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Watershed Education Specialist

Medina County Highway Engineer
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JOB SUMMARY

The Watershed Education Specialist leads the District's watershed education, public outreach, and conservation education programs throughout Medina County, with a primary focus on youth education. This position develops and delivers engaging educational programs for schools, community organizations, municipalities, and the general public while promoting soil health, water quality, and natural resource conservation. The Watershed Education Specialist serves as the District's primary contact for school and youth outreach, coordinates watershed education initiatives, and collaborates with local governments, watershed organizations, partner agencies, and community groups to advance the District's conservation mission.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Watershed Coordination

  • Coordinate and implement watershed education and outreach activities throughout Medina County.
  • Lead the implementation and ongoing development of watershed-based education initiatives and youth programming.
  • Assist with the development, implementation, and updating of Ohio EPA Nine Element Watershed Plans, including the Upper Chippewa Creek Watershed.
  • Coordinate stream cleanups, volunteer events, watershed workshops, field demonstrations, and community outreach activities.
  • Represent the District at watershed group meetings and participate in regional watershed partnerships including, but not limited to, the Rocky River Watershed Council and Central Lake Erie Basin initiatives.
  • Develop partnerships with local governments, community organizations, and conservation partners to advance watershed protection efforts.

Education Programs

  • Develop, schedule, coordinate, and deliver environmental education programs for schools throughout Medina County.
  • Serve as the District's primary liaison with school districts, teachers, administrators, and youth organizations.
  • Develop classroom, outdoor, and virtual educational programming aligned with conservation and natural resource topics.
  • Seek opportunities to expand educational programming through new partnerships, community organizations, youth programs, libraries, camps, and similar venues.
  • Coordinate and participate in youth conservation education events including Ag Day, Envirothon, Earth Day, conservation career events, and similar programs.
  • Assist with teacher workshops, educator trainings, and volunteer training opportunities.
  • Represent the District at community events, fairs, festivals, workshops, and public meetings.

Public Information & Outreach

  • Develop and implement public information and education programs supporting both Phase II MS4 and non-Phase II conservation initiatives.
  • Develop strategies to increase public awareness of conservation practices and District programs.
  • Assist in creating educational publications, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, presentations, displays, and digital media.
  • Contribute articles and educational content to the District Newsletter, T.E.A.C.H. Newsletter, website, and social media platforms.
  • Coordinate public outreach campaigns promoting soil health, water quality, forestry, wildlife habitat, and conservation best management practices.

Grant & Program Administration

  • Assist with grant writing and grant administration supporting education, watershed, and conservation projects.
  • Maintain accurate program records and activity tracking using Beehive.
  • Complete required reporting for grants, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio EPA, NRCS, and other funding agencies.
  • Compile program statistics, annual reports, and educational metrics as requested.
  • Assist in development of annual work plans and program goals.

District Operations

  • Participate in weekly staff meetings and coordinate schedules with District staff.
  • Work collaboratively with District staff to support office-wide conservation programs and special projects.
  • Provide technical and educational assistance to the public regarding District programs and conservation practices.
  • Maintain records and documentation required by the District, Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission, Ohio Department of Agriculture, Ohio EPA, and NRCS.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

Education

  • Associates degree or further.
  • Degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Environmental Education, Biology, Ecology, Watershed Science, Forestry, Agriculture, or closely related field preferred.

Experience

  • Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in environmental education, natural resources, watershed management, conservation, or a closely related field preferred.
  • Teaching or classroom experience preferred.

Specific Skills

  • Program development and management
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong public speaking and presentation abilities
  • Ability to communicate technical information to diverse audiences
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Project coordination
  • Grant writing and reporting experience preferred
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • Creative problem solving
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Familiarity with GIS, social media, graphic design software, or educational technology is desirable.

Specialized Knowledge, Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid Ohio driver's license with acceptable driving record.
  • Ability to obtain Project WET, Project WILD, Project Learning Tree, or similar environmental education certifications if requested if not already certified.
  • Knowledge of watershed management, stormwater management, conservation practices, and natural resource protection preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Must be willing to work both indoors and outdoors during all seasons.
  • Ability to walk over uneven, rough, agricultural, and streamside terrain.
  • Ability to participate in stream cleanups, tree plantings, and other field activities.
  • Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 30 pounds.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.
  • Willingness to operate District vehicles while conducting official business.
  • Regularly required to communicate effectively with the public, staff, elected officials, partner agencies, schools, and volunteers.
  • Must provide services in a professional, respectful, and non-discriminatory manner consistent with Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights requirements.

SUPERVISION & PERFORMANCE

The Watershed Education Specialist is expected to independently develop daily, weekly, and monthly work schedules while coordinating priorities with the District Manager and other District staff. Progress is reviewed through regular staff meetings, project updates, and annual performance evaluations.

Performance evaluations will be conducted annually using standards established by the Medina County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors. This position description will be reviewed periodically and updated as necessary to reflect changing organizational needs.