Conservation Educator I

Would you like to work with people who are dedicated to conserving the Commonwealth’s fish and wildlife resources? Do you want to be part of an agency that provides opportunities for everyone to enjoy the outdoors by fishing, hunting, boating, recreational shooting, wildlife watching or related activities in Kentucky? Join us in the exciting, innovative, and rewarding environment of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR)!

Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources strives to maintain healthy populations of fish and wildlife across the state. The employees of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife are passionate about the resources they manage. The Information and Education Division of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife teaches the public about the importance of conservation and our agency's role in it.

The Conservation Educator I in the Information and Education Division plays a key role in engaging the public, highlighting the importance of conservation and the agency’s leadership in protecting Kentucky’s natural resources. Salato Wildlife Education Center (SWEC) is seeking a self-motivated qualified candidate to educate and inform the public about Kentucky’s native animal species and how the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources helps to conserve them. The incumbent will work dayshift. Saturday hours are necessary in this position.

Responsibilities and job duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Regularly schedule and conduct educational programs for Salato that support the mission of KDFWR in hunting, fishing, KY Wild and wildlife conservation. This includes regular roving with program animals, daily site interpretation, public animal enrichments and training programs, and community outreach.

• Assist with daily operation of Salato including visitor services, running cash register, selling licenses, answering phones, opening and closing procedures, general grounds, hiking trial, and exhibit maintenance. Learns all the operations listed above to be able to serve as weekend manager.

• Recruit, train, monitor, and support individuals in the volunteer program. Includes organizing and scheduling large scale special events such as National Hunting & Fishing Day.

• Care for train, feed, and transport small program animals for use in educational programs.

• Support interim employees in their development of educational programming. Occasionally monitors programming and provides feedback on ways to improve.

• Perform other duties as needed.

Should be able to run, stoop, bend, push, pull, and lift heavy object or child from an unsafe place and traverse rugged terrain. Should be able to lift heavy objects, carry 25 pounds of equipment several hundred yards, and operate outdoors during inclement weather.

Preferred skills may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Knowledgeable about the principles of conservation education, care, and training of birds of prey, and a variety of other native animals, such as bears, bobcats, snakes, etc.

• Have classroom and public speaking experience and be able to engage diverse audiences effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Possess at least one certification in hunter education, hunter education instructor, boater education, Project Wild, American Red Cross cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), first aid, automated external defibrillator (AED).

We offer a great package of EMPLOYEE and FAMILY-FRIENDLY BENEFITS, including:

• A 37.5-hour work week (with occasional overtime required)

• Paid Time Off (Sick and Vacation) plus Paid Holidays

• Overtime/compensatory time

• Affordable Health Insurance with optional Health Reimbursement Account

• Life Insurance

• Retirement

• Wellness Incentives Program

• Training and career development opportunities; paid continuing education

• Optional Deferred Compensation program (401K)

• Employee Discounts on electronics, health and wellness, retail, travel, events, entertainment, services, and education

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in a natural or physical science, education, recreation, or related field.

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS: NONE

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.): Must be at least 21 years old. Must possess a valid driver's license prior to employment in this job classification. Must obtain either a hunting or fishing license issued by the KDFWR, Hunter Education certification, and a certification in first aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) during the first six months of employment. Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.

Working Conditions

Work is performed in an outdoor classroom setting and/or on outdoor firing ranges. May work in a residential camp setting with 200 campers per week.

Probationary Period

This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 6 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.