JOB TITLE: RECREATION AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 55130

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Recreation and Conservation program series describes professional work in the development and administration of recreation and conservation programs in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional work developing and evaluating statewide recreation and conservation programs in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

An employee in this job plans, develops, implements, coordinates, and evaluates statewide recreation and conservation programs. Work involves developing and recommending statewide goals, objectives, and priorities; developing and recommending program regulations, policies, procedures, and guidelines; ensuring program consistency with any applicable federal requirements; and conducting evaluations of programs and preparing reports on findings and recommendations. Work may also include administering and managing recreation and conservation planning, development, and implementation of statewide projects and initiatives of unusual size and complexity due to the number of partners involved, sensitivity, project scope, and related measures. Supervision may be exercised over Recreation and Conservation Advisors and lower level staff. Work is performed under general direction and is reviewed for adherence to established policies, procedures, standards, and objectives.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work is differentiated from the Recreation and Conservation Advisor 2 by the responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating statewide recreational and conservation program policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Develops, recommends, implements, coordinates, monitors, and evaluates statewide program activities related to recreation and conservation.

• Develops, recommends, implements, coordinates, and evaluates statewide technical program regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Reviews overall progress and results of assigned programs to evaluate effectiveness and develop recommendations for policy or procedural changes.

• Provides specialized technical information and guidance in the interpretation and application of policies and procedures.

• Leads and directs team members of statewide recreation and conservation projects and initiatives that are of unusual size, complexity, and sensitivity and that involve multiple counties, bureaus, state agencies, or partner organizations.

• Develops and delivers speeches, presentations, and workshops to government, civic, business, and community groups and organizations to explain programs, provide technical assistance, and stimulate interest and increased participation in recreation and conservation planning and partnership building.

• Plans and conducts statewide conferences to support recreation and conservation program initiatives.

• Plans and conducts research into current and emerging trends, issues, methodologies, and techniques involving recreation planning and natural resource conservation.

• Represents the department on committees, task forces, and ad hoc groups.

• Reviews proposed federal and state legislation to determine impacts on operations, programs, and activities, and recommends enhancements as needed.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of their subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of recreation, parks, and natural resource conservation management practices.

• Knowledge of the organization and administration of federal, state, and local government pertaining to recreation, parks, and natural resource conservation project planning, development, and implementation.

• Knowledge of social, political, and economic factors impacting recreation, parks, and natural resource conservation planning.

• Knowledge of environmental and ecological processes impacting recreation, parks, and natural resource conservation planning.

• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to planning, development, and implementation of parks, recreation, and conservation programs and projects.

• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in community outreach and partnership building.

• Knowledge of practices and methods utilized in the development and implementation of local, regional, and statewide recreation and conservation programs.

• Ability to perform mathematical calculations.

• Ability to read and interpret written material.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• One year of experience as a Recreation and Conservation Advisor 2 (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional experience in parks, recreation, or natural resource conservation administration, planning, or development; and a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, city, regional, urban, or environmental planning, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.