OUTREACH AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST

VACANCY ANN#:      STOI-26-025
TITLE:                         OUTREACH AND EDUCATION SPECIALIST
DEPARTMENT:           DNR,ANADROMOUS PROGRAM
SUPERVISOR:             ANADROMOUS PROGRAM MANAGER 
LOCATION:                 DNR OFFICES, SPOKANE AND WELLPINIT
STATUS:                      REGULAR, FULL-TIME
RATE OF PAY:              MINIMUM OF $25/HR; UP TO $32/HR; DOE
OPENING DATE:          MARCH 27, 2026
CLOSING DATE:          APRIL 13, 2026

INTRODUCTION:
The Spokane Tribe of Indians (STOI) is a leading proponent of the Phase 2 Implementation Plan (P2IP), a 20-year, Tribally-led effort to test the feasibility of reintroducing anadromous into the Upper Columbia and Spokane Rivers above Chief Joseph and Grand Coulee dams that were built without fish passage. This historic initiative aims to restore salmon to their historic habitats, revitalize Tribal traditional and cultural practices, and return ecosystem function to the blocked area.

The Outreach and Education Specialist is a key role responsible for connecting the Spokane Tribal community and the broader public to the mission, progress, and cultural significance of the P2IP. This position will translate complex scientific research and restoration efforts into engaging and accessible information, fostering understanding, support, and involvement in this landmark project. The Specialist will work collaboratively with the STOI Anadromous Fisheries Program, the Upper Columbia United Tribes (UCUT) P2IP Committee, and other partners to ensure consistent and effective communication.

This role serves as a liaison between the technical project team, the Spokane Tribal community, schools, local governments, and the public. The goal is to build awareness of the salmon reintroduction effort, honor and revive cultural connections to salmon, and communicate the project's benefits and progress.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

 
The following include but are not limited to essential functions of the position

Community and Cultural Engagement:

•    Tribal Community Outreach: Develop and implement culturally sensitive outreach strategies to inform and engage Spokane Tribal members, Elders, and youth about P2IP activities, opportunities for involvement, and the project's connection to restoring Tribal traditional and cultural practices.
•    Cultural Liaison: Work with Tribal Elders and Cultural Committees to gather and share traditional knowledge related to salmon, ensuring its integration into educational materials and project understanding.
•    Event Coordination: Plan and host community gatherings, presentations, and events at the Tribal headquarters and in surrounding communities to provide updates on the P2IP and celebrate project milestones.
•    Salmon-in-the-Classroom: Function as the Salmon-in-the-Classroom Coordinator for tribal and Spokane regional schools. Assist with installation and maintenance of aquarium systems; acquisition of supplies, including salmon eggs; complete necessary permitting; organize release events and programming.

Educational Program Development

•    Curriculum Creation: Develop educational materials and programs for the Spokane Tribal schools and the wider community, focusing on the cultural and ecological significance of salmon, the history of the Columbia River, and the science behind salmon and the P2IP reintroduction effort.
•    Youth Engagement: Organize and lead educational field trips to project sites (e.g., acclimation facilities, spawning grounds) for Tribal youth to connect them with the environment and the work being done.
•    Presentation Development: Create presentations and interpretive materials for diverse audiences, translating complex fisheries science into clear, compelling narratives.

Communications and Public Relations

•    Branding: Develop logos and other materials the Anadromous Program can use for vehicles, workwear, and other forms of media.
•    Content Creation: Develop and manage content for various communication channels, including the Spokane Tribe's website, social media platforms, newsletters, and press releases, to share P2IP stories and updates.
•    Partner Coordination: Serve as a point of contact and collaborate with the UCUT P2IP Committee and communications staff from partner tribes (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, Coeur d'Alene Tribe) and partner agencies (e.g., BPA, Reclamation, WDFW) to align messaging and coordinate public information.
•    Public Inquiries: Respond to inquiries from the public, media, and other stakeholders regarding the P2IP project.
•    Documentation: Photograph and videotape project activities to build a visual library for outreach and archival purposes.
•    Perform Comparable Duties with other DNR Programs
•    Other Duties as Assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED FOR POSITION: 

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following:
•    Cultural Competency: Deep understanding of and respect for the Spokane Tribe's history and the cultural significance of salmon. Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately within Tribal communities.
•    Communication: Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with the ability to tailor messages for scientific, community, and youth audiences. Experience in public speaking and presentation.
•    Creativity: Ability to develop engaging educational materials and outreach campaigns using various media (print, digital, video).
•    Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in a multi-partner, fast-paced environment, building consensus and fostering positive relationships.
•    Organization: Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, deadlines, and events simultaneously.
•    Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with content management systems, social media platforms, and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) is a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
•    Must have a valid Washington State driver’s license and must meet insurance requirements
•    H.S. Diploma or equivalent
•    Four years of relevant experience in education and/or outreach
o    Post-high school education in a related field may be considered as experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

•    Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Education, Native American Studies, Environmental Science, Public Relations, or related field.
o    A certification relevant to the above fields may also be considered
•    Familiarity of Spokane Tribe history, language, and/or traditional practices.
•    Familiarity with salmon or socio-environmental issues associated with the Columbia River Basin.
•    Professional experience working for or with a Native American Tribe.

*Tribal Preference Applies - Tribal Preference grants preference in employment to qualified enrolled Spokane Tribal Citizens, Spouses of Spokane Tribal Citizens, First Line Descendants of Spokane Tribal Citizens, and Citizens of other Tribes and Other Applicants, in that order.

MUST APPLY ONLINE: 

Confirmation receipt of on-line application submission and interview status will be sent to all applicants e-mail address used when applying. Applicants are responsible to regularly monitor their e-mail for interview notifications. 

Contact: HR Front Desk:
(509) 458-6527
 E-mail:   [email protected]
Applications Must Be Received In The Human Resources Department No
 Later Than 4:30 p.m. on the Closing Date
The Spokane Tribe Reserves The Right To Hire According To Its Indian Preference Policy
Applicants May be Subject To A Pre-Employment Drug Test Positions
All Positions With The Spokane Tribe Are Subject To A-90 Day Orientation