Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 3

Want to join something GREAT and make a difference?

Are you passionate about outdoor and environmental education? Do you want to plan and facilitate career-connected outdoor learning experiences for K-12 youth?

Apply to be a regional coordinator for the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Youth Education and Outreach Program (YEOP). YEOP is a new initiative at DNR to connect the agency with K-12 youth and educators to promote place-based connections, stewardship behaviors, scientific inquiry, and exploration into natural resource sector careers. As a YEOP regional coordinator, you will be building relationships with DNR staff, educators, and partners in the Lewis, Pacific, Wahkiakum, Cowlitz, Clark, Skamania, and Grays Harbor counties to identify needs in environmental and natural resource education and opportunities for new and expanded programming. You will co-design and facilitate field trips, community events, teacher workshops, and project-based learning to get youth outside, deepen public understanding of the complexities of natural resource management, and create opportunities for career exploration and preparation in the natural resource sector.

• Community Outreach and Environmental Education Specialist 3
  
• Recruitment #2023-10-A316
  
• Full-time, Permanent, Represented position
  
• Location: Castle Rock, WA
• Location and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered 
  
• Relocation Compensation may be available and considered
• Salary: $4,174.00 - $5,615.00 Monthly 

Note: Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 10/19/23. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible. 

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver workshops for formal and non-formal educators: Working in partnership with tribes, educational institutions, community-based organizations, and non-profits, design workshops to introduce educators to locally relevant topics in natural resource management and curriculum resources to create authentic learning experiences for their students. This includes coordinating subject-matter experts, managing logistics, conducting outreach, and facilitating adult learning.
• Facilitate authentic project-based learning to engage K-12 youth in the complexities of natural resource management and promote career exploration and preparation: Build relationships with formal educators to co-design authentic projects for student learning about topics of local importance for natural resource management. This requires developing local and place-based knowledge, becoming familiar with the regional public land base, and identifying opportunities for student voice and input to influence decision-making. Related tasks include curriculum design, standards alignment, planning and facilitation of field experiences, coordination of subject-matter experts, and coaching DNR staff on working with youth audiences.
• Design, facilitate, and participate in community events around topics in environmental health, natural resource management, conservation, and more. In partnership, with other organizations and agencies, develop programming for non-formal education settings. Tasks may include the creation of marketing materials, designing educational activities, coordinating logistics, managing communications, and attending events as a primary organizer.
• Partnership Development - Proactively seek out community-based organizations and education non-profits to explore opportunities for partnership, build relationships with education and natural resource management staff within tribal governments, and adopt a model of co-creation with the many partners involved in the design and implementation of educational programming and materials. Partnership development and meaningful co-design processes are essential to the equity-based and antiracist practices at the heart of YEOP’s mission and to the long-term success and sustainability of programming.
• Design and develop curriculum resources for audiences of various ages to explore local DNR-managed public lands and explore natural resource careers: Curriculum resources should be aligned to state standards, incorporate tribal history, sovereignty and stewardship, and introduce the varied careers in natural resource management, conservation, environmental education, and recreation. Resources will require regular maintenance and edits in response to feedback on implementation.
• Program evaluation: Develop survey tools and other metrics to evaluate program efficacy and participant experiences/perceptions, with a focus on equity, and review program data with YEOP staff to identify successes and areas for growth in implementation.

Qualifications

Required: 

• Associate’s Degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications or closely related field; AND Three years of professional experience involving environmental analysis or control, environmental planning, environmental education, community outreach, natural resource management, or communications activities.
  OR A combination of education and or equivalent experience.
• Experience engaging with learning standards and the classroom teaching environment.
• Experience delivering outdoor/environmental education curriculum and/or experiential learning opportunities.
• Experience creating equitable and inclusive environments working with youth and educators to develop engaging curricula and activities.
• Ability to teach and conduct presentations for the general public.
• Knowledge of and willingness to engage in pro-equity anti-racism teaching practices (PEAR).
• Knowledge of modifications and adaptations for varied learner needs.
• Ability to engage in collaborative leadership.
• DNR Core Competencies: 
  • Personal Accountability 
  • Value Others 
  • Compassionate Communication 
  • Inspire Others 
  • Commitment to Excellence 

