Wildlife Biologist (Ecological Program Specialist)

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

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks a Wildlife Biologist to guide wildlife conservation across Pennsylvania. You will coordinate Deer Management Assistance Program on State Forest lands and collaborate with partners to plan landscape-scale habitat projects.

The role involves statewide planning, habitat evaluation, monitoring protocols, and training staff. Telework option exists part-time; typical hours are 7:30-4:00, Monday-Friday, with potential

Qualifications

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1, or three years as a Forester, or three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources with a related bachelor's degree.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Responsibilities

• Statewide Wildlife Planning: Develop statewide or regional plans that support wildlife conservation goals
• Habitat Evaluation: Assess wildlife habitats and recommend improvements that support diverse species
• Project Coordination: Plan and organize landscape-level wildlife and habitat projects with partners and Field Offices
• Monitoring Protocols: Evaluate and update wildlife monitoring techniques to improve management decisions
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with agencies, researchers, and conservation groups to support effective wildlife management
• Training and Outreach: Provide guidance to staff and the public on wildlife ecology and best management practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management

Job description

The Wildlife Biologist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources 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 activities that help protect habitats, guide conservation decisions, and support responsible forest stewardship. It plays a key role in planning, coordinating, and evaluating programs that shape wildlife health across Pennsylvania. As a Wildlife Biologist, you will perform the following duties:

• Statewide Wildlife Planning: Develop statewide or regional plans that support wildlife conservation goals
• Habitat Evaluation: Assess wildlife habitats and recommend improvements that support diverse species
• Project Coordination: Plan and organize landscape-level wildlife and habitat projects with partners and Field Offices
• Monitoring Protocols: Evaluate and update wildlife monitoring techniques to improve management decisions
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work with agencies, researchers, and conservation groups to support effective wildlife management
• Training and Outreach: Provide guidance to staff and the public on wildlife ecology and best management practices

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, 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. 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 Wildlife Biologist 2 or 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 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 requires possession of a Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License.
• 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).

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.