Deadline: Mon, 11/14/2022 - 12:00pm Employer: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Job Field: Wildlife Job Type: Full Time Location: Minnesota Location Detail: St. Paul Job Description: Are you passionate about conservation and education? The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Nongame Wildlife Program is currently offering an opportunity for an Education Specialist to lead a new Bird by Bird Engagement Project. Bird by Bird integrates environmental education and leadership training for young adults by forming partnerships with schools, communities, and conservation groups, with a goal of increasing inclusion and representation in natural resources careers. The person in this position will develop Bird by Bird by selecting schools, identifying bird related teaching materials, recruiting volunteers, and building relationships with students, teachers, volunteers, and young adult leaders. Primary responsibilities are to: • Develop and lead efforts to bring Bird by Bird learning objectives into ten schools underserved in environmental education. Job ID: 60057 - Bird by Bird Project Leader - Education Specialist 1 2 • Develop the Birding and Outdoor Leadership (BOLD) mentoring program, engage high school seniors or recent graduates, and plan community events, co-led by BOLD youth leaders and mentors. • Provide outdoor experiences for families and community members near participating schools. • Ensure grant intent and requirements are met by tracking, monitoring, and reporting • Participate as a member of the Nongame Wildlife Program staff by providing educational expertise in planning, problem-solving, and programmatic development. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Biology, Environmental Science, Education (Science) or a closely related area of study. • Two years of professional experience teaching programs or developing curriculum related to environmental science. *A Master's degree in one of the above areas may substitute for one year of experience. • Experience in serving, advocating for, collaborating with, and/or representing specific underrepresented communities, including youth. • Experience leading volunteers and knowledge of methods for successful volunteer engagement. • Knowledge of bird identification and ecology. • Knowledge of mentoring program leadership and development. • Demonstrated oral and written communication skills sufficient to conduct workshops, make effective presentations, promote education programs, document results for program administrators. Preferred Qualifications • Experience in volunteer recruitment, training, and retention. • Experience with youth mentoring programs. • Experience teaching middle school or high school students. • Experience working with advisory boards (or the equivalent). • Knowledge of the structure and function of educational systems sufficient to recommend solutions to programmatic and operational questions. • Knowledge of preK-12 education system and academic standards to make outdoor and environmental education activities applicable and useful for Minnesota educators. Physical Requirements Occasionally lifting articles such as 50-pound bags of feed maximum and frequently lifting and/or carrying objects such as heavy tools and file boxes. This job may require walking or standing to a significant degree on rough terrain or may involve sitting most of the time with pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls. Additional Requirements • Employment Reference Check • SEMA4 Records Check • Criminal History Check • Conflict of Interest Review Miscellaneous: Our goal as an employer is to actively recruit, welcome and support a workforce, which is diverse and inclusive of people who are underrepresented in the development of State of Minnesota policies, programs and practices, so that we can support the success and growth of all people. We are proud to operate within a Culture of Respect that provides a healthy, safe, and productive work environment for all employees. This means that our employees are respectful to one another and to our customers. We believe that promoting a Culture of Respect allows our employees to do their best work in support of the agency's mission. Salary: $25.25 - $37.02/hourly; $52,722 - $77,297/annually Benefits: GREAT BENEFITS PACKAGE! The State of Minnesota offers a comprehensive benefits package including low cost medical and dental insurance, employer paid life insurance, short and long term disability, pre-tax flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, tax-deferred compensation, generous vacation and sick leave, and paid holidays. How to Apply: If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637.
