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

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania seeks an Outdoor Recreation and Interpretation Program Coordinator to lead statewide outdoor recreation and environmental education efforts. You will guide program development, training, and partnerships to deliver high‑quality learning experiences across multiple initiatives.

The role emphasizes program leadership, evaluation, content creation, and technical guidance for field staff, with telework flexibility and a standard 7:30 AM–4:00 PM schedule in Harrisburg,

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 or
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management or education; and a bachelor’s degree in related fields; 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

Skills

Program leadership

Training development

Partnership coordination

Content development

Program evaluation

Technical guidance

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences

Job description

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.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (commonwealth title); 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.

This position is not subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

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

Recruitment Methods

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment (Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment.)
  • Transfer (Only current civil service employees who hold the same job title will qualify for transfer to another agency.)
  • Voluntary Demotion

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE)

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Environmental Education Program Specialist
  • Environmental Education Regional Program Coordinator
  • Environmental Education Specialist
  • Environmental Education Specialist Supervisor
  • Environmental Planner 2
  • Forester
  • Forest Nursery Assistant Manager
  • Natural Resource Program Specialist 1
  • Park Manager 1
  • Park Manager 2
  • Planner 2
  • Program Analyst 2
  • Recreation and Conservation Advisor 1
  • Recreation and Conservation Advisor 2
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is 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 regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower classes by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.