The Conservation District Program, managed by the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, supports the 28 Conservation districts across the state. This program collaborates with state, federal, county, non-governmental, and local partners to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of conservation districts. The Program is involved in numerous statewide and national conservation initiatives to protect, enhance and restore public and private agricultural and conservation landscapes. Conservation districts provide the conservation leadership on a local level and our Program offers assistance and collaboration to help the boards meet their conservation priorities and goals. The Staff Specialist will assist conservation districts (CDs) in their assigned region by providing administrative, technical, and educational support and will be primarily located in Las Vegas, NV. They will offer expert guidance on natural resource issues, addressing challenges across diverse ecological systems. The Staff Specialist will support CDs with monthly or bimonthly meetings, including administrative tasks, facilitation, reporting, fiscal management, and other duties. The role also involves ensuring CDs meet their legal requirements to remain in good standing with the State and State Conservation Commission. The position requires flexibility in managing multiple projects for various CD boards, with regular travel to rural communities. Strong communication and presentation skills are essential for working with partners and the public on natural resource issues. A solid background in natural resource issues and conservation practices is essential for addressing priority concerns in the region. The applicant should be knowledgeable about agricultural and working landscapes in their region and their importance in conservation on a watershed scale. They will provide technical expertise across various natural resource fields to support project management, grant writing, and technical assistance for both new and existing grant-funded initiatives. This position is typically 50 percent in the field and 50 percent in the office.
Conservation Staff Specialists assist in developing, formulating, and coordinating programs, policies, and procedures related to areas such as resource management, safety and training, fire management, and policy management pertinent to the assigned area of natural resource management, preservation, conservation, and protection.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in biology, ecology, environmental studies, environmental science, fire management, forestry, geology, natural resource management, parks management, or related field and three years of professional experience in a relevant resource management field that included assisting in developing, formulating, and coordinating programs, policies and procedures; coordinating special grant programs and/or contracts; and coordinating training programs; OR graduation from high school or equivalent education and five years of professional experience as described above; OR one year of experience as a Conservation Staff Specialist I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.
Assist in the formulation and development of policies and programs; compile technical data; consult with field personnel; assess needs; develop goals, objectives, and timeframes; write specifications; design and plan activities; evaluate budget provisions; analyze, evaluate, and develop grant proposals; coordinate resources available; and formulate annual work plans for implementation.
Manage contracts, concessions, leases, and agreements; develop, evaluate, monitor, and mediate procurement and implementation of services contracts; oversee statewide concession activities; audit concessionaires and inspect premises to ensure compliance with contract terms; maintain appropriate records and prepare reports.
Review, evaluate and oversee program operations; review reports and statistics; analyze information regarding new technology and methods available; conduct field inspections; assess program quality and results; develop and recommend alternative approaches; develop and revise emergency procedures as needed; prepare summary reports; assess contract provisions, successes and the need for future modifications; study and research programs in other areas; and monitor budget and cost effectiveness in order to meet program objectives and increase efficiency.
Coordinate and implement training programs; evaluate requirements; assess needs; incorporate new equipment and procedures; organize training resources; develop written plans; compile training materials; secure funds; coordinate instructors; maintain records of employee training needs and training completed; and coordinate with related agencies in sharing resources to provide for staff development.
Gather and evaluate information for budget review and requests; summarize program descriptions; prepare justifications; coordinate and organize information on monies generated through program activities; assess requests in terms of statutory requirements; and prepare justifications for new personnel and equipment.
May supervise lower-level professional, technical, and/or administrative staff to include performance evaluations, work performance standards, scheduling, work assignment and review, training and discipline as required.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under general supervision, incumbents, on a statewide basis, develop, formulate, and coordinate Statewide programs, policies and procedures related to areas such as resource management, safety and training, fire management, and policy management pertinent to the assigned area of natural resource management, preservation, conservation, and protection.
Manage resource management programs; review and develop resource plans, assist in grant development for resource projects and monitor resource actions statewide to ensure compliance with federal and State requirements for resource management.
Coordinate special grant programs; organize and develop program proposals; distribute grant or application forms to entities; negotiate cooperative agreements; review and evaluate completed applications; analyze program objectives; submit applications for final approval; cooperate with other agencies; and maintain records concerning use of funds and program criteria to protect, enhance, and conserve natural resources.
Manage volunteer programs; recruit volunteers and perform background checks; prepare contracts describing work to be done; write job descriptions and train volunteers.
Coordinate division activities with other federal and State agencies, special interest groups and the public; represent the division and provide information to the public and governmental entities; make presentations; appear before governmental and regulatory bodies; prepare press releases and interact with the media.
This class is distinguished from the Conservation Staff Specialist I by the broader scope of responsibility and additional experience required to coordinate the assigned statewide programs. This is the advanced journey level in the series.
This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.
Working knowledge of: practices and procedures applicable to obtaining and distributing grant funds; wildland and structural fire prevention and suppression; current best practices in natural resource conservation and management; safety practices and principles.
Ability to: plan, organize, and coordinate one or more statewide programs; establish goals, objectives and timetables consistent with the division's mission; analyze problems and develop and recommend effective solutions; develop and justify budgetary requests; perform statistical and cost management analysis; coordinate and implement training and resource management programs; negotiate contracts, leases and agreements; read, interpret and explain technical documents applicable to assigned programs; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with federal, State and local entities, private contractors, boards and commissions involved in natural resource management and conservation.
Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley – [email protected]
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