Special Requirements and Conditions of Employment:

• Office (80%) and fieldwork on state lands (20%) Field work will include traveling on uneven terrain and some physical activity, e.g. hiking.
• Frequent regional travel to meet with educators, students, and community-based organizations and to facilitate community events and field trips.
• A valid unrestricted driver’s license and have two years of driving experience. This position requires driving as an essential function. Finalists and/or interview candidates will be asked to provide a driving record from all states in which they have held a license during the past three years.

Desired Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree involving major study in environmental, physical, or natural science, education, communications, or a closely related field;
• At least one year of outdoor/environmental education experience.
• At least one year of classroom teaching experience.
• Demonstrated experience developing or engaging in critical STEM-related partnerships, forums, or curricula.
• Relationship builder as demonstrated by being:
  • Collaborative and productive
  • Honest and transparent
  • Tactful and politically sensitive
  • Self-motivated and self-directed
  • Professional, polite, and courteous
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to present complex or controversial information in a way that is understandable and non-confrontational.
• Demonstrated sensitivity in relationships, conflicts, and emotionally charged situations.
• Strong facilitation skills that draw people into collaboration, ensuring all voices, opinions, and perspectives are heard.

Supplemental Information

Application Requirements:

• To be considered you must apply online at www.careers.wa.gov (Click on the APPLY button above). 
• Attach a letter of interest describing how your experience and qualifications relate to the position profile and the position required, desired and special requirements.
• Attach a resume describing your experience and qualifications.
• Provide three to five professional references – you may attach a document, use the References text field in the online application, or include with resume.
• Important: Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.).
• Complete all supplemental questions.
• Candidates that move forward in the recruitment process may be contacted via email from info@governmentjobs.com with interview information/scheduling instructions. Please monitor the email listed in your application materials and check your junk email folder to ensure you receive those communications.

Questions?  Please contact Clare Sobetski at Clare.sobetski@dnr.wa.gov/360-522-3614 or e-mail us at DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) 

At DNR we approach our work through the lens of making Washington a better place environmentally and are dedicated to serving Washington’s lands and communities through diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Our Vision: Our actions ensure a future where Washington’s lands, waters, and communities thrive.

Our Mission: Manage, sustain, and protect the health and productivity of Washington’s lands and waters to meet the needs of present and future generations.

Our Core Values:

• Safety and Well-Being —Our top priority is the safety of the public and our employees.
• Public Service —We value and respect the public we serve, and we value and respect the people of the Department of Natural Resources who step up to serve.
• Innovation and Creative Problem-Solving — We solve our state’s most pressing challenges through innovative thinking, dedication, and bold and creative vision.
• Leadership and Teamwork —We are committed to building leaders at all levels and building teams for success.

DNR provides excellent benefits, a few of those include:

• Commitment to organizational health and wellness
• Work/life balance
• DNR Employee Resource Groups (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council, Women’s Employee Resource Group, Veterans Employee Resource Group, etc.)
• Statewide Employee Business Resource Groups, visit here to learn more
• Leadership that empowers and supports employees
• Professional development opportunities
• Educational and career development aid
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility
• Opportunities to participate in wildland fire suppression assignments
• A comprehensive benefit package that includes employer contributions toward health insurance, paid holidays, retirement plans, sick leave and vacation days. Visit http://careers.wa.gov/benefits.html for more information.

Additional Information:

• This recruitment may be extended and may also be used to fill future similar vacancies for up to sixty (60) days.
• DNR does not use the E-Verify system. For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.
• Veterans wishing to claim Veteran’s preference please attach a copy of your DD-214, NGB-22 or other verification of military service. Please black out your social security number prior to attaching.  We thank you and are grateful for your service!
• Once you submit your online application, you can check your status by logging into your account. If you experience technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email CareersHelp@des.wa.gov.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans, military spouses or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application/testing process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call (360) 522-2500 or email DNRrecruiting@dnr.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call though the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.