Conservation Education and Field Specialist
Position Overview
The Conservation Education and Field Specialist will be ACCD’s education and field expert tasked with stakeholder engagement related to soil and water conservation. This position primarily supports ACCD’s urban soils field work and analysis, Envirothon program delivery, and natural resource outreach and education. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in the field and, after training, will independently collect field data, process and analyze soils, share results and host community soil testing events. Additionally, the role requires effective communication with the public and stakeholders. This position will lead Envirothon, an annual environmental education competition, requiring the ability to manage both big-picture planning and smaller logistical details necessary for successful events. Finally, this role will develop, implement, and evaluate natural resource programs. Additional tasks include administrative duties, executing grant deliverables, tracking metrics, brainstorming potential partnerships or methods for engagement, maintaining an outreach calendar, organizing workshops, and staying informed on complex issues related to natural resource management, agriculture, land use, development, infrastructure, and shifting weather and climate patterns. This position reports to the Program Team Director, collaborates across departments, and has no supervisory duties.
Responsibilities
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Community Agriculture and Urban Soils Program Support (55% FTE): • Sample, process, and analyze parameters in soil, such as heavy metals and overall soil health. • Complete soils field work to include sampling layout, soils collection, and transportation to the ACCD office. • Become certified and trained in safety to use a handheld XRF for soil analysis. • Process and analyze soil samples using a handheld XRF for heavy metals. • Communicate results with land stewards. • Host outreach and education events for the Community Agriculture and Soils Program. • Support urban soil remediation and urban agricultural projects. • Design and implement best management practices for soil and water health. • Respond to inquiries and resident questions in a friendly and timely manner across phone and email. • Track, evaluate, and analyze program metrics, using data for decision-making and funder reports. Envirothon Coordination and Outreach (25% FTE): • Organize and lead the Allegheny County Envirothon, providing resources available to those interested in participating. • Strategize and increase funding for the county event, including transportation grants for school districts and scholarships for winning team members. • Assist Envirothon coaches with participation in the county event and coordination for the state competition. • Perform education and outreach activities to inform teachers and coaches about Envirothon, relevant subject materials, and opportunities available for participating students. • Coordinate the release of scholarship funds for winning team members’ continued education options. Natural Resource Outreach and Education (15% FTE) • Develop and deliver outreach materials to landowners, stakeholders, government officials, and the public on topics including watersheds, agricultural conservation, water health, riparian ecosystems, and resilience. This includes the development of publications, fact sheets, webpages, and/or presentations for ACCD staff, as well as planning, managing, and delivering public events to support the ACCD’s mission. • Engage and develop relationships with key stakeholders, including non-profit organizations, educators, agency partners, municipal officials, etc. • Plan and execute outcome-focused meetings, including agenda setting, facilitation, minutes, assignment of action items, and follow-up. • Work with the Communications Manager to create engaging content that highlights ACCD’s work across multiple platforms. • Identify opportunities for ACCD to pursue new partnerships, programs, or funding, and communicate details to staff. • Assist other ACCD staff members with training events, workshops, field days, and other educational activities. • Represent ACCD at appropriate meetings, committees, conferences, and workshops. Administrative Duties (5% FTE): • Maintain records for all grants and delegated programs including quarterly reporting and reimbursement requests. • Prepare monthly activity report for the Board of Directors meeting. • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Don’t meet every qualification but believe you’re a great fit? Apply, we’d like to hear from you! Content and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental studies, education, life sciences, natural resources and/or related field, plus two to five years of professional experience. Fluency in natural resources including soil science, agriculture, water, changing weather patterns, and best management practices for built environments. Experience with relevant state and federal agencies and knowledge of USDA NRCS practices is a plus. Communication Skills: Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written. Curiosity and comfort with public speaking, direct in-person communication, and phone-based outreach. Communication skills must be sophisticated, understand nuance, practice active listening, and masterfully manage communication flow. Project Management and Administrative Skills: Ability to develop project management milestones and timelines, coordinate meetings, events, budgets, and people. Prioritize and multitask with several project deadlines at once. Organize, coordinate, and manage meetings, events, tours, clinics, and workshops. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, TEAMS, Zoom, Adobe, Google, etc. Must be flexible to work evenings, weekends, and extended hours when needed. Self-Directed and Confident: Ability to work independently on complex assignments with minimal supervision. Work with staff at all levels to understand key topics, goals, and impact measures, and use that understanding to help create educational materials and programs.
Preferred Level of Education
Bachelor's Degree
Benefits Offered
ACCD offers a highly competitive compensation package and a motivated, employee-centered workplace. Beyond salary, compensation includes a 3% Simple IRA match, health insurance with family coverage, short- and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid sick, and a generous paid holiday and vacation package in accordance with the ACCD Employee Manual.
Compensation/Salary
$50,000-$55,000
How to Apply
To apply, please email a cover letter, resume, and three references with “Conservation Education and Field Specialist” in the subject line to resumes@accdpa.org. The position will remain open until it is filled. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
About Allegheny County Conservation District
Allegheny County Conservation District (ACCD) is part of a national regulatory network and plays an important role in how communities in Allegheny County preserve, protect, and restore natural resources. ACCD is a progressive district with a creative approach to conservation and a diverse portfolio including urban and rural agriculture, watershed and wetland stewardship and improvement, and regulatory enforcement of four state laws that protect soil and water health.
Learn more about Allegheny County Conservation District
Equal Employment Opportunity
ACCD is an EOE employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. ACCD follows Pennsylvania’s at will employment policy.