ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER III

INTERNAL TO CURRENT DNR MERIT, LTC AND SEASONAL EMPLOYEES ONLY

This position works to meet the goals of the Departmental R3 (Recruit, Retain and Reactivate) plan and provide leadership to meet the US Fish and Wildlife Sportfish Restoration Act and Aquatic Resource Education requirements. The incumbent provides scientific and technical support to the Unit’s Conservation Education and Stewardship Division to develop, manage, and conduct science stewardship programs and develop materials to advance these efforts. The position has the primary responsibility for leading the ‘fish in the classroom’ programs, and coordinating and overseeing technical and financial assistance to local partners, schools, and community organizations for native aquaculture programs. This position leads the delivery of scientifically-sound and relevant professional development opportunities for park staff and other Maryland educators. 

The Aquatic Resources Education Technician plans, evaluates, and implements fish in the classroom programs based on current fisheries science, practices, and regulations. Staff evaluate the science of water quality, climate change, and assessments about how land use changes impact water quality, affect supporting aquatic systems, incorporating these topics into plans and programming. The technician establishes short- and long-term goals and develops plans for the statewide aquatic resource participation while continuing to facilitate partnerships with environmental organizations, community organizations, schools, and state and local park staff. 

This position works cooperatively with local partners, teachers and school system administrators, environmental advocates, and science/technical staff from state, federal, and non-government organizations to develop and administer natural resource and stewardship programs. This position supports the Unit and Department on the planning and implementation of programs, activities and events in order to achieve the State’s stewardship commitments of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement and Maryland Commission on Climate Change.

• Coordinate and implement technical and financial support, annual professional developments, and stewardship projects for participants in the programs. Serve as the liaison with the Fishing and Boating Services Unit in the Department to acquire aqua studies permits, approve release locations, and coordinate release activities.  
• Plan, evaluate, and implement fish in the classroom programs based on current fisheries science, practices, and regulations. Incorporate the science of water quality and climate change issues and evaluate how land use changes impact water quality and supporting aquatic systems into plans and programming. Establish short- and long-term goals and develop plans for the statewide aquatic resource participation while continuing to facilitate partnerships with environmental organizations, community organizations, schools, and state and local park staff. 
• Maintain records of participation for reporting at the end of the grant cycle and identify and develop related communications messaging and products that highlight program impacts.

The incumbent will be assisting with the support of Departmental efforts of the recruitment, retention, and reactivation of hunters, anglers, boaters and shooters (R3) Initiative, as needed.

• Plan and deliver angler programs, activities and events. 
• Provide technical guidance to update existing and create new angler education programs for the Department. Work to achieve the State’s and Department’s commitments to the USFWS R3 Initiatives. 
• Stays current regarding State and Regional regulations and practices.

The incumbent will assist CES staff as needed with planning and delivery of a variety of educational programs, activities, and events. 

• Collaborate with other educators while providing scientific and technical direction to update existing and create new education programs for the Unit and Department, as needed. 
• Share and communicate experiences gained to assist with ongoing efforts to improve and expand any of the Department’s education programs. 
• Work to achieve the State’s and Department’s commitments to the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. 
• Participate as a member of the Conservation Education Matrix Team that works to coordinate education and outreach among the Department's units. 
• Coordinate frequently within the Center, Unit, and Department and with external partners to assure that education programs are being delivered efficiently and effectively to support and help meet the Unit’s and the Department’s overall mission and objectives and advance conservation education and stewardship-related policy goals. 
• Provide support for other program and Department functions and needs as they arise and ensure effective communication and customer service during telework.  

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division. Please note, standard business hours for the help desk are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inquiries made after hours will be reviewed the following business day. 

If you need to make adjustments to a submitted application before the announcement deadline or if you have general inquiries regarding this recruitment, please contact Alexandra Gast at Alexandra.gast@maryland.gov

Please provide ample time to complete the application template. If you are having technical difficulties submitting an application on the day of the deadline, it is strongly advised that you complete the JobAps physical application template and hand deliver to DNR - HRS at 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 before 4:30 p.m. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources cannot guarantee that late submissions, as a result of technical difficulties, will be accepted.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.