Information Specialist 2 Working Title: Conservation Education Specialist (Class Code

Information Specialist 2 Working Title: Conservation Education Specialist (Class Code: IS02-15288)

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled FULL HIRING RANGE: $3281.00 - $4597.00 Per Month AGENCY HIRING RANGE: $3,281.00 - $3,997.00 Per Month DEPARTMENT: Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Services LOCATION: Cheyenne

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Conservation Education: Collaborate with the Conservation Education Manager and the Conservation Education Team on the overall work planning/prioritization process to ensure programs address the agency's priorities and present a consistent message. Develop an annual work plan to address agency priorities. Responsible for all aspects of the Conservation Education program that includes Project WILD administration, coordination with other conservation curricula (PLT, WET, FLP, Leopold), develop and/or revise wildlife education teaching trunks, produce and/or revise other conservation education materials and curricula. Secure outside funding on conservation education programs. Sit on the Project Learning Tree steering committee and participate in the Project WILD conference and national planning. Provide direction and guidance to teachers, school administrators, and other educators and their programs around the state in the form of personal visitation, written or verbal communication to identify program ideas, needs, and potential for CEU or graduate credits for specific programs. Coordinate with other Conservation Education staff to develop and implement programs such as WILD about O.R.E.O. camps, youth camp, and Becoming an Outdoor Woman. Work with Con. Ed. team to identify staff and clientele needs and prioritize activities to meet those needs. Coordinate with Conservation Education and Information and Education staffs to develop and deliver programs statewide. As the Conservation Education Liaison to the Wildlife Division, responsible for other Conservation Education duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo: Responsible for organizing and implementing the educational components of the Wyoming Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo. Work with Expo Planning Office to coordinate the education aspects of the Expo to include coordination and planning of the Heritage Trails area. Contact teachers and school administrators to promote and assist in getting their participation in the Expo. Correlate Expo exhibits and demos to the Wyoming State Teaching Standards, Project WILD, and O.R.E.O. activities. Develop and distribute the Expo Teacher's Guide, Teacher Surveys, and Student Pre- and Post- Surveys. Compile survey results and write a summary report. Assist the I & E staff with the WGFD Teacher Resource booth. Work with exhibitors to determine placement and usage of the Career Stop Signs. Identify changes and improvements to the education/school days of the Expo. Act as the education representative to the Expo Advisory Board. Additional Expo responsibilities include contacting potential sponsors, writing grants, making presentations, soliciting exhibiters, presenters, and volunteers, coordinate signage and promotion as related to school participation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Research current public education trends that directly or indirectly affect Conservation Education programs and the WY Hunting & Fishing Heritage Expo. Collaborate with the Conservation Education team to develop and implement educational programs such as WILD about O.R.E.O. camps, youth camp, and B.O.W. Plan, organize and implement Project Wild program. Sit on PLT Steering committee and attend conferences as needed. Oversee all aspects of the Conservation Education program that includes Project WILD administration, develop and/or revise wildlife education teaching trunks, produce and/or revise other conservation education materials and curricula. Act as a liaison between the Department Education Section and the public education system, State Department of Education, University of Wyoming, and the community colleges around the state, and other state and federal agencies. Collaborate, design and implement education programs of mutual benefit. Provide direction and guidance to teachers and their programs around the state in the form of personal visitation, written or verbal communication. Contact teachers and school administrators to promote and assist in getting their participation in the Expo. Correlate Expo exhibits and demos to the Wyoming State Teaching Standards. Develop and distribute the Expo Teacher's Guide, Teacher Surveys, and Student Pre- and Post- Surveys. Compile survey results and write a summary report. Assist Information & Education staff with the WGFD Teacher Resource booth. Coordinate and plan the Heritage Trails area. Work with exhibitors to determine placement and usage of the Career Stop Signs. Identify changes and improvements to the education/school days of the Expo. Act as the education representative to the Expo Advisory Board.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Knowledge of National Environmental Education curricula including Project WILD, WET, PLT, FLP, and the Leopold Project. Knowledge of Wyoming State Education standards and benchmarks. Have experience working in or with the public school system. Basic Knowledge of Wyoming Game and Fish practices, rules, and regulations. Computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets. Knowledge of publication software a plus. Ability to work with minimal supervision, be multi-task oriented. Have excellent skills in written and oral communication. Knowledge of grant writing. Ability to coordinate new programs. Ability to build positive working relationships within the agency, with special interest groups, businesses, companies, the educational system and communicate effectively with a variety of people. Ability to delegate responsibilities, have organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines. Skills in large event planning (workshops and Expo). Able to work as part of a team. May be required to become an adjunct faculty member at UW and would be required to design workshops and courses to be posted as credit courses at the University level and at Community Colleges. Able to work in adverse weather conditions, on uneven terrain for extended periods of outdoor work, able to lift 40 lbs. and be able to work some nights and weekends.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, education, communications, natural resources, or related field, plus four years professional work experience in public information or education.

NOTE: Must have a valid drivers license. Able to work in adverse weather conditions, on uneven terrain for extended periods of outdoor work, able to lift 40 lbs. and be able to work some nights and weekends.

PREFERENCE: Preference will be given to applicants with teaching certification and/or experience. Also applicants with experience in conservation education.

APPLICATIONS: For more information or to apply online go to http://statejobs.state.wy.us/JobSearchDetail.aspx?ID=15288 or submit a State of Wyoming Employment Application to the Human Resource Division, Emerson Building, 2001 Capitol Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82002-0060, Phone: (307)777-7188, Fax: (307)777-6562, along with transcripts of any relevant course work.

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. No notice of eligibility will be sent to applicants who meet the minimum qualifications.

DATE RELEASED: 02/23/2009

Wendy K. Hayes, Conservation Education Manager WY Game & Fish Department 5400 Bishop Blvd. Cheyenne, WY 82006 Phone: 307-777-4542 Fax: 307-777-4610 E-Mail: [email protected]