Title: Conservation Educator
Requisition Id: 4049
Salary: $51,696 - $64,512
Salary Grade: S8
Job Location: Shaw Nature Reserve (VILLA1)
Closing Date: July 9, 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,Jake W Hindman at Jake.Hindman@mdc.mo.gov or at314 3011506x4227, during regular business hours. We would love to hear from you!
Summary/Objective
Accelerate conservation education in schools and the community by providing teacher trainings and student programs, as well as leading citizen involvement opportunities. Serves as the lead for facilitating and delivering MDC programs including Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, Discover Nature Fishing and other programs/activities related to conservation education such as hunting, fishing, trapping, recreational shooting sports, camping, backpacking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and hiking.
Essential Job Duties
- Work and partner with schools and communities to create and deliver high-quality conservation education.
- In an assigned district, manage Hunter Education, Discover Nature Schools, Missouri National Archery in the Schools Program, and Discover Nature Fishing including teacher trainings and grant administration.
- Develop, schedule, and conduct curriculum for workshops, training classes, etc.
- Assist with special events and communication and marketing efforts.
- Instruct and/or assist with programs which include Hunter Education, Bow Hunter Education, Outdoor skills, youth clinics, hunts and other activities both in-person and virtual.
- Work statewide conservation education efforts as needed.
- Participate in statewide conservation priorities such as chronic wasting disease management efforts.
- Answer questions via telephone, email and in-person discussions with internal and external stakeholders and customers.
- Order supplies and track and control expenditures to include those utilizing a state credit card; ensures proper documentation and filing of necessary documentation and forms.
Ancillary Job Duties
- Serve on internal and external committees.
- Other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Conservation Education, Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
- Three (3) years of professional teaching experience in a related subject area.
- Must maintain a valid, current driver's license.
- Preferred certification in one or more of the following: Teaching Certificate, Hunter Education or similar, CPR, First Aid, Firearms, Archery or similar, NRA Range Safety Officer.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Ability to evaluate and develop curricular material for conservation education.
- Ability to operate a personal computer and various audio visual equipment.
- Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with teachers, school boards, county officials, college and university faculty and administrators, civic groups, Department staff and members of other news media.
- Ability to provide quality customer service in a courteous and professional manner.
Work Environment
- Work is typically performed in a standard office environment.
- Frequently work in outdoor weather which may be hot, cold, wet or humid.
- Occasionally exposed to loud noises which may require the use of hearing protection.
Physical Abilities
- Remain stationary up to 70% of the time.
- Move about grounds, both inside and outside of buildings.
- Occasionally operate vehicles, power tools and land management equipment.
- Frequently communicate and exchange accurate information.
- Clarity of vision at 20 inches or less and 20 feet or more.
- Three-dimensional vision - ability to judge distance and space relationships.
- Regularly lift up to 50 pounds, correctly lift up to 75 pounds.
- Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.
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