Outdoor Education Community Engagement Specialist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR):

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana's fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview :

The Outdoor Education Community Engagement Specialist is a professional-level position within the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Fish, Wildlife, & Nature Preserves, Office of Planning & Public Engagement. This role works closely with the Recruitment, Retention, & Reactivation (R3) team, Public Engagement team, and other partners to develop and implement communication and outreach strategies that support R3 programs and initiatives.

The position leads efforts to increase public awareness and participation in fishing, hunting, trapping, shooting, and other wildlife-based outdoor recreation activities through content development, customer engagement campaigns, events, and educational programs. The incumbent manages outreach and communication initiatives, evaluates program effectiveness, and serves as a liaison across Division staff, the public, and partner organizations. The role requires strong communication and project management skills, knowledge of outdoor recreational activities and wildlife conservation, and the ability to work independently while building collaborative relationships with diverse audiences.

The position primarily works weekdays; however will be required to work some evenings and or weekends as needed. Some travel in-state and out of state will also be required.

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

* Establish program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.

* Develop, update, and monitor all policies and procedures related to the program area.

* Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to leadership or customers.

* Implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.

* Analyze, prepare, and disseminate monthly and annual program reports.

* Review budget and make budgetary recommendations to improve the program area finances.

* Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.

* Assist in the development and train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.

* Coordinator and deliver communication plans and communications.

* Serve as a liaison between agency and other state and federal agencies.

* Serve on management committees or other governing boards.

* Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.

* Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either

* a Master's Degree with 1+ years of experience, or

* a Bachelor's Degree with 3+ years of experience, or

* a Associate's Degree with 5+ years of experience, or

* at least 7+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.

You must meet the following requirements to be considered for employment:

* Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.

* Specialized knowledge of program area including pertinent rules and regulations.

* Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state…