Title: Curriculum Specialist
Requisition Id: 4184
Salary: $58,116.00 - $72,528.00
Salary Grade: S9
Job Location: Powder Valley Nat Ctr (KIRKW1) - Other MDC Office Locations may be considered.
Closing Date: October 3, 2025
Our Culture: The Missouri Department of Conservation supports a culture of trusted professionals that is dedicated to our mission, responsible stewards, and believe in One MDC.
To learn more about the job, feel free to contact the hiring supervisor,Shawn M Gruber at Shawn.Gruber@mdc.mo.gov or at573 5224115x3829, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
The Curriculum Specialist oversees the development and maintenance of nine nature-based curricula and educational materials in alignment with state and national academic science standards; collaborates with staff to develop and implement a Discover Nature Schools strategic plan and maintains partnerships with other education organizations.
Essential Job Duties
- Oversee the development of nine nature-based curriculums and educational materials in alignment with state and national academic standards and science education pedagogy.
- Coordinate with curriculum contributors and production team to align curriculum to meet state and national science standards and MDC mission.
- Develop and maintain partnerships with other education agencies, entities, and organizations; coordinate with other partners to maintain consistency in current conservation practices and environmental education.
- Oversee and manage the MDC Teacher Portal, ensuring education resources are relevant to schools, review database reporting systems for accuracy and plan for improved reporting systems in the future.
- Exhibit and present at educational conferences and promote nature-based curriculum.
- Establish and implement Discover Nature Schools (DNS) program’s strategic plan and vision in collaboration with field and agency leadership teams.
- Review, revise and assess Discover Nature Schools (DNS) grants and the associated processes annually.
- Implement the Discover Nature Schools (DNS) evaluation to assess program effectiveness and adapt program based on the results.
- Prepare agreements with contractors.
- Develop and facilitate MDC Conservation Education staff training of curriculums and current education practices.
- Create and distribute Discover Nature Newsletter and write articles for education and conservation magazines
Ancillary Job Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in education, curriculum development, biology, or forestry, fisheries, or wildlife management or closely related field required, Master’s degree in education, curriculum development, English, or closely related field desired.
- 3 years of relevant work experience required.
- Teaching certification desired.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Understanding of science education and training best practices.
- Understanding of leadership and team motivational principles.
- Understanding of contract administration and development.
- Understanding meeting facilitation strategies.
- Understanding of computers and computer systems, including Microsoft Office products, web-based software, and web-based teacher portals.
- Understanding of data and records management and record keeping.
- Budget development and implementation.
- Strong reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.
- Interpersonal communication and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
Work Environment
- Every day, the position requires work in an office environment.
- Once a week or more (but not every day), the position requires being in a closed vehicle or operating enclosed equipment (like a car).
- Once a year or more (but not every month), the position requires exposure to extreme cold and heat.
Physical Abilities
- Multi-tasking in an office environment, often sitting for long periods at a time.
- Possessing and maintaining a valid Missouri driver’s license.
- Lifting up to 35 pounds.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; an employee will also perform other reasonably related job responsibilities as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required. The Missouri Department of Conservation reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. Management reserves the right to change job descriptions, job duties, functions, and requirements.
Exemption Status/Special Notes
This position has been determined to be Exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Employees must agree to accept compensatory time in lieu of cash payments in accordance with the Department's Compensatory Time Off and Overtime Policy.
Salaried and hourly employees are expected to use a mobile device-cellular phone for Department business, as needed.
MDC promotes a Tobacco-Free (smoke and smokeless) working environment.
The Department of Conservation will only hire United States citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. All new employees will be required to complete an "Employment Eligibility Verification" (Form I-9) and produce requested documentation after employment.
Candidates seeking initial employment or re-employment must submit to a drug screen following offer of employment.
All persons employed with the state of Missouri shall file all state income tax forms and pay all state income taxes owed.
Nearest Major Market: St Louis