Water Quality Education Specialist- Part Time

WATER QUALITY EDUCATION SPECIALIST

Department:
Allen County Department of Environmental Management FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Classification/Level: Part Time Date: 05/2026

Under the direction of the Director of Department of Environmental Management and MS4 Program Coordinator, the Water Quality Education Specialist carries out the annual work plan as established by the MS4 Coordinator. The Education Specialist educates the public about the impacts of polluted stormwater runoff on water quality and ways the public can minimize their impact to satisfy local, state and federal regulatory requirements.

• Develop a public education and outreach program to inform citizens about the impacts of polluted stormwater runoff on water quality and ways they can minimize it, as directed by the MS4 Coordinator.
• Provide opportunities for public participation and involvement in the stormwater quality education program.
• Develop educational materials and carry out activities aimed at educating all sectors of the public about water resource and water quality issues.
• Provide presentations and water quality information at fairs, festivals, expos, workshops and to community organizations, businesses, schools, residents, teachers and other agencies.
• Develop and provide public service announcements, website information, and news articles on water quality topics and maintain a presence on social media outlets to educate users on water quality issues and activities.
• Support education and training efforts for Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) entities regarding regulatory requirements for Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination, Construction and Post Construction, and Pollution Prevention and Good Housekeeping Minimum Control Measures.
• Help provide data for the MS4 Coordinator’s annual report outlining the activities accomplished each year to satisfy MS4 regulatory requirements.
• Keep elected officials and supervisors updated on the activities and programs accomplished, including meeting annual reporting requirements to MS4 regulatory agencies.
• Develop and implement a program for educating public employees, schools, businesses, and the general public about illicit discharges and proper disposal of waste.
• Perform research on water resource and water quality issues and attend trainings and conferences as required.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, Public Relations/Communications, Education, Journalism or a related field, plus field work experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to create brochures and educational materials.
• Strong presentation and training skills.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), web design software and related software for website administration.
• Specialized knowledge of the principles and practices of public information correspondence, including the ability to write news releases, public service announcements and speeches.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with media, community organizations, and residents.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills and the ability to work independently.
• Knowledge of water quality related issues and local, state and federal water quality regulatory requirements.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license for operating county‑owned vehicle.

The Water Quality Education Specialist performs work consisting of duties that, while limited in scope, involve substantial intricacy and require consideration of several variables or factors when writing acceptable and comprehensible water quality educational materials for the public. It is essential that the educator communicate with the public in an understandable and enlightening manner to help change constituents’ attitudes about their responsibility to keep local waterways free of pollutants.

The Water Quality Education Specialist makes choices and takes actions when developing and carrying out activities aimed at educating all sectors of the public…