05/19/1998 54800

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the development and presentation of environmental education and interpretive programs and activities at a DCNR state park or environmental education center, or similar professional work in another Commonwealth agency.

An employee in this class develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education and interpretive programs and activities at a state park or environmental education center. Work requires establishing and maintaining close working relationships with local and state conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, and the public concerning environmental education and interpretive programs. Work is assigned in the form of programs and activities and the employee exercises professional judgment in the completion of the assignments. An employee in this class reports to an Environmental Education Specialist Supervisor at an environmental education center, a Park Manager at a state park, or an administrative supervisor. The work of employees who report to Park Managers is reviewed by the Environmental Education Regional Program Coordinator for completeness, quality, technical accuracy, and proficiency.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, coordinates and presents environmental education and interpretive programs and activities at a state park or environmental education center.

Facilitates environmental education and interpretive activities by conducting discovery learning activities, audiovisual presentations, teacher workshops, staff workshops, and other environmental learning programs.

Provides assistance to educational institutions, civic groups, and public organizations in developing and implementing environmental education and interpretive programs, teacher in-service workshops, and curriculum development.

Operates and maintains visitor service centers and resource libraries.

Coordinates the Environmental Education Volunteer Program for the park or environmental education center.

Maintains natural, historic, cultural, and archeological collections.

Assists in researching and developing educational publications and exhibits.

Coordinates the use, repair, and maintenance of environmental education and interpretive equipment.

Develops and presents localized special activities for park visitors and environmental and interpretive programs focusing on localized natural history, historic and cultural events, and environmental management issues for students, youth groups, special populations, civic organizations, and others.

Facilitates guided walks and presents audiovisual presentations including preparing lesson plans and scripts for the presentations.

Establishes and maintains working relationships with local and state conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, and the public concerning environmental education and interpretive programs.

Prepares letters, memoranda, correspondence, reports, lesson plans, and other written material as required.

Travels to various work locations.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and practices of natural resources conservation.

Knowledge of the biological, physical, and natural sciences.

Knowledge of the social/cultural sciences.

Knowledge of educational principles, practices, methods, and techniques as applied to environmental education and interpretive activities.

Knowledge of environmental problems, issues, and solutions.

Ability to read, interpret, and apply the Commonwealth's and/or agency's relevant rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability to develop and effectively present environmental education and interpretive programs.

Ability to read and interpret technical environmental education and interpretive material.

Ability to conduct technical environmental education and interpretive research and present findings and recommendations.

Ability to schedule and coordinate environmental education and interpretive programs and activities.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers; field personnel; local, state and Federal conservation officials; educational personnel; educational groups; environmental organizations; civic organizations; and the public.

Ability to prepare letters, reports, memoranda, lesson plans, and other written material.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT: Willingness to work weekends and evenings. Willingness to wear a prescribed uniform.