Working Forest Land Conservation Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist

THE POSITION

Do you value collaboration and outreach and have a passion for protecting Pennsylvania's natural landscapes? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Resource Planning and Information Division, is seeking a Natural Resource Program Specialist 2 to take on the role of Working Forest Land Conservation Specialist and play a vital part in expanding and safeguarding the state forest system. Do not miss out on this incredible opportunity to preserve our local forests, apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position provides assistance and information to the State Forester's office, divisions, and bureau field offices by coordinating, promoting, and administering conservation easements, particularly, the US Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program (FLP) within Pennsylvania. The US Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program is a federal program to conserve forestlands that are threatened by conversion to non-forest uses by providing grant funds to purchase forestland or acquire conservation easements. The Working Forest Land Conservation Specialist will administer the FLP across the state and lead the project development, negotiation, and closing of FLP-funded conservation projects. This position will also focus on managing all conservation easements on state forest lands; tracking and reporting monitoring needs; and developing a working forest conservation easement program. Additionally, this position will be assisting the bureau's land acquisitions program; and conducting support activities for the development and maintenance of other projects regarding the management of State Forest lands.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Occasional daytime and overnight travel required.
• 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.

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:

• 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:

• 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 not be 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 transcript