Title: Hunter and Landowner Engagement Coordinator

State Role Title: Education Coordinator I

Hiring Range: Salary starts at $65,000 (salary to commensurate with experience)

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Location: Dept of Wildlife Resources

Agency Website: www.dwr.virginia.gov 

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Hunter and Landowner Engagement Manager will serve as a liaison to Virginia’s hunting community and landowners, enhancing communication and mutual understanding. This role focuses on fostering positive relationships, reducing conflicts, and promoting safe, respectful hunting practices that benefit both communities. A key focus area will be interactions and relationships with and between Virginia’s hunters who hunt with hounds and private landowners. In cooperation with the Law Enforcement, Wildlife, and Outreach Divisions, the manager will lead outreach programs, develop educational materials, and coordinate initiatives to address concerns related to hunter/landowner interactions.

Secondarily, the position will also assist with resolution of other constituent/public conflicts, as well as human/wildlife conflicts, that arise from the subject matter of the Department’s programs.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of both hunting practices and landownership issues, including the relevant laws and regulations that govern these areas. This position is key in balancing the interests of hunters and landowners while promoting peaceful coexistence and compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of hunting practices, including hound hunting practices, and laws/regulations.
• Knowledge of property rights, land use laws, and regulations that impact landowners.
• Ability to interpret and communicate relevant legal information to both hunters and landowners.
• Proven experience in resolving disputes and managing conflicts in high-stress situations.
• Strong skills in mediation, negotiation, and finding win-win solutions that meet the needs of all parties.
• Ability to build and maintain strong, trusting relationships with diverse stakeholders, including hunters, landowners, community groups, and local agencies.
• Empathy and diplomacy in addressing concerns and fostering positive communication.
• Strong ability to articulate complex issues clearly and concisely in both verbal and written forms.
• Experience creating educational materials, reports, presentations, and public outreach content to support community engagement and awareness.
• Ability to work effectively with DWR law enforcement, local, state, and federal agencies, as well as other community organizations, to address relevant issues and foster collaboration.
• Willingness to serve as a trusted intermediary between groups with competing interests.

Organizational and Program Management Skills:

• Strong organizational abilities to manage multiple initiatives, track progress, and meet deadlines.
• Experience in program planning, development, and implementation, with a focus on outreach and education.
• Collaborating with local governments and law enforcement agencies to share relevant information about conditions within their jurisdiction and gather their feedback on local issues of concern.
• A proactive approach to identifying potential issues and developing strategies to prevent conflicts before they arise.
• Ability to think critically and strategically to support long-term solutions and sustainable land and hunting practices.
• Leadership, participation, and/or attendance at events and meetings as advantageous to the goals of position.
• Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid VA driver's license and ability to travel throughout the state and to regional and national meetings on a regular basis.
• Preferred: Considerable related experience in outreach and education surrounding wildlife management and hunting.

Additional Considerations

The incumbent in this position is required to complete a statement of economic interest upon entering the position and thereafter on an annual basis in accordance with the Code of Virginia § 2.2-3118.2.