Wildlife Biologist (Ecological Program Specialist)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania DCNR, Bureau of Forestry, seeks a Wildlife Biologist to guide wildlife conservation on State Forest lands and coordinate the Deer Management Assistance Program. This role collaborates with conservation partners and the Bureau's multidisciplinary teams to support habitat evaluations, ecological planning, and landscape-level wildlife projects.

You will lead statewide wildlife management efforts by developing plans, reviewing research, and coordinating conservation

Qualifications

• 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.
• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1, or three years as a Forester, or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Develop statewide wildlife policies and guide habitat management strategies.
• Manage deer impact monitoring and support decisions tied to forest health.
• Review scientific studies and monitoring results to inform conservation actions.
• Plan and coordinate habitat improvement projects with field staff and partners.
• Provide technical expertise to staff, agencies, and the public on wildlife topics.
• Evaluate proposed land use activities for effects on wildlife and habitat conditions.

Skills

Wildlife management experience

Program coordination

Research evaluation

Ecological planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

Job description

The Wildlife Biologist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry helps guide the future of wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania. This role supports science-based decisions that protect habitats and maintain strong wildlife populations on State Forest lands. This position coordinates the Deer Management Assistance Program on State Forest Lands and coordinates landscape-level wildlife habitat projects with conservation partners. The Wildlife Biologist also serves on the Bureau's multi-disciplinary Gas Monitoring Team. It offers opportunities to collaborate with skilled experts who care deeply about conservation. This position allows you to make a meaningful difference for generations to come.

This position leads statewide wildlife management efforts by developing plans, reviewing research, and coordinating conservation actions across state forest lands. Your work will also focus on supporting habitat evaluations, ecological planning efforts, and collaborating with field offices and partner organizations. As a Wildlife Biologist, you will perform the following duties:

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Wildlife Planning: Develop statewide wildlife policies and guide habitat management strategies
• Program Coordination: Manage deer impact monitoring and support decisions tied to forest health
• Research Evaluation: Review scientific studies and monitoring results to inform conservation actions
• Habitat Projects: Plan and coordinate habitat improvement projects with field staff and partners
• Ecological Guidance: Provide technical expertise to staff, agencies, and the public on wildlife topics
• Impact Review: Evaluate proposed land use activities for effects on wildlife and habitat conditions

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, 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:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license.
• Employee will be required to obtain a PA Pesticide Applicator License upon hire.
• 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.

• 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.