Description of Work:

The Education and Outreach Specialist is responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing educational programs and outreach initiatives that promote the conservation of natural resources. This role involves engaging diverse audiences, including K-12 students, educators, community members, and stakeholders, to foster environmental stewardship and awareness of soil and water conservation practices. This role will also assist with the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP).

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Development and Implementation:
• Plan, organize, and conduct educational programs for youth and adults, including school presentations, workshops, and community events.
• Coordinate and manage events such as Youth Conservation Camp, Envirothon competitions, poster contests, tree giveaway and other related activities.
• Develop and maintain educational materials, displays, and resources to support program objectives.
• Community Outreach:
• Plan and execute outreach strategies to engage various community groups, schools, and local organizations in conservation activities.
• Promote SWCD programs and services to the public and local media through conventional and innovative marketing strategies.
• Develop and maintain content for the SWCD's social media presence on Instagram and Facebook.
• Prepare press releases and engage with media to foster coverage of District programs and events.

• Partnership Building:
• Establish and maintain relationships with community organizations, businesses, schools, and other stakeholders to promote collaborative conservation efforts.
• Serve as staff to the Education and Marketing Committee, monitoring tasks, obligations, and deadlines.
• Assist technical staff with outreach programs related to natural resource conservation and management, including urban/suburban and agricultural issues.
• Event Coordination:
• Organize and participate in community events, and other public engagements to raise awareness about the importance of soil and water conservation.
• Support other SWCD events and programs, appreciation celebrations, and tree seedling giveaways.
• Resource Development:
• Create and distribute educational resources, including brochures, newsletters, and social media content, to support outreach initiatives.
• Program Evaluation:
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of educational and outreach programs, adjusting as needed to improve outcomes.
• Volunteer Coordination:
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers to assist with outreach and educational activities.
• Reporting:
• Prepare narratives, statistics, and analytics for reports.
• Prepare and present reports on outreach activities and program impact to senior management and stakeholders.

Urban Conservation

• Promotes and assists HSWCD urban conservation programs, including the Virginia Conservation Assistant Program (VCAP.)
• Identifies soil and water quality concerns and schedules field visits with landowners and homeowners to address opportunities to resolve erosion, sediment, and nutrient problems.
• Participate in trainings that will promote proficiency in the planning and application of soil and water quality conservation principles, theories and practices.
• Verifies and documents cost-share allocations are being spent as approved and in accordance with program priorities and administrative guidelines.
• Coordinate the evaluation of VCAP Cost-Share applications for the Board in accordance with VCAP ranking protocols.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Education, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience in community outreach, education, or a related field. Experience in environmental conservation is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and abilities:

• Broad knowledge of agricultural and natural resource issues, with an emphasis on soil and water conservation.
• Interpersonal skills inherent in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a diverse audience of stakeholders in the community, other SWCD agencies, other partner agencies, regulatory agencies at the local, state and federal levels, and with District staff, Board and Committee members. Maintain effective working relationships with others in a team environment. Excellent computer skills with the ability to use common programs, including Word, PowerPoint, ARC/GIS, Excel, and Internet navigation, and ability to learn/use new programs and systems.
• Ability to maintain appropriate program records, prepare related documentation and reports, and ensure compliance with funding source requirements.
• Knowledge of urban development issues
• Strong organizational, time management and project management abilities.
• Proficiency in using social media and other digital platforms for outreach.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of soil and water conservation practices and principles

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule to attend programs, events, meetings and other activities as required that may be outside of normal working hours. Position is eligible to earn compensatory time.
• Travel within the district to various outreach locations is expected. The position may require regular independent travel, including occasional statewide and overnight travel
• The ability to perform tasks involving loading, lifting, and carrying moderate weight (up to 25 lbs).
• Additional Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license and a good driving record as verified by the VA DMV A background check will be required.
• Must pass a criminal and federal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.

Salary:

Starting salary will range $60,000 - $65,000 commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

Virginia Retirement System (VRS) plan with employer contribution and match; health insurance, including vision and dental; VRS life insurance; short/long-term disability insurance options; paid holidays; and annual and sick leave.