Aquatic Education Specialist

Description

Please note: Applications will be accepted through 4:59 p.m. MDT on the posting end date.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) is seeking an Aquatic Education Specialist to join our Communication Bureau to oversee Idaho Fish and Game’s statewide Aquatic Education Program. This position is stationed at our headquarters office, situated adjacent to the Boise Greenbelt, the MK Nature Center, and the Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park in Boise.

This position will support IDFG's mission by educating anglers and the public about Idaho’s aquatic resources and offering information and instruction on how and where to safely, lawfully, and effectively fish. IDFG structures its angling and Aquatic Education programs to provide experiential learning opportunities, both in the classroom and at Idaho’s many lakes, rivers, and ponds.

Why IDFG? We are a premier natural resource agency dedicated to preserving, protecting, perpetuating, and managing Idaho's fish and wildlife for this great state. We are committed to creativity, innovation, and excellence as we cultivate opportunities for our customers to engage with our natural resources and become resource stewards for future generations. We are highly dedicated to our mission, committed to our team, and we know how to balance work/life commitments while loving the work we do. 

What We Offer: 

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance - employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.80/month for dental
• Participation in one of the Nation's best state retirement systems
• Generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start (accumulate approximately 3 weeks of vacation the first year, and increasing with state longevity)
• Eleven paid holidays a year
• Eight weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Multiple saving plans-optional 401k and 457 plans 
• Group Life Insurance/Disability Insurance/Supplemental Life Insurance - state provided basic life insurance coverage and affordable supplemental plans 
• Public Sector Student Loan Forgiveness (eligibility requirements may apply)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential support, information, and resources for all of life's challenges
• State and Department Wellness Programs 
• Ongoing training opportunities 
• Potential flexible work schedule  

General Information:

• Incumbents, with or without reasonable accommodation, must be capable of lifting objects weighing up to 70 lbs. and carrying them 200 feet, stand while lecturing up to five hours a day, and work in all weather conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee, coordinate, and provide strategic direction of statewide angler education including the Take Me Fishing Trailer community events and school group angler education programs, the Idaho State Park fishing program, Free Fishing Day events, and informal and formal angler education programming.
• Oversee, coordinate, and provide strategic direction of statewide Aquatic Education programs including the Trout in the Classroom program.
• Responsible for compiling the Aquatic Education grant and annual reports for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program.
• Create and revise program materials, evaluate programs, procure equipment supplies, and maintain database of program participation.
• Work with IDFG Regional Communication Managers to ensure all regional Aquatic Education efforts align with statewide goals.

Minimum Qualifications: (These qualifications are required.)

• Good knowledge of wildlife, wildlife management, biology, or zoology. (Typically gained by successful completion of at least two upper division college courses in fish, wildlife, biology, zoology, or other related field, OR approximately two years of experience in the field of wildlife and/or aquatic conservation. This experience can be with a governmental agency or non-governmental agency that deals with conservation, conservation education, environmental education, or outdoor education.)
• Some knowledge of grants administration. (Typically gained by successful completion of a course or training on grants administration OR six months of experience developing and monitoring grant budgets, scope of work, timetables and reporting requirements and experience reviewing reports, expenditures, budget information, and compiling performance data)
• Experience developing and presenting wildlife educational talks. (Typically gained by developing and presenting wildlife education talks to school, civic organizations, sportsmen's groups, etc., that were given on a regular basis and involved several different wildlife species - animals, birds, and/or fish.)
• Valid driver's license.

Minimum Qualification Specialty Areas: (These qualifications are required for this current opening.)

• Good knowledge of an aquatic or angler education program (Typically gained by successful completion of at least two upper division college courses in fish, wildlife, biology, zoology, or other related field, OR approximately two years of experience in the field of wildlife and/or aquatic conservation. This experience can be with a governmental agency or non-governmental agency that deals with conservation, conservation education, environmental education, or outdoor education.)
• Experience in classroom teaching or teaching lessons to youth in an informal setting. (Typically gained by at least one year of experience in classroom teaching or teaching lessons in an informal setting.)
• Experience teaching angling classes to youth or adults. (Typically gained by at least six months experience teaching angler or Aquatic Education.)

The ideal candidate will have: (These qualifications are not required, however if you have relevant education or experience in the areas listed under the ideal candidate, please be sure to include it within your application material that you submit. Candidates with this education or experience may be given additional consideration during the interview process.)

• Good knowledge of Idaho fisheries resources.
• Natural resource science degree or closely related degree.
• At least two years of experience teaching groups outdoor skills
• At least two years of experience collaborating with outside partners and staff to plan, promote, and implement fishing programs.
• Organized and detail oriented to successfully complete statewide grants and reports.

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, please see the following:

• (Video) Idaho Fish and Game - We Make It Happen

Thank you for applying with us!

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Idaho Department of Fish and Game
P.O. Box 25
Boise, Idaho 83707

WEBSITE:
https://idfg.idaho.gov/

If you have questions,
please contact us at:

EMAIL: 
idfgjob@idfg.idaho.gov

PHONE: 
(208) 334-3773

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.