Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation Program Coordinator (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2)

Commonwealth of PA; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of PA's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking an Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation Program Coordinator to guide statewide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs, strengthen partnerships, and deliver engaging learning experiences.

You will lead training, content development, and program evaluation, while working with agencies, schools, and communities to expand public engagement.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a 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 professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide coordination, development, and evaluation of outdoor recreation and environmental education programs.
• Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and lesson plans for field personnel and educators.
• Work with agencies, schools, and organizations to advance recreation and education initiatives.
• Create educational materials, virtual programs, and informational resources for public use.
• Assess program effectiveness, review reports, and recommend improvements to statewide initiatives.
• Provide expert assistance, interpret policies, and support field staff with program needs.

Job description

THE POSITION

Step into a role that makes Pennsylvania’s outdoor spaces come alive! As the Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation Program Coordinator for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you help people discover new ways to explore nature. You guide programs that build outdoor skills, strengthen partnerships, and support lifelong learning. This position is perfect for someone who enjoys motivating others and creating meaningful outdoor experiences.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position guides the development, coordination, and evaluation of statewide outdoor recreation and environmental education programs. The work strengthens public engagement, supports field staff, and ensures high-quality learning experiences across many initiatives. As a Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation Program Coordinator, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Lead statewide coordination, development, and evaluation of outdoor recreation and environmental education programs
• Training Support: Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, and lesson plans for field personnel and educators
• Partnership Coordination: Work with agencies, schools, and organizations to advance recreation and education initiatives
• Content Development: Create educational materials, virtual programs, and informational resources for public use
• Program Evaluation: Assess program effectiveness, review reports, and recommend improvements to statewide initiatives
• Technical Guidance: Provide expert assistance, interpret policies, and support field staff with program needs

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 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, 5 days in a 10 day pay period. 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• One year of experience as a 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 professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C driver’s license that is not under suspension.
• 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

• 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.

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.

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.