CONSERVATION STAFF SPECIALIST 2 - CONSERVATION DISTRICT PROGRAM
Salary
$67,296.24 - $100,098.72 Annually
Location
Las Vegas
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
2026-01805
Department
DCNR - CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
Opening Date
05/06/2026
Closing Date
5/13/2026 12:00 AM Pacific
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit
D
Max Number of Applicants
50
Salary Grade
36
Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)
Las Vegas, NV 89108
Job Summary
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.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelors 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.
Job Duties
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.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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 divisions 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
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.
Benefits include:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
No Nevada state income tax.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).
For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
The following are legal holidays:
January 1.............................................. New Years Day
Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday
Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday
Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
July 4.................................................... Independence Day
First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
November 11........................................ Veterans Day
Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
December 25........................................ Christmas Day
When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255
01
Conservation Staff Specialist 2 - Do you have any of the following?
02
Experience with GIS and GPS is required. Can you meet this requirement?
03
Field experience is required. Can you meet this requirement?
04
Project Management experience is required. Can you meet this requirement?
05
This position requires a valid drivers license at the time of appointment and for continuing employment. Can you meet this requirement?
06
This position requires travel up to 50% of the time. Can you meet this requirement?
07
Do you have experience making oral presentations to formal boards, commissions or community partners? If so, please explain when and where you obtained this experience.
08
Do you have experience applying for and administering federal, state or private grants? If so, please explain when and where you obtained this experience.
09
Do you have experience and plant or wildlife identification in the field? Please indicate Yes or No.
Required Question
Employer State of Nevada (NV)
Address See Above for Agency Information
See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701
Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov