07/01/1982 64600

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION EDUCATION AND INFORMATION MANAGER

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional and administrative work in the state wildlife information, education, and public relations programs.

The employee in this class is responsible for planning, developing and directing a major phase of the information and education activities, including directing the day-to-day implementation of the agency's public education programs, conservation education projects, motion picture production, slide photography, hunter education, publications and in-service training. As conservation education manager, this employee will be responsible for providing continuing education for agency field personnel engaged in wildlife conservation, supplying school administrators and instructors with information, audiovisual materials, and course aids appropriate for use by public and private institutions. Work will also include assisting in planning, developing, and directing the agency's overall wildlife conservation information and education program to promote better public understanding of agency objectives, functions, and accomplishments. Functional supervision is exercised over a professional, technical, and clerical staff. Work is assigned in the form of projects by the Wildlife Information and Education Director and is performed with considerable independence and only limited supervision. Work is reviewed for program effectiveness, adherence to Commission policy and guidelines, and effectiveness of staff utilization.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans and develops special projects for inclusion in an extensive wildlife public relations, information and conservation education program.

Develops and directs the preparation of wildlife motion picture, slides, exhibits, publications, instructional courses, and agency training programs.

Develops and coordinates wildlife education programs for use by public and private schools.

Coordinates wildlife conservation education programs with educational, conservation, civic, agricultural, youth and sportsmen's groups.

Develops continuing education programs for agency personnel engaged in wildlife conservation.

Assists in planning, developing, developing, and directing the overall agency wildlife conservation information and education programs.

Plans, assigns, and directs subordinate personnel in conducting wildlife conservation education programs.

Speaks to sportsmen's groups, school administrators, community groups, and agency personnel on wildlife conservation education and hunter education.

Maintains close liaison with state and Federal conservation agencies and the Pennsylvania Department of Education to promote and conduct wildlife education courses and workshops.

Serves as administrative supervisor in the absence of the Wildlife Information and Education Director.

Reviews reports and provides advice to central office and field personnel.

Evaluates program effectiveness for present and future agency needs.

Provides format for revision and updating of existing manuals.

Prepares reports of an advanced nature.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices applied in planning and conducting a comprehensive public relations program for wildlife information and conservation education.

Knowledge of modern principles and practice of wildlife management and the ability to apply these effectively to specific problems.

Knowledge of the relationship of wildlife conservation to the total natural resource concept and to agency objectives.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of hunting safety.

Knowledge of available information and educational materials related to wildlife conservation.

Knowledge of all types of media used in public education and public relations.

Knowledge of modern administrative practices and procedures.

Knowledge of current personnel practices.

Knowledge of current education practices.

Ability to interpret and disseminate information and changes in rules, regulations, and agency policy to subordinate personnel.

Ability to indicate the importance of conservation education to school administrators, public officials, and interested groups.

Ability to plan, develop, and direct wildlife information, conservation education, and hunter education programs.

Ability to speak effectively before school administrators, instructors, and interested organizations.

Ability to train subordinate personnel in the techniques used to conduct conservation education programs.

Ability to understand and carry out complex assignments and programs with limited supervision and in accord with accepted and current policy.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with allied Federal, state and education personnel.

Ability to evaluate program effectiveness and implement changes.

Ability to prepare brochures and educational aids for publication.

Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Four years of professional experience in development and implementation of conservation education programs; and a bachelor's degree with course work in education, wildlife management, communications, or a closely related field.

                                                                                                                                                              or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.