State of Maine Recruitment – Education Specialist III

Department of Education

Education Specialist III – Natural Resource Specialist

Code: 3060 Pay Grade: 26 – $51,521.60 – $76,731.20/Annually

Open for Recruitment: October 19, 2022

CLOSES: November 2, 2022

Purpose:

• This is professional services work in planning, developing, coordinating, administering and evaluating CTE programs for CTE schools and school administrative units. This position provides specialized support related to agriculture and natural resources education, as well as additional support to designated CTE schools.
• Responsibilities include working with local, state and federal officials in developing, implementing and coordinating statewide CTE programs, including implementation of evaluative techniques in the context of comprehensive CTE school reviews and Perkins grant reviews in order to ascertain the effectiveness of programs and program expenditures, as well as counseling CTE schools on the alignment of their programs with Maine’s educational standards, assessment systems and MDOE initiatives. The position specializes in CTE agriculture and natural resources program development and implementation. The position also participates in the development of MDOE legislation as needed.
• Work is performed under limited supervision. Travel, sometimes extensive, is required, while participating in general CTE team functions and professional conferences and trainings.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of education administration and teaching methods and materials, particularly in relation to agriculture and natural resources and CTE.
• Knowledge of CTE issues and evidence based solutions, particularly in agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of rules, regulations and guidelines applicable to and enforced by the Department.
• Knowledge of current learning research and exemplary educational practices, particularly related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of community involvement issues, particularly in regards to agriculture and natural resources industry and FFA, in educational policy decisions and educational operations.
• Knowledge of computer software and hardware systems necessary for completion of responsibilities, such as Microsoft Office and online databases.
• Knowledge of Total Quality Management concepts, practices and tools and productivity measures, particularly related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of documentation strategies.
• Knowledge of alternative assessment, development education, and experiential learning via CTE, particularly in regards to agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of educational systems, particularly in regards to agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of systemic change principles, particularly in regards to agriculture and natural resources.
• Knowledge of Maine’s academic and CTE standards, particularly those related to agriculture and natural resources, and the process of developing, implementing and assessing these.
• Ability to interpret and explain statutory provisions, particularly related to agriculture and natural resources, to local school authorities and the public.
• Ability to formulate and administer rules and regulations particularly those related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Ability to plan and organize educational programs, particularly those related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively, particularly on issues related to agriculture and natural resources.
• Ability to write clearly and effectively in a team environment, incorporating input and problem solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and customer service.
• Ability to prepare clear and comprehensive reports related to CTE.
• Ability to use latest technology for the purposes of information and data gathering, processing and communicating.
• Ability to apply and facilitate group dynamics and to use exemplary interpersonal skills.
• Ability to interact effectively with peers and customers.
• Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to participate in development of MDOE rules and regulations as needed by the CTE legislation.
• Ability to collaborate with various CTE stakeholders.
• Ability to disaggregate CTE data and present findings to multiple groups.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in education or a field related to the position, and four (4) years professional level experience in a related field. A Master’s degree in education or related field may be substituted for experience on a year-to-year basis.

You must submit a cover letter and resume’ to be considered for an interview.

Benefits:

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—”Dirigo” or “I lead”—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce’s health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Balance – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,150.80-$11,942.16 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Health Insurance Premium Credit – Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information about program requirements.

• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($379.60 annual value).

• Retirement Plan – The State of Maine contributes 13.16% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
• Gym Membership Reimbursement – Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts – Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness – The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid office.
• Living Resources Program – Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.

• Parental leave is one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receive four weeks of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation – Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
• Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Maine State Government is an Equal Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.