Aquatic Education Coordinator (DOW #34562

Job Title Aquatic Education Coordinator (DOW #34562)

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Job Requirements & Classification

Description:

Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.

Our Mission.

It is the mission of New Mexico's Department of Wildlife: "To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety."

Please visit our website for more information at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..gov

The New Mexico Department of Wildlife aquatic education program leads the Department's effort to support and promote the public's awareness and understanding of aquatic ecosystem conservation, as well as the ethical and informed participation in outdoor fishing-related recreational activities. This position coordinates with Agency staff, aquatic and fishing skills education contractors, and volunteer instructors to develop, organize, and provide educators, teachers, students, and the general public with skills training, workshops, programs, written articles, and presentations on aquatic resources, Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), angling, and watershed conservation education.

They write and monitor aquatic and sport fishing-related federal grants and identify teachers' needs related to curriculum development. This position also designs and reviews aquatic resource education programs for teachers and educators to use in K-12 schools and outdoor education settings. They will develop procedures to ensure that teachers, instructors, contractors, and Agency staff implement curriculum, activities, and lessons successfully, meeting program goals with an emphasis on experiential and skills-based instruction.

The Aquatic Education Position requires experience developing and producing informational products for the general public, K-12 students, and educators on fishing skills and techniques, fish species, fish habitat needs, and topics related to sport fishing, Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN), and aquatic habitats.

• Provide in-school and community programs focused on educating teachers, students and the public about New Mexico's aquatic wildlife and how the Department manages those species.
• Offer school and public events that provide hands-on training in angling skills, water quality, aquatic ecology, and fisheries biology.
• Assist partner organizations, such as Trout Unlimited (TU), with education programs that are designed to provide instruction and skills training relating to angling and aquatic resources.
• Work independently to ensure that courses are held to a high standard, address issues with volunteers and contractors, and ensure the program meets all standards set by the Department and by grants that provide funding or support to the program.
• Develop partnerships with non-profit organizations, government entities, school districts, and community programs to maintain consistent, high-quality messaging and activities.
• Write grants and conduct data collection pertaining to the aquatic education and sport fishing programs.
• Support and assist educational program managers with large public events, including: large events, Outdoor Adventure Show, Youth Hunter Education Challenges, R3 and marketing efforts, Archery programs, off-highway vehicle safety and awareness programs, conservation education programs, fish and wildlife projects, marketing and informational efforts, etc.

The purpose of this position is to educate the public, youth & adults, about aquatic ecosystems and sport fishing in New Mexico. Additionally, this position will work with Agency volunteers, other Agency programs, Agency contractors, and other mission-related partners.

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor's degree, and 2 years of experience in wildlife/fisheries management and/or natural resources/outdoor education or closely related discipline.

The ideal candidates will have experience in the following:

• Evaluating, coordinating, and implementing educational events and programs
• Experience in developing lesson plans
• Experience in working with diverse audiences
• Coordinating with partners to benefit sport fishing educational efforts
• Managing a wildlife/fisheries program or project that had regional or statewide implications
• Knowledge of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems
• A strong background in various types and methods of sport fishing, equipment used for sport fishing, and maintenance of sport fishing gear
• Have knowledge using Microsoft word, excel, and other computer programs

Associate's Degree and three (3) years of experience in program administration or project management in areas related to the purpose of the position. Any combination of education and/or direct experience in this…