Outdoor Education Volunteer Coordinator

The Massachusetts Department of Fish & Game works to preserve the state's natural resources and people's right to conservation of those resources, as protected by Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution. To carry out this mission, the Department exercises responsibility over the Commonwealth's marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife species, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them.

The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) is responsible for the conservation - including restoration, protection and management - of fish and wildlife resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public.

The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Fisheries and Wildlife is accepting resumes and applications for the position of Outdoor Education Volunteer Coordinator (Game Biologist III). This position is assigned to the Field Headquarters in Westborough, MA.

A cover letter and resume must be submitted as part of the application process and attached "as relevant" to the requisition.

Within the Outreach and Education (O&E) Section under the direction of the Assistant Director of O&E and under the supervision of the Hunter Education Program Administrator, the Outdoor Education Volunteer Coordinator (Game Biologist III) assists in the outreach, recruitment, training, management, evaluation, and retention of volunteer instructors for MassWildlife's Hunter Education Program, Angler Education Program, Learn to Hunt Program, Youth Mentored Hunting Programs, and other outdoor recreation programs. Assists in establishing the program content and curriculum delivered at courses. Performs related tasks as required.

 

Specific duties include:

 

1.        Conducts outreach to recruit and retain a diverse pool of qualified volunteer instructors.

2.        Conducts background (CORI) checks, screens, and interviews volunteer instructor candidates.

3.        Recruits, trains, and motivates volunteer instructors and teaching teams to retain their services.

4.        Develops, schedules, plans, and conducts instructor-training workshops.

5.        Under the direction of the O&E Assistant Director, coordinates with other O&E staff and volunteer instructors to schedule courses and prepare resources needed for upcoming courses.

6.      Develops, utilizes, and adapts training materials.

7.      Evaluates instructors and teaching team abilities and performance.

8.     Maintains records and certification of instructors in database.

9.    Maintains routine communication with instructors and keeps them informed of current and new program procedures, laws, and training materials.

10. Solicits routine feedback from volunteer instructors to make program improvements under the guidance of the O&E Assistant Director, Hunter Education Program Administrator, Angler Education Coordinator, and R3 Coordinator.

11.  Identifies and implements tactics to demonstrate volunteer recognition and appreciation under the guidance of the O&E Assistant Director, Hunter Education Program Administrator, Angler Education Coordinator and R3 Coordinator.

12.   Assists in establishing instructor policy and procedure guidelines including curriculum standards for new and existing instructors.

13.   Assists in teaching education courses, including Basic Hunter Education, Angler Education, Learn-to-Hunt, Becoming an Outdoors Woman, and others, as needed.  

14.     Coordinates equipment needs and performs inventory. Works with program staff to identify locations for courses.

15.     Serves as a contributing member of MassWildlife's Recruitment, Retention, and Reactivation (R3) committees.

16.     Serves as MassWildlife's liaison with the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp coordinating all logistics of the mandated Hunter Education course.

17.   Assists in the statewide assessment of program objectives under the guidance of the O&E Assistant Director, Hunter Education Program Administrator, R3 Coordinator, and Angler Education Coordinator. 

18.     Performs related duties as assigned.

 

Qualifications required at hire:

 

1.       Knowledge of education principles.

2.      Knowledge of general principles of ecology and wildlife management.

3.     Knowledge of teaching/training methods, equipment, and procedures, particularly as they apply to Hunter Education programs.

4.        Knowledge of hunting practices, firearms and safe firearms handling practices and other related outdoor skills.

5.        Knowledge of fishing and aquatics.

6.        Knowledge and/or experience in volunteer management.

7.        Knowledge and skill in planning, developing, and organizing effective volunteer training workshops.

8.        Ability to address public groups and conduct effective volunteer instructor training workshops.

9.        Ability to evaluate teaching effectiveness of volunteer instructors.

10.     Ability to deal tactfully with others.

11.     Ability to work effectively with volunteer instructors, education professionals and other diverse publics.

12.     Ability to assemble, organize and report data.

13.     Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written formats.

14.     Ability to exercise sound judgment, work independently, and be self-motivated.

15.     Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with others.

16.     Ability to work effectively with a group.

17.     Ability to motivate and organize volunteers.

18.     Ability to use PC-based computer systems and basic software packages and maintain accurate records.

19.     Ability to work evenings and weekends as may be required.

License / Certification Requirements:

1.     Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or equivalent license from the state in which you reside and an acceptable driving record.

2.      Hunting license / Firearms certification (FID)

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.  Minimum Entrance Requirements:   Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, professional, paraprofessional or technical experience in wildlife biology, wildlife management work or forestry and (B) of which at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, and (C) of which at least one year must have been in a supervisory capacity, or (D) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.         Substitutions:   I. A Bachelor's degree with a major in wildlife management, wildlife biology or forestry may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*   II. A Graduate degree with a major in wildlife management, wildlife biology or forestry may be substituted one year of the required (A) experience on the basis of two years of education for one year of experience.*   *Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.   Special Requirements: Possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's License or equivalent license from the state in which you reside.   An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.