Youth Conservation Coordinator

The Dane County Land and Water Resources Department, Parks Division, in Madison, WI, is recruiting for a full-time (1.0 FTE) Youth Conservation Coordinator (Project) position.

The Eligibility List created may be used to fill future vacancies over the next six (6) months.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Definition

Under direction of the Engagement & Visitor Services Manager, this position is responsible for developing internships and strengthening the Youth Volunteers for Conservation Program for the Land & Water Resources Department (LWRD).

Examples of Duties

Duties include but are not limited to: Expand, maintain and oversee the youth volunteer program (Youth Volunteers for Conservation) for LWRD. Develop, recruit, train and evaluate internships for LWRD. Identify, build and maintain strategic partnerships to help meet department goals. Assist in training, support and evaluating interns and LTE Staff. Perform public outreach and event organization. Organize and maintain site spaces and materials. Assist in content development and revision for social media, website and other communications media and materials. Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience and Special Requirements

Education, Training and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent, plus either two (2) years of experience in parks and recreation, conservation, volunteer management and/or formal/informal educator, or at least a two (2) year Associate’s degree in recreation resource management, education, conservation or related field.

Certifications/Licenses

Must obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicators License and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification within six (6) months of hire.

Special Requirements

Must have a valid driver’s license, or access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Availability to work as required including nights, weekends, holidays, and during special events. Also refer to the “Physical and Environmental Work Requirements” section below.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions

Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Arabic, Hmong, etc.).

Applicants being considered for bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process prior to employment. This will primarily consist of passing an oral language proficiency assessment from English to foreign language and foreign language to English, but may require additional language testing, such as written translation, if it is an essential function of the job.

*If applicable, individuals may confirm with the Employee Relations Division whether results of bilingual language certifications/examinations they currently hold qualify them for the position’s bilingual designation.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements

This position works both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and requires walking, sitting and standing for long periods. Must have the ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without adaptive devices. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to sit, stand, stoop, bend, use finger, wrist and hand motions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated ability to work well in collaborative relationships across organizations and teams. Ability to work in a public setting and project a positive image. Ability and commitment to working with diverse audiences. Strong teaching, interpretation and presentation skills as well as the ability to interact and communicate with a variety of audiences in a professional and engaging manner. Ability to effectively create, implement and run educational programs for persons of all ages and ability levels. Ability to plan and implement internship recruitments, training and evaluations.