Ecological Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Game Commission, is seeking an Ecological Program Specialist to support statewide environmental and land management efforts across forests, wetlands, and open lands. The role focuses on protecting wildlife and guiding responsible resource use, with duties spanning planning, evaluation, and coordination.

Responsibilities include field inspections, plan evaluation, investigation of environmental issues on State Game Lands, data management, collaboration

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1, or three years as a Forester, or three years in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources with relevant bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site reviews to evaluate resource development impacts on wildlife and habitats.
• Review construction and permit plans to minimize harm to species and ecosystems.
• Investigate environmental problems caused by oil or gas operations on State Game Lands.
• Maintain lease records, spatial data, and other program information.
• Collaborate with regional staff and partners to restore sites and support responsible resource development.
• Provide recommendations on regulations and environmental protection of wildlife resources.

Skills

Wildlife biology

Forestry

Environmental policy

Field inspections

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, forestry, environmental science, or related field

Job description

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2026-52941-54485. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM JULY 6, 2026 TO JULY 20, 2026, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION. Join a team that safeguards the natural places people and wildlife depend on every day! The Ecological Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission plays an important role in protecting wildlife and guiding responsible natural resource use. This position offers a chance to work across forests, wetlands, and open lands to support healthy habitats. The work is meaningful and supports conservation efforts that benefit people and wildlife across the state. It is a great role for someone who enjoys science, outdoor work, and teamwork!

THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2026-52941-54485. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM JULY 6, 2026 TO JULY 20, 2026, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION. Join a team that safeguards the natural places people and wildlife depend on every day! The Ecological Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission plays an important role in protecting wildlife and guiding responsible natural resource use. This position offers a chance to work across forests, wetlands, and open lands to support healthy habitats. The work is meaningful and supports conservation efforts that benefit people and wildlife across the state. It is a great role for someone who enjoys science, outdoor work, and teamwork!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports statewide environmental and land management efforts that guide safe and responsible oil, gas, and mineral activities on State Game Lands. It helps protect wildlife, habitats, and natural resources through careful planning, evaluation, and coordination. As a Ecological Program specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Inspections: Conduct site reviews to check resource development activities and identify impacts to wildlife and habitats
• Plan Evaluation: Review and assess construction and permit plans to reduce or prevent harm to species and ecosystems
• Issue Investigation: Investigate and address environmental problems caused by oil or gas operations on State Game Lands
• Data Management: Maintain lease records, agreements, spatial data, and other information used for program decisions
• Collaboration: Work with regional staff and other partners to restore sites and support responsible resource development
• Technical Guidance: Provide recommendations on regulations, environmental requirements, and protection of wildlife resources

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework is not permitted during the initial six-month probationary period; eligibility may be granted upon its successful completion. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• 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; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements

• You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS)

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview 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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.