Title- Conservation Education Coordinator
Classification- Program Specialist 5
Job Status- Full-Time/Permanent
WDFW Program- WDFW Director’s Office – Communications and Public Engagement Division
Duty Station- *Olympia, Washington – Thurston County
*The main duty station of this position is Olympia; however, the selected candidate will be able to work remotely up to four (4) days per week at the discretion of the supervisor.

Learn more about being a member of Team WDFW!

Inspire the next generation of conservationists through coordination and facilitation of hands-on science-based lessons, outdoor activities, and engaging programs. 

Lead a team in managing statewide K-12 education efforts, collaborate with informal education coordinators, and build partnerships with schools, volunteers, and environmental groups. 

Your work will shape the future of natural resource stewardship while influencing conservation education policy and contributing to budget development.

What to Expect-

Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Conservation Education Coordinator will,

Lead conservation education program planning, implementation, and evaluation at a statewide level:

• Oversee conservation education work unit and supervise at least one conservation education staff focused on curriculum development.
• Determine priorities for resources and manage Conservation Education and Youth Outdoors Initiative budget, including transportation grant program. Manage administrative functions of conservation education program including strategy planning, reporting, and analysis.
• Collaborate with Community Involvement team to create and maintain relationships with underserved community organizations and administer, oversee, and direct family programming on WDFW and other accessible municipal public lands.
• Collaborate with community groups to determine community needs and barriers for culturally responsive fish and wildlife family educational resources.
• Prepare and develop communications, reports, and workshops and build cross-program connections to ensure staff and agency buy-in for the Conservation Education program.
• Consult with educators, environmental education organizations, and Department personnel to plan environmental/conservation education activities, programs, and study areas, including creating educational opportunities on WDFW-managed lands.

Lead conservation education contracts, networking, and outreach:

• Manage Department contracts and grants with organizations related to conservation education, such as No Child Left Inside grant from Recreation Conservation Office.
• Maintain and develop relationships with other agencies, municipalities, community organizations, schools, and interested members of the public.
• Work with the state environmental education affiliate to ensure statewide program involvement.
• Build relationships with local educators to make connections and facilitate community partnerships.

Program Evaluation and Assessment:

• Collaborate with Conservation Social Science team to determine fish and wildlife education needs for youth and underserved communities.
• Develop program evaluation to analyze the impact of curriculum and programming.
• Evaluate effectiveness of conservation education initiatives by implementing evaluation tools and analyzing data. Recommend changes for the Department to increase reach and relevancy with new audiences.

Working Conditions: 

Work Setting, including hazards: Office environment.

Schedule: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, with some evening and weekend work (likely at least once per month)

Travel Requirements: Some statewide travel will be required.

Customer Interactions: Contact with WDFW staff, and the public. 

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications: 

Closely related qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-by-year basis. 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental education, science education, or related field.
• Four (4) years or more of experience in environmental education, community outreach, event management, communications, or a closely related field.
• One (1) or more years of supervisory experience.
• One (1) or more years of experience working with K-12 students, educators, and non-profit organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, in particular Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Teams.
• Proficiency in both written and verbal communication.

Certifications/Licenses: Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition to the required qualifications, our ideal applicant will possess some or all the following:

• One (1) year or more of experience with natural resources, environmental education, conservation, outdoor recreation organizations, and environmental issues affecting Washington state.
• One (1) year or more of experience in project management.
• One (1) year or more of experience curriculum development.
• One (1) year or more of experience interacting with the public.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and plain talk writing.
• Dual Language capabilities.

Your application should include the following:

• A completed online application.
• An up-to-date resume (chronological preferred) showcasing how your qualifications align with the job requirements.
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your relevant skills and experience, and why you are the ideal candidate.

Supplemental Information

In addition to pay and other special employee programs, there are other benefits that WDFW employees may be eligible for. Click the “Benefits” tab at the top of this announcement to learn more.

Important Note: 

All new employees must complete an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) on their first day of work. If hired for this or any position at WDFW, you will be required to provide documentation proving you are eligible to work in the United States. For a list of acceptable documents, please use the following link:  https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents

Union - WFSE: 

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between the State of Washington, Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).  This recruitment may be used to fill positions in addition to those listed.

Veteran and Military Spouse Preference Notice: 

Per RCW 73.16.010 Veterans and spouses of active-duty military personnel who meet the minimum qualifications of a position are eligible for preference during the initial application review stage. To receive this benefit, please do the following: 

• Notify us of your veteran or military spouse status by email at RecruitmentTeam@dfw.wa.gov. 
• Veterans only – Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22 or USDVA signed verification of service letter.
  • Please redact any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers.
• Subject line must include recruitment number, position, and spouse/veteran (example: 2024-1234 – Biologist 1 – Veteran)
• Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Employer

As part of WDFW’s efforts to advance respectful and inclusive work environments, the Agency expects inclusivity as part of our professional interactions and communications.  Therefore, we want to ensure that all individuals feel welcome, are treated fairly and respectfully.  All staff are empowered to fully contribute to serving their work unit, Agency, and the citizens of Washington.

The Department of Fish and Wildlife 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, disabled and Vietnam era veterans and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply.   

Request an accommodation: Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format please contact Jayme Chase by phone 360-902-2278 or email Jayme.Chase@dfw.wa.gov, or the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 800-833-6388.

Technical Difficulties: If you are having technical difficulties creating, accessing, or completing your application, please call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or support@neogov.com. 

Other questions: If you have other questions regarding this position, please reach out to diana.humes@dfw.wa.gov and reference the job number in the subject line.

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