The Gaston County Natural Resources Department seeks a Conservation Education Fellow to assist with science programs in schools, libraries, and parks. They will coordinate a County-level Conservation Contest for 3rd-12th graders, where the County winners will advance to the Area and State levels of the NC Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Conservation Contests.
The selected Fellow will practice and develop communication skills necessary when working with the public, including: students, parents, and education partners with Gaston Public Schools.
The Fellow will be able to implement best practices in environmental education, as well as learn management practices promoting water quality and soil health.
The Fellow will understand the structure of Soil and Water Conservation Districts in our state and gain experience in the Conservation Partnership.Fellows will be responsible for performing the duties of the position, as outlined by their supervisor, at a satisfactory level throughout the course of the Fellowship Program.
The Fellow selected for this program will:

• Coordinate the county-level Conservation Contest, to include duties such as:
  •  Updating Conservation Contest Publicity Materials.
  • Developing an education presentation aligned with Contest theme and correlated to science standards in each grade level.
  • Communicating about the Conservation Contests with public and homeschool contacts.
  • Scheduling and implementing presentations for 3rd-12th grade classes.
  • Organizing Contest logistics (judging panels, awards, etc.).
  • Collecting Contest entries and coordinating judging.
  • Submitting winners to Area level.
• Assist with communication tasks according to Department needs, including preparing written communication and social media posts.
• Plan and implement a Natural Resources table at public events such as Cotton Ginning Days.
• Assist with science programs for public, private, charter, and homeschooled students. 

Must be currently enrolled in either a Bachelor's program or Master's program. Must have a valid driver's license. Completion of a college-level environmental science course and/or enrollment in or completion of the North Carolina Environmental Education Certification preferred.
Must submit with application:

• College transcript
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Failure to attach the required 3 documents will result in your application being rejected.
Fellows enrolled in a Bachelor's Program will be paid an hourly rate of $20.00.
Fellows enrolled in a Master's Program will be paid an hourly rate of $25.00.The Gaston County Fellowship Program is a 6-month appointment, with a renewable option for an additional 6-months. The selected Fellow must commit to a minimum 6-month appointment.
The candidate selected for this Fellowship Program will be notified of their appointment no later than Friday, June 14th.
The Fellowship Program will commence with a mandatory Orientation on Monday, July 8th.