Wildlife Communications Specialist (Outdoor Skills)- 20058845

About the role

The Wildlife Communications Specialist (Outdoor Skills) position is with the Division of Wildlife, headquartered at the Division District One Wildlife Office in Franklin County, located at 1500 Dublin Road, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The role supports the Division’s mission in central Ohio through education, outreach, and hands‑on training, and serves as a key liaison to conservation partners, government agencies, and community groups.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) manages 76 state parks, over 750,000 acres of wildlife land, and more than 2 million acres of water, employing a diverse workforce that includes biologists, engineers, communicators, law‑enforcement officers, and many others. Employees have opportunities to participate in public events at parks, nature preserves, wildlife areas, and annually at the Natural Resources Park at the Ohio State Fair, as well as Lunch and Learn events streamed on Teams Live.

Responsibilities

• Supports the Division of Wildlife's mission in central Ohio through effective education, outreach, & hands‑on training
• Provides instruction in archery, firearms, hunting, fishing & trapping, & develops programs that strengthen outdoor skills & deepen public understanding of conservation
• Leads R‑3 initiatives to recruit, retain, & reactivate hunters, anglers, & trappers
• Coordinates Learn to Hunt programs along with hunting, trapping, & fishing clinics that build participant confidence
• Delivers educational presentations, produces instructional materials, & oversees volunteers, as a key liaison to conservation partners, government agencies & community groups
• Maintains equipment, manages inventories, assists range administration, & helps coordinate staff for events, making it central to expanding wildlife education & outdoor skills participation across the district

Requirements

24 months of training or 24 months of experience in wildlife education or fish &/or wildlife management AND 1 course or 3 months of experience in public relations.

Or completion of an undergraduate core program in wildlife education or fish &/or wildlife management AND 6 months of training or 6 months of experience in wildlife education or fish &/or wildlife management AND 1 course or 3 months of experience in public relations.

Or an equivalent combination meeting the Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment.

Skills

• Communications
• Education
• Wildlife
• Creativity
• Attention to Detail
• Public Speaking
• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Visual Design

Pay

Starting hourly pay of $26.54/hr with multiple pay increases over the first 5.5 years of service, reaching an end salary of $34.53/hr. Cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLA) may be applied, and longevity pay supplements begin after five (5) years of state service. Refer to the OCSEA pay range schedule and longevity rates for details.

Schedule

Full‑time position with regular work hours of 8 am – 5 pm, subject to change.