Job Description
JOB 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. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES 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. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION 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: Jon Terrazas at j.terrazas@admin.nv.gov