03/05/2010 64610

WILDLIFE INFORMATION AND EDUCATION DIRECTOR

DEFINITION: This is highly responsible professional information and education work directing the wildlife information, outreach, marketing, public relations and education programs in the Bureau of Information and Education, Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The employee in this job is responsible for planning, developing and directing wildlife information and education programs to promote public understanding of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s mission, functions, objectives and accomplishments. Work involves directing the development and coordination of agency outreach and educational projects, multi-media productions and exhibits, safety and training courses, website and news releases, publications, research, and agency marketing strategies. Work also involves developing public education policy for the Agency; and managing the Bureau’s budget. The employee interacts with commissioners, agency staff and federal, state and local officials in carrying out assignments. Supervision is exercised over a Press Secretary 2 and other professional staff who are involved in all phases of the Bureau’s programs. Work is assigned by the Executive Director in the form of broad objectives and agency strategic plans and is evaluated through the overall effectiveness of programs.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Directs and evaluates, through subordinate supervisors, extensive wildlife information, outreach, marketing and educational programs for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Directs and supervises the preparation of multimedia, video and internet productions, exhibits, publications, instructional courses, and agency training programs.

Provides advice and recommendations to executive staff and commissioners on policies, plans and program initiatives.

Manages the Bureau’s budget to include the identification of sources of alternative funding for programs and oversight of federal, state and local grants.

Directs programs designed to provide information to various audiences and to promote increased recruitment and retention activities of hunters and trappers.

Directs hunter safety education, accident prevention, and related training and education programs.

Fosters and promotes hunting as a viable biological, recreational and cultural activity through various media outlets.

Directs the analysis and research of wildlife management practices, trends and public policy.

Delivers presentations on agency policies and programs.

Represents the agency in meetings with federal, state and local officials.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

The employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of wildlife management.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of hunting safety.

Knowledge of all media used in public relations.

Knowledge of the methods and techniques used write and edit informational material for a variety of audiences.

Knowledge of methods used to develop and deliver training and educational programs.

Knowledge of methodologies used in the research, collection, analysis, and presentation of statistical data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Six years of professional wildlife information or conservation education experience which included one year of experience communicating wildlife information or conservation policies to the public, and a bachelor’s degree;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.