1

Conservation Education Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Conservation Education information

What is conservation education?

Conservation education is the process of teaching individuals and communities about the importance of protecting natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems. It aims to increase awareness, knowledge, and skills that encourage sustainable behaviors and responsible decision-making regarding the environment. Conservation education can take place in schools, nature centers, parks, zoos, or through outreach programs, and often involves hands-on activities and community engagement. Its ultimate goal is to foster a sense of stewardship and inspire actions that benefit both people and the planet.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation educator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservation Educator, you need a solid background in environmental science or biology, often supported by a relevant degree and experience in educational programming. Familiarity with educational tools, curriculum development software, and sometimes certifications like Project WILD or environmental education credentials are valuable. Excellent communication, public speaking, and adaptability help engage diverse audiences and foster conservation awareness. These skills ensure effective knowledge transfer, community involvement, and support for conservation initiatives.

How does a conservation education specialist typically collaborate with other departments or organizations?

Conservation Education specialists often work closely with a variety of teams, such as wildlife biologists, marketing professionals, and community outreach coordinators, to design and implement educational programs. They may also partner with local schools, non-profits, and government agencies to broaden the reach and impact of their conservation messages. Regular collaboration ensures that educational materials are accurate, engaging, and aligned with current conservation priorities, and fosters a supportive environment for sharing resources and expertise. This teamwork is essential for developing innovative programming and achieving organizational conservation goals.

What is the difference between Conservation Education vs Environmental Education?

AspectConservation EducationEnvironmental Education
CredentialsTypically requires degrees in environmental science, education, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional focus on sustainability and policy
Work EnvironmentZoos, nature centers, parks, conservation organizationsSchools, community programs, NGOs, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily conservation-focused organizations and parksEducational institutions and broader environmental sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople interested in conservation-focused rolesIndividuals seeking broader environmental awareness roles

Conservation Education focuses specifically on teaching about conservation practices and protecting natural resources, often within parks, zoos, or conservation groups. Environmental Education has a broader scope, covering general environmental issues, sustainability, and policy, often in schools or community settings. While both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, Conservation Education emphasizes conservation strategies, whereas Environmental Education emphasizes overall environmental awareness.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Education jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Conservation Education jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Conservation Education jobs in Indiana?

For Conservation Education jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Conservation Education jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Conservation Education job openings:

Infographic showing various Conservation Education job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

District Support Specialist

Fort Wayne, IN • On-site


State of Indiana
Public Administration • 10K+ employees

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 189 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states

People enjoy working here

Recommended by students

Respectful managers


$53K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Division of Soil Conservation:
The Division of Soil Conservation assists farmers in applying advanced agronomic technologies while improving health and water quality. We are members of the Indiana Conservation Partnership, providing technical, financial, and educational assistance to implement economically and environmentally compatible land and water stewardship decisions, practices, and technologies.
Role Overview:
This incumbent will serve soil and water conservation districts in the northeast region of the state. The counties included in this area are: Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Kosciusko, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley, Allen, Miami, Wabash, Huntington, Wells, Adams, and Blackford. This incumbent may be asked to spend the first 6 months in a soil and water conservation district office to promote relationship-building. After the first 6 months, this candidate will be eligible for remote work. It is preferred that candidates live within the defined coverage area. Please note that the city listed in the job posting does not represent or determine the required office location for the candidate.
We are looking for candidates who value service, collaboration, adaptability, and integrity.
This role requires significant interaction with external partners and other District Support Specialist team members. Problem-solving is a large component of carrying out this role.
This position will require early morning and evening travel to attend meetings across the region and other locations, such as central Indiana. This may result in deviation from the 7.5-hours-per-day work schedule.
Salary:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
  • Encourage and facilitate multi-SWCD program efforts.
  • Work with districts and conservation partners in the development of effective regional educational programs regarding the impact of soil erosion on soil productivity, off-site sedimentation damage and water quality, with emphasis on effective conservation implantation to reduce adverse effects.
  • Develop, conduct, and/or arrange for professional training for SWCD supervisors and employees to strengthen district(s) capacity for fulfilling their legislative mandates and improving soil, water and related natural resource conditions in their respective communities.
  • Provide administrative guidance to SWCDs concerning records, annual meetings, program planning, supervisor elections and appointments, personnel and financial management, and compliance with applicable federal or state laws or administrative code requirements.
  • Provide leadership to SWCDs and other conservation partners for the assessment of local soil and water conservation issues and needs and in formulating long range business plans and annual program plans to address local and regional soil and water conservation issues and needs.
  • Help identify opportunities for expanding district capacity and provide leadership in developing and carrying pilot projects with districts to demonstrate those opportunities.
  • Work with districts and their respective county officials to increase local funding for staffing and other resources needed to carry out effective local conservation programs and assist districts in establishing new partners to advance their local conservation programs.
  • Assist districts in developing mutual agreements, contracts for services, grants and other nontraditional sources of funding to support their expanding responsibilities to serve as the local clearinghouse for conservation assistance as well as increase technical assistance to land users.
  • Develop tools for districts to use to document the value of conservation services provided by districts and their partners as well as the economic and societal benefits to their respective counties.
  • Assist DSC leadership in implementation of ICP Strategic Plan, coordinating SWCD support for Strategic Plan success and increasing conservation implementation for local landowners.
  • Essential functions of this position require travel on most workdays to inspect, audit, examine, survey, or investigate clients, customers, or other regulated entities and write reports at those sites or employee's home. Employee reports to the agency's office for occasional meetings or events. Number and timing of work hours may vary daily or weekly to accommodate operational needs and staffing concerns at the client's or customer's worksite, minimize expenditures for repeated visits to complete the work, and allocate resources to complete assigned work effectively.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
What You'll Need for Success:
Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:
  • Specialized knowledge of the theories, principles, and practices of erosion and sediment control and related water quality considerations.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize variable workload.
  • Ability to prepare and present educational/informational materials to various types of audiences.
  • Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to natural resource issues.
  • Advanced knowledge of divisional and departmental policies, procedures and objectives.
  • Knowledge of SWCD legal structure, functionality, and mission.

A degree is not required.
Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
  • Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
  • Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
  • Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
  • Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
  • Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
  • A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
    • 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
    • Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
  • Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
  • 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
  • Education Reimbursement Program
  • Group life insurance
  • Referral Bonus program
  • Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
  • Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  • Free Parking for most positions
  • Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Current Employee? Click here to apply.


What State Of Indiana employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom