest Management strategies.
Directly participate in the establishment of hedgerows, wildflower meadows and cover crop systems in heavily managed agricultural settings, including direct collaboration with farm staff and labor.
Perform monitoring of on-farm pollinator and beneficial insect habitats throughout the region.
Support partners with science-based advice and consulting on native bee conservation, on-farm ecosystem services and nature-based pest and climate solutions.
Communicate our conservation model and the impact of our work to diverse stakeholders including farmers, food companies, and government agencies at conferences, workshops, and business meetings.
Travel frequently to job sites within California and occasional travel to job sites out of state.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE:

REQUIRED

Exceptional organizational skills and ability to work independently managing conservation projects and plans with professional clients.
Exceptional attention to detail and skills with document drafting, review and plan development.
Knowledge of large-scale farm practices and specialty crop management systems, especially in California Citrus.
Knowledge of pest management practices in large-scale crop production including commonly used pesticides and Integrated Pest Management practices and documentation.
Knowledge of carbon sequestration and healthy soils practices and strategies.
Experience identifying California native plant species and establishing habitat in highly impacted landscapes.
An understanding of pollination ecology and the role of native pollinators (especially bees) in agroecosystems.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and ability to organize meetings and present information to a wide variety of professional clients and stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to work with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.
Working knowledge of common software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Slack). The use of Google Suite and geospatial data management software is required daily.
Proficiency or willingness to learn how to use mobile digital data collection tools and ArcGIS mapping software.

PREFERRED

Spanish-language competency
Cross-cultural, multicultural, and/or multilingual skills, background, or experience.
Previous employment or personal background in California Citrus or other agricultural networks.
Knowledge of agricultural certification programs and familiarity with certification processes, such as organic or regenerative organic certification.
Familiarity with CDFA Healthy Soils and Pollinator Habitat Programs.
Understanding of pesticides, toxicology, common insect pests and management practices, and conservation biological control
Demonstrated interest in and commitment to insect/wildlife conservation.
Conservation planning experience
Ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate complex scientific information in a way that will influence conservation practice.
Ability to develop and give engaging presentations to audiences of more than twenty adults.
Ability to manage time and diverse activities under deadlines, while delivering quality results.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, ecology, conservation biology, entomology, natural resource management, conservation science, toxicology or related field.
At least 2 years of planning or project management experience in working lands.
Valid driver’s license in the United States and a motor vehicle records check prior to employment allowing employee to be insured under Xerces corporate liability insurance. Offer of employment is contingent on this record check.

PREFERRED

Master’s degree in agriculture, horticulture, ecology, conservation biology, entomology, natural resource management, conservation science or toxicology

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Be able to perform the following with reasonable breaks and/or accommodations:

Able to move and transport supplies, materials, equipment weighing up to 30 lbs
Occasionally work in the field for 8-12 hours per day under adverse weather conditions.
Frequently traverse across agricultural roads and fields, unpaved roads and walkways, and unimproved trails for periods of 2-8 hours.
Frequently drive vehicle or fly by commercial airline for periods of up to 8 hours.
Able to work in stationary position for periods of 2-8 hours.
Travel overnight when necessary for project assessments, implementation or planning.

Description

Under general supervision, is responsible for all phases of municipal forestry activities, including general park and playground maintenance work or is responsible for a large municipal nursery.

Examples of Duties

1. Supervises the activities of subordinates and a large number of crews engaged in all phases of municipal forestry operations including landscaping and general maintenance work.
2. Assigns work to, advises and instructs subordinates as necessary.
3. Inspects the work of crews in the field.
4. Ensures that proper safety precautions and regulations are followed with regard to workers, the public, and adjacent property.
5. Estimates costs and budget requirements.
6. Checks daily time reports submitted by subordinates.
7. Propagates, plants, sprays, and cultivates a wide variety of trees and shrubs in a large municipal nursery.
8. Devises new methods for meeting nursery problems.
9. Confers with superior and other department officials about the types of trees and shrubs best suited for city use.
10. Monitors the accuracy of records and accounts.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree with a specialization in forestry.

Three years of experience in municipal forestry operations and related work, at least two years of which must have been in a supervisory capacity.

Employees in this class must possess a valid State of Michigan Pesticide Certified Applicator License.

Persons hired in this title shall be required to obtain a State of Michigan Commercial Drive License with a Group B Endorsement.

Successful applicants must meet physical standards prescribed by the Michigan State Motor Carrier Division and must possess and carry a valid current Medical Examiner’s Certificate certifying physical fitness for driving in accordance with the State of Michigan Motor Carrier Safety Act – 1988.

Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position

The Conservation Agent assists and advises the Conservation Commissioner and Planning Director in interpreting and enforcing the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act and related local regulations. They provide consultation and information to residents and developers on conservation-related matters. The Agent performs administrative work and field inspections and prepares permits under the Wetlands Protection Act, the City Stormwater Ordinance, etc. The Agent also acts as the administrator of the Community Preservation Act (CPA) funding.

Job Type: Full Time, 30 Hours Per Week

Salary: $24.21 – $28.91 Per Hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Primary staff support to the Conservation Commission; receives applications, advises applicants on the process, develops agendas & meeting minutes, compiles agenda materials and supporting documentation; provides technical support and makes recommendations to the Commission. Maintains Commission files and provides incidental clerical support. Attends all Commission meetings.
Writes, issues, and manages permits such as Orders of Condition, etc., voted for issuance following the Commission’s conditions. Reviews permit applications for completion and presents permit applications to the Commission for approval. Sends issued permits to applicants and DEP, ensures compliance with permit requirements throughout construction, and manages records of permits.
Inspects work sites on behalf of the Commission and following Commission votes, issues enforcement orders, and determines compliance.
Ensures that the Board complies with deadlines and other requirements of the Wetlands Protection Act.
Keeps current with legal precedents for Wetland Protection Act (WPA) changes and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) policies and resources.
Works with the Conservation Board on the formation of the City Wetland Protection Ordinance and manages regular evaluation and regulation updates.
Develops, supports, and coordinates a wide range of short and long-term conservation opportunities, acquisitions, and management programs for the City. Primary staff person responsible for facilitating the implementation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
Manages the Conservation Commission’s financial accounts under the supervision of the Treasurer and Planning Director, including the wetland revolving account and third-party review escrow accounts. Prepares purchase orders and invoices for payment and monitors spending.
Acts as the Conservation Committee liaison for other City departments such as the Department of Public Works and Building Department, boards, and the general public.
Provides information and technical assistance to the public and other departments, for example, Public Works and Inspectional Services, on conservation issues, open space, flood information, and grant opportunities.
Coordinates and consults with the City Engineer regarding wetland and stormwater plans and impacts.
Consults with and provides information to the public, developers, applicants, and other municipal departments and agencies regarding location of wetlands, flood plain, and flood hazard areas.
Receive fees, prepare turnovers for the Collector, prepare bill schedules, and assist with budgeting.
Advises the Building Department on required approvals associated with project approvals and issuance of building permits.
Manages existing publicly owned lands and land for which the city holds a Conservation Restriction.
Provides staff and technical support to the Community Preservation Act Committee (CPA) and assists in implementing the CPA’s recommendations on fund expenditures. Administers the program, including financial oversight and maintenance of records for all CPA grants. Meets with and advises applicants; prepares budget and forecasts revenue; prepares annual reporting, contracts for CPA grantees, and other CPA work as needed.
Performs similar or related work as required or as the situation dictates.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Geology, Hydrology, Botany, or a closely related field and 1 to 3 years of related experience. Municipal experience or direct experience with the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act preferred, or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

The Conservation Education Analyst is responsible for managing the operations of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD), which includes coordinating, planning and implementing environmental and conservation programs in Richland County and promoting coordinated outreach and information programs for the Richland County Conservation Department (RCCD), and the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC).

Provides technical and financial oversight for RSWCD’s projects, including direct and indirect supervision of project participants, interns, volunteers, Administrative Assistants and other staff. Coordinates diverse project teams from Richland County departments, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), university partners, not-for profit organizations, and Conservation Districts statewide.

Develops, coordinates and conducts comprehensive education programs for the RCCD in support of Richland County programs of the RSWCD and the RCCC. This includes working closely with the Richland County Public Information Office (RCPIO) as these programs service a wide audience including landowners, farmers, teachers, students, natural resource professionals, public officials, and the general public.

Financial responsibilities include state and federal grant administration, proposal writing, budgeting and accounting, report preparation, project implementation, and direct and indirect supervision of grant participants and subcontractors.

Develops new and synthesizes existing educational materials, including brochures, print and digital media and photography/videos, and conducts programs to promote and educate public officials, citizens and professional organizations about conservation easements, historical restoration projects, greenways, mitigation banking, watershed and water quality protection projects and other natural resource conservation programs.

Conducts and oversees fieldwork, research, and data analysis in support of technical and grant funded programs. Communicates results to a technical audience through technical reports, articles, and presentations.

Works cooperatively with K-12 Richland County schools to develop, coordinate and conduct environmental and conservation programs and curricula, teacher certification programs and in-service training for teachers. When appropriate, aligns programs and curricula with relevant academic standards and guidelines. Mentors school conservation projects and provides support for classroom conservation education.

