Ecological Program Specialist

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a Wildlife Biologist to support statewide land and environmental management for the Agency and to oversee parts of the Oil/Gas and Mineral Recovery (OGM) program. The role focuses on protecting wildlife resources and habitats and coordinating statewide resource initiatives.

Responsibilities include developing, coordinating, implementing, evaluating, and promoting programs designed to protect wildlife and natural resources, with attention to regulatory

Qualifications

• One year of experience as Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (commonwealth titles).
• Three years of experience as a Forester (commonwealth title).
• Three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and promotes statewide oil, gas, and mineral resource programs to protect wildlife resources and habitats.
• Coordinate and implement statewide land and environmental management projects.
• Evaluate and promote program effectiveness across the Agency.

Skills

Wildlife biology experience

Forestry experience

Environmental resource management

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

Monday - Friday, 7:45 am - 4:00 pm (37.5 hours per week)

Provide professional land management and environmental management work statewide for the Agency and manage certain aspects of the Game Commission’s Oil/Gas and Mineral (OGM) Recovery Program. This position develops, coordinates, implements, evaluates, and promotes statewide oil, gas, and mineral resource programs designed to protect wildlife resources and their habitats.

Recruitment Method(s)

Applicants must meet one (or more) of the following method(s) to be considered for this vacancy:

• Reassignment
• Transfer
• Voluntary Demotion

Eligibility - all candidates

1. Meet the minimum experience and training required for the job:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (commonwealth titles);
• Three years of experience as a Forester (commonwealth title);
• Three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field;
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

2. You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

3. You must be able to perform the essential functions.

Applications will be reviewed to determine if employees previously held regular civil service status or currently hold regular civil service status in a class for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career development relationship to the posted position, or if there is a clear linkage between the required knowledges, skills, and abilities to the previously or currently held class with those needed for the position posted.

This position is subject to the promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

Selection Criteria

• Minimum experience and training required for the job.
• Meritorious service; defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last due overall regular or probationary performance evaluation was higher than unsatisfactory or fails to meet standards.
• Seniority, defined as a minimum of one year(s) in the next lower class(es) by the posting closing date with no break in service.

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
• If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.