Trail, Sustainability, and Recreation Planning Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2)

Governmentjobs.com; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 67,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking a passionate candidate for the Natural Resource Program Specialist 2 position within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This role involves overseeing trail programs and promoting sustainable practices while developing recreational strategies that enhance visitor experiences across state parks.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 or equivalent.
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the trails program and contribute to planning recreational activities.
• Develop trail standards and best practice guidelines.
• Evaluate trail proposals for sustainability and accessibility.

Skills

Organizational skills

Leadership traits

Sustainability practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resource management

Education in parks and recreation

Biology

Forestry

Ecology

Geosciences

Environmental sciences

Job description

Trail, Sustainability, and Recreation Planning Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2) | Government Jobs page has loaded.

Trail, Sustainability, and Recreation Planning Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

$67,736.00 - $102,905.00 Annually

Location

Dauphin County, PA

Job Number

CS-2025-26834-54910

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Division

CN Outdr Prgmg Srvs Div

06/26/2025

Closing Date

7/9/2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

54910

Position Number

00001601

Non Union

Bargaining Unit

B3

ST08

00386060

Resource Management and Planning Division

If you have a passion for conservation and exceptional administrative skills, consider applying for the Natural Resource Program Specialist 2 position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Resource Management and Planning Division! This role offers a unique platform for you to showcase your remarkable organizational abilities and leadership traits as you work on developing and implementing comprehensive state-wide programs that focus on enhancing trails, promoting recreational activities, and ensuring the sustainability of State Parks. Submit your application now to make a meaningful impact in the field of natural resource management!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, your primary role will involve overseeing the trails program, contributing to the planning of recreational activities within parks, and advancing sustainability initiatives across all lands and facilities owned by the Commonwealth and managed by the Bureau of State Parks. This position entails the development and periodic revision of trail standards and best practice guidelines, as well as providing informed recommendations regarding trail realignment, the introduction of new trails, and the rehabilitation of existing pathways. You will be tasked with evaluating trail proposals to ensure they meet criteria for sustainability, accessibility, and universal design, while also enhancing the visitor experience and minimizing potential user conflicts. Additionally, you will advise on sustainability practices for park grounds, structures, facilities, and equipment, with a particular emphasis on integrating renewable energy solutions.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Some holiday and weekend work may be required. Work hours and start times may be adjusted based on successful candidate preferences.
• Telework:You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per 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.
• 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:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will notbe 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.

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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