Environmental Education Specialist

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Werkheiser (PA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation & Natural Resources seeks an Environmental Education Specialist to develop and deliver educational programs at the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, guiding learners of all ages through environmental and historical topics.

You will plan and present programs, coordinate workshops, schedule activities, and maintain resource libraries and facilities, while collaborating with schools and community groups to expand outdoor learning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in environmental education or a related field.
• Equivalent combination of experience and training accepted.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements when within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Responsibilities

• Present environmental and historical education programs, guided walks, and outdoor learning activities.
• Schedule programs, prepare lesson plans, and conduct workshops using approved educational standards.
• Support schools, civic groups, and organizations by providing guidance for environmental learning efforts.
• Operate resource libraries and maintain natural, historic, cultural, and archeological collections.
• Oversee the use and upkeep of indoor and outdoor educational facilities and equipment.
• Prepare reports, lesson plans, correspondence, and other written materials to support programming.

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental education

Equivalent combination of experience and training

Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree

Job description

Environmental Education Specialist

Would you thrive in a career where you could inspire people to explore and appreciate Pennsylvania’s natural and cultural heritage? As an Environmental Education Specialist with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), you will help to connect people to the natural world. This position is perfect for individuals who enjoy teaching, planning programs, and working in the great outdoors. You will have the opportunity to guide learners of all ages through engaging activities focused on the environment and local history. Play a key role in supporting education, conservation, and outdoor enjoyment across the community!

This role supports environmental learning by developing, presenting, and coordinating educational programs at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Delivery: Present environmental and historical education programs, guided walks, and outdoor learning activities
• Activity Planning: Schedule programs, prepare lesson plans, and conduct workshops using approved educational standards
• Community Assistance: Support schools, civic groups, and organizations by providing guidance for environmental learning efforts
• Resource Management: Operate resource libraries and maintain natural, historic, cultural, and archeological collections
• Facility Coordination: Oversee the use and upkeep of indoor and outdoor educational facilities and equipment
• Documentation Tasks: Prepare reports, lesson plans, correspondence, and other written materials to support programming

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2027.
• Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week, and will include a 30-minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings.
• Occasional overtime and travel may be required.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Conditions of Employment

• You must be willing to work weekends and evenings.
• You must be willing to wear a prescribed uniform.

Other Requirements

• This particular position also requires a non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
• You must obtain CPR certification within 12 months of employment. Provided by the agency.
• 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.

Legal Requirements

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.
• In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.

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.

• 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.