Wildlife Biologist (Ecological Program Specialist)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; Hybrid; USD 62,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Forestry seeks a Wildlife Biologist to guide statewide wildlife conservation on State Forest lands and coordinate the Deer Management Assistance Program with partners. The role also supports landscape-level habitat projects and ecological guidance for staff and the public.

You will develop policies, review research, and coordinate conservation actions across state lands, collaborating with field

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field

Job description

THE POSITION

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.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

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:

• 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

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.
• Travel is required.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per two week 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 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.

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.

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.