Community Outdoor Recreation Education Specialist

This role revolves around facilitating community engagement with local outdoor recreation amenities, a cornerstone of our organization's mission. Responsibilities include developing and implementing public education initiatives, organizing in-park events, providing personalized mentoring, and executing targeted marketing efforts. Collaborating with local partners, the individual will facilitate access to parks and conservation areas, offering instruction in various activities including, but not limited to paddling, fishing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and birdwatching, while emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts and public lands. Based at the Starr’s Cave Nature Center office, the role involves organizing, hosting, and supporting outdoor recreation-focused public programs, field trips, and after-school activities with a focus on R3 (recruitment, retention, and reactivation). Additionally, the position entails prioritizing outreach to underserved communities to connect them with local outdoor resources. Administrative duties include managing program budgets, developing initiatives, and handling communications and marketing. This role is community funded and operates under the general supervision of the Environmental Education Manager. This position is funded through community organizations and length of employment is dependant upon that. 

Education and Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental education, natural resources, education, business administration, marketing, or a related field preferred but not required.
• At least three (3) years of experience in an education, recreation-related field required, or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Additional relevant education or related experience may boost candidates.

Special Certification Requirements:

Qualified applicants must possess, or be able to obtain the following certifications within six months of hire date:

• A valid Iowa Driver’s License with chauffer’s endorsement.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certification.
• Wilderness First Aid

Primary Job Responsibilities and Duties:

This class specification represents only the core areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the needs of the department.

• Delivers Des Moines County Conservation Education program, related communications, and marketing. Participates in the operation, programming, development, and maintenance of Starr’s Cave Nature Center and equipment for the residents of Des Moines County and other visitors.
• Coordinates education programming and communications effectively and efficiently. Coordinates with Administration Division staff for program marketing and communications.
• Delivers educational and informational programs designed to highlight recreation, conservation, environmental and historical topics regarding the local area.
• Develops programs through cultivation of partnerships, donor relationships, and local organizations.
• Responsible for program communications, program marketing efforts, and program data collection.
• Promotes innovative communications and marketing efforts to reach all segments of the community through collaboration with the Administration Division.
• Regularly engages community stakeholders and thought leaders to guide program creation and communications efforts that meet customer needs, engage new populations, and continually elevate customer satisfaction related to Des Moines County Conservation and Des Moines County’s vision and mission.
• Coordinates the purchase of necessary equipment, supplies, and services.
• Knows the Department’s Mission, Strategic Plans, and Core Values and demonstrates them on a regular basis.
• Use those principles to identify, develop, and refine departmental products and services so they are aligned with the Strategic Plans and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Collaborates with customers to enhance customer satisfaction and increase customer use of community outdoor recreation amenities. Facilitates capturing customer feedback and uses it to measurably improve departmental performance.
• Empower direct reports to close gaps between customer expectations and experience wherever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned; regular work attendance is required.

Qualifications:

• Ability to perform project reporting. Requires strong business acumen, with the ability to think strategically and creatively, meet deadlines and work in a dynamic environment to effectively manage change.
• Ability to work autonomously. Requires excellent organizational and office administration skills.
• Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare and deliver presentations and educational programs regarding conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, the media, local organizations, officials, and the general public.
•  Ability to lead and meet organizational goals.
• Ability to research, analyze, interpret, and explain conservation laws, principles and practices and materials to provide general knowledge of Iowa’s recreational opportunities.
• Ability to prepare and deliver proposals, reports, program summaries, and marketing materials.
• Knowledge of marketing principles and the ability to employ innovative marketing strategies, technology and communication tools to market and promote Des Moines County Conservation.
• Ability to analyze and exercise judgement in accomplishing diversified duties.
• Requires the exercise of independent thinking within the limits of policies, standards, and precedents.
• Machines, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:
  • Computer programs (Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator; Microsoft Word, Access, PowerPoint, Excel, Mail, Calendar; Asana)
  • 14-passenger van
  • various hand tools and equipment related to facility maintenance, and recreational equipment.
• Reports to Environmental Education Manager.
• Subject to criminal background and credit history review.

Salary and Benefits:

• Part-time LTE position, up to 29 hours per week; flexible schedule
• Starting pay: $18-$20/hour (community funded)
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) participating position
• Required 6-month probationary period
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Employee at will

To Apply, send cover letter with resume and references to:

Des Moines County Conservation
Attn: Marcus Nack, Environmental Education Manager
13700 Washington Rd.
West Burlington, IA 52655
Email: conservation@dmcounty.com

• Job Type: Temporary
• Department: Conservation
• Salary Range: $18-$20 / HR
• Posted: 4/26/24
• Expires: Posted until filled.