Education Specialist

Education Specialist

DEFINITION AND DUTIES:

Under direction of the Conservation Program Manager, conducts the department’s education program, explaining the natural and cultural resources represented by the holdings of the Johnson County Conservation Board to the people of Johnson County.

Knowledge of:

• Cultural and historical resources, flora, fauna, and ecosystems, especially those in Iowa and on the land owned by Johnson County and managed by the Conservation Board
• Natural resource management including fisheries, wildlife, forestry, agronomy, grasslands, and aquatic ecosystems
• Safe work practices
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, punctuation, and proofreading skills

Ability to:

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
• Organize, publicize, and maximize participation in events furthering conservation education?
• Comprehend, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation principles and practices
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with groups, organizations, the public, supervisors, and co-workers
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Lead a small team assigned to the department’s conservation education effort
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continued development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias.
• Handle moderate levels of stress, meet deadlines and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Handle multiple tasks and competing priorities
• Use a computer/tablet for the purposes of word processing, data entry, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and the Internet
• Operate audiovisual, photographic and other equipment necessary for program development
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax machines, photocopiers, multi- line telephones and scanners
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to groups and individuals in formal (including radio and TV presentations) and non-formal situations
• Have clarity of speech, hearing and writing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits adequate performance of duties in a safe and appropriate manner
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work and attend meetings at various county facilities
• Sit, stand, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, bend, twist, crouch, and crawl
• Occasionally lift, push, and/or move up to 60 pounds
• Occasionally work outside in inclement weather conditions
• Work flexible schedule and additional time as needed

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in cultural resources related field, biology, botany, or other relevant major AND one year of experience working with the public as an educator OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities.

Special requirements: Valid driver’s license and insurable under county liability coverage. Must pass background check.

SPECIFIC DUTIES: To be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Conducts public programs to explain and interpret the cultural history, prairie, woodlands, wetlands, and other associations of the Conservation Board’s holdings.
• Markets departmental programs and conservation managed areas.
• Designs information area kiosks and brochures; produces a quarterly newsletter presenting upcoming programs, reviewing past programs, and including information about other department activities.
• Creates and conducts programs for segments of the population with a specific interest in conservation and cultural history; for example, on how to create a backyard habitat or plant a prairie, or railroad history.
• Conducts in-service training for area teachers, consisting of materials and activity programs and ideas in conservation and cultural education.
• Communicates programs to, and coordinates programs with other agencies in the County such as the Soil Conservation Service and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the County Secondary Roads Roadside Vegetation Manager.
• Works with department maintenance crews to learn park management; makes recommendations for preserving and enhancing natural areas.
• Maintains and cleans facilities associated with the education program including but not limited to conservation or cultural education centers, collections of historic artifacts and interpretive signage.
• Attends work related meetings, conferences and seminars as requested.
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with Conservation Board policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attends work regularly.

FLSA Status: Exempt

 Pay Grade: 9

Date Established:

Date Revised: June 11, 2020

I have carefully read and understand the contents of this job description. I understand the responsibilities, requirements and duties expected of me. I understand that this is not necessarily an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts or working conditions associated with the job. While this list is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of this job or to require that additional or different tasks be performed as directed by the Employer. I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours outside the normally defined workday or workweek. I also understand that this job description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate my employment at anytime and for any reason, and the Employer has a similar right.Employee’s Signature Date Department Head DateThe county of Johnson is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.