Conservation Education Analyst

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOBThe purpose of the class is to manage the operations of the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District (RSWCD), which includes coordinating, planning and implementing environmental and conservation programs in Richland County and promoting coordinated outreach and information programs for the Richland County Conservation Department (RCCD), and the Richland County Conservation Commission (RCCC).SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Provides technical and financial oversight for RSWCD’s projects, including direct and indirect supervision of project participants, interns, volunteers, Administrative Assistants and other staff. Coordinates diverse project teams from Richland County departments, the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), university partners, not-for profit organizations, and Conservation Districts statewide.

Develops, coordinates, and conducts comprehensive education programs for the RCCD in support of Richland County programs of the RSWCD and the RCCC. This includes working closely with the Richland County Public Information Office (RCPIO) as these programs service a wide audience including landowners, farmers, teachers, students, natural resource professionals, public officials, and the general public.

Performs various financial responsibilities, including state and federal grant administration, proposal writing, budgeting and accounting, report preparation, project implementation, and direct and indirect supervision of grant participants and subcontractors.

Develops new and synthesizes existing educational materials, including brochures, print and digital media and photography/videos, and conducts programs to promote and educate public officials, citizens, and professional organizations about conservation easements, historical restoration projects, greenways, mitigation banking, watershed and water quality protection projects, and other natural resource conservation programs.

Conducts and oversees fieldwork, research, and data analysis in support of technical and grant funded programs. Communicates results to a technical audience through technical reports, articles, and presentations.

Works cooperatively with K-12 Richland County schools to develop, coordinate, and conduct environmental and conservation programs and curricula, teacher certification programs, and in-service training for teachers. When appropriate, aligns programs and curricula with relevant academic standards and guidelines. Mentors school conservation projects and provides support for classroom conservation education.

Works cooperatively with the Richland County Public Works Department (Stormwater Management Program) to develop, coordinate, and conduct environmental and water quality programs to mutually benefit water quality and conservation efforts in developed and urbanizing areas of the County.

Represents the RCCD and works to develop, coordinate, and conduct cooperative educational programs with, but not limited to, Richland County Public Works, Solid Waste and Recycling, and Sustainability Coordinator; the City of Columbia, Clemson University, University of South Carolina (USC), USDA, SC Department of Agriculture, SC Department of Health and Environmental Control, SCDNR, and organizations such as the Gills Creek Watershed Association, Richland County Stormwater Consortium, Sustainable Midlands, the SCACD, and the Environmental Education Association of SC.Notifies

and monitors the RSWCD Board of Commissioners to ensure compliance with deadlines and reporting requirements as required by state and federal agencies and organizations including SCDNR, USDA-NRCS, SC Association of Conservation Districts (SCACD), and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD).Creates long-range plans and annual work plans for the RSWCD. Evaluates program effectiveness and uses results to drive development of future activities and long-range program plans.

Responsible for creating and monitoring budgets associated with grants and conservation programs.

Creates and…