11/17/1995 61235

AQUATIC RESOURCES PROGRAM SPECIALIST

DEFINITION: This is specialized professional work providing information, education and advisory services in the development and implementation of the aquatic resources education, recreation and safety programs of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

An employee in this class plans, develops, and implements education, recreation and safety programs intended to promote and stimulate interest in conservation and safety practices associated with the wise and safe use of Pennsylvania's aquatic resources; assists in the administration, consultation and evaluation of aquatic resources recreation programs managed by the Fish and Boat Commission; analyzes and evaluates program proposals, develops program initiatives and guidelines, and develops materials that effectively describe aquatic recreation, education and safety programs. The work involves developing statewide or regional programs by assessing program and educational/training needs for the assigned area, developing strategies and plans to meet those needs, preparing curriculum and plans, conducting classes and workshops. The work also involves preparing pamphlets and brochures, writing articles for newspapers and magazines, designing models, displays and visual aids for use in public exhibits, schools, and information centers. Work includes conducting studies and surveys, public speaking appearances and related activities associated with the promotion and enhancement of fishing and boating opportunities statewide or in an assigned region. Work also includes research, analysis of data, and meeting with Federal, state and local government officials to evaluate needs and develop strategies to meet those needs; provides in-service training for field personnel engaged in aquatic resources recreation, education and boating and water safety programs; provides school administrators and instructors with information concerning the latest techniques and materials available for the instruction of aquatic education courses; administers and manages volunteer programs; works with Federal entities and officials to account, report and administer federally-funded projects; and develops audio visual aids and course materials appropriate for use by educational institutions. Supervision may be exercised over a few subordinates and volunteers engaged in aquatic resources program development and implementation activities. Assignments are received in the form of general instruction, and are performed with considerable independence of action and latitude of judgment in their completion. Work is reviewed by a professional supervisor upon completion through conferences, analysis of written reports, program effectiveness and attainment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Plans, develops, and implements aquatic resources recreation, education and safety programs.

Speaks before government, community, civic groups explaining aquatic resources recreation, education and safety programs, objectives, methods and funding to encourage interest and active support.

Encourages and promotes aquatic resources recreation, education and safety programs by conferring and collaborating with educational, conservation, civic, agricultural, youth, boating and sportsmen's groups.

Represents the agency before national and state professional organizations devoted to aquatic resources recreation, education and safety programs.

Gathers, compiles and analyzes boating accident and investigation reports and designs educational and information programs to prevent future accidents.

Plans, develops, and implements training and information programs on safe boating practices, boat handling and operation, boating accident prevention, and water survival and rescue techniques.

Conducts classes and workshops for educational, civic, boating, water rescue, and sportsmen's organizations, and other government agencies.

Prepares instructional materials for schools and organizations including course outlines, visual aids, audio, and exhibits.

Provides training to volunteers, facilitators and other individuals involved in agency programs.

Writes articles and news releases for newspapers and periodicals.

Supervises and participates in the preparation of motion pictures, slides, and other visual aids; prepares story treatment and script for such visual aids; plans and participates in conservation education programs for radio and television presentation.

Conducts needs assessments, develops project proposals for Federal funding, evaluates programs based on objectives and prepares summary reports.

Plans, supervises, and maintains aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety exhibits and cooperates with various entities in developing exhibit programs.

Plans, assigns, and directs subordinate personnel and volunteers in conducting the aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety programs; prepares speech outlines and other materials for public presentation by agency personnel.

Maintains close liaison with other state and Federal agencies to promote, develop, and conduct aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety courses.

Instructs field personnel, public school administrators, teachers and volunteer instructors in aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety programs and techniques.

Reviews and develops program initiatives and proposals for reasonableness in accordance with Fish and Boat Commission's program guidelines, desirability and probability of attaining the proposals. Prepares summary reports, and recommends approval, modification, and funding priority.

Develops program pamphlets, brochures, guidelines and demonstration project proposals that explain Fish and Boat Commission's aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety programs.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles, and objectives of aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety.

Knowledge of the organization and administration of Federal, state, and local government as it pertains to aquatic resource recreation, conservation education and water safety.

Knowledge of current social, economic and ecological factors and their impact on aquatic resources recreation, conservation education and safety.

Knowledge of Federal and state legislation relating to aquatic resources protection, recreation, conservation and water safety.

Knowledge of the principles and practices of aquatic resources recreation, conservation education, and safety management.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques related to recreational fishing and boating.

Knowledge of the theory, practices, techniques and principles associated with adult learning.

Knowledge of public relations techniques.

Knowledge of the available informational and educational materials related to aquatic resources conservation, recreation and boating safety.

Knowledge of the principles of effective supervision.

Ability to compile, analyze and evaluate complex data and apply sound judgment in arriving at conclusions.

Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Federal, state and local governmental officials and community groups.

Ability to communicate the importance of aquatic resource conservation and boating safety education to school administrators, public officials, and interested groups.

Ability to write and edit forms of informational and educational materials for films, course outlines, publications, and exhibits.

Ability to use personal computers to develop and design training and informational materials.

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

Ability to train subordinate personnel and other educators in the techniques used to conduct education programs.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Two years of professional experience in the administration, planning, or development of aquatic resources programs that included one year of experience in the development and implementation of aquatic resources education programs.

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Any equivalent combination of experience and training which must include one year of experience in the development and implementation of aquatic resources education programs.