Works cooperatively with the Richland County Public Works Department (Stormwater Management Program) to develop, coordinate and conduct environmental and water quality programs to mutually benefit water quality and conservation efforts in developed and urbanizing areas of the County.

Represents the RCCD and works to develop, coordinate and conduct cooperative educational programs with, but not limited to, Richland County Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Sustainability Coordinator; the City of Columbia, Clemson University, University of South Carolina (USC), USDA, SC Department of Agriculture, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SCDNR, and organizations such as the Gills Creek Watershed Association, Richland County Stormwater Consortium, Sustainable Midlands, the SCACD, and the Environmental Education Association of SC.

Notifies and monitors the RSWCD Board of Commissioners to ensure compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements as required by state and federal agencies and organizations including SCDNR, USDA-NRCS, SC Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD), and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).

Creates long range plans and annual work plans for the RSWCD. Evaluates program effectiveness and uses results to drive development of future activities and long range program plans. Responsible for creating and monitoring budgets associated with grants and conservation programs.

Indirectly supervises the educational activities conducted by the Conservation Coordinator and Administrative Assistant in the RCCD to include planning and scheduling of educational events and programs, development of education materials including brochures, print and digital media and photography/videos to promote conservation easements, historical restoration projects, greenways, watershed protection projects and soil and water conservation programs.

Represents RCCD, the RCCC and the RSWCD in local, statewide and national conservation conferences and workshops.

INVOLVEMENT WITH DATA, PEOPLE, AND THINGS

DATA INVOLVEMENT:

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining or evaluating complex environmental, conservation, budgeting, planning and policy information and to develop educational materials and programs.

PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT:

Performs professional-level work involving technical, educational and policy data, solving both people and work related problems. Works in a dynamic environment, responsible for developing educational policies and best practices in coordination with County staff, other state and federal agency educational staff, K-12 teachers, professional organizations and citizen groups.

INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS:

Requires the use of office machines including copiers, scanners, printers, and computers (to include word processing, spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations, GIS mapping, photographic and video editing software). Must be able to interpret and understand County technology policy and establish methods and follow procedures for operating computer, photographic equipment and the implementation of internet-based media (podcasts, video and applicable social media).

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

REASONING REQUIREMENTS:

Both inductive and deductive reasoning and decision-making are critical job components, which can affect a large segment of the organization and the general public. Will also be required to provide directions or assignments to subordinate staff, co-workers and coordinate and advise the educational activities of other professional cohorts employed with other governmental agencies, K-12 schools (teachers), professional organizations and citizen groups.

MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Performs professional level work requiring a wide range of technical, scientific, and educational methods applied to complex problems; assists in the planning and sequencing of activities of the RCCD related to educational activities and marketing the programs administered by the RCCD. Requires the knowledge and use of basic mathematical calculations, accounting, algebra, geometry and descriptive statistics.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to speak informally to groups of co-workers and management, as well as formal presentations in order to train and/or educate teachers, professional organizations and citizens groups; Will be required to write educational articles and reports and/or develop presentations for specific audiences. Must be able to professionally represent the RCCD, the RSWCD and the RCCC in print and electronic media outlets. Requires reading newspapers, trade journals, manuals and professional publications to be well informed and topically-current in the environmental and conservation educational field.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Perform professional level work requiring a wide range of technical, scientific, or managerial methods applied to complex problems; Assists in the planning and sequencing of activities of the RCCD. The position will require the use of creative ability and resourcefulness to solve complex problems encountered in real-time and respond in a professional manner to questions encountered during educational outreach and training activities. Work regularly requires sustained concentration and focus on details.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE PREPARATION

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

The position requires a Bachelors degree in science, education or liberal arts. Completion of a Masters degree or completion of work toward a Masters degree is preferred.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a minimum of four (4) years of professional-level experience in an environmental, conservation and/or historic restoration-related field of work. Knowledge of, and specific experience, with programs administered by the RSWCD, the RCCC and/or the RCCD is preferred.

The position will support all nature center operations including: animal care, assisting quality indoor/outdoor educational interpretive programs for schools, scouts, and other groups, assisting with the design, development, and maintenance of both indoor and outdoor displays, signs and exhibits, gift shop operations, providing excellent customer service keeping nature center clean and organized, and other duties as assigned.

Must be at least 18 years old and valid driver’s license; and must have the possession of, or the ability to obtain CPR and/or First Aid Certification. Must be a high school graduate or have GED. At least 2 years of college coursework in the biological sciences and/or animal handling experience is strongly desired. Work approximately 10-20 hours per week to support the Nature Center hours.