Private Lands Prescribed Fire Specialist (Forest Program Specialist)

THE POSITION

As a Private Lands Prescribed Fire Specialist for the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources, you will help shape safe fire practices across private forestlands. This position gives you the chance to support training programs and assist communities that rely on prescribed fire. You will build strong relationships with partners, landowners, and public agencies. Join a mission-driven team committed to healthy forests and safer landscapes.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position focuses on developing fire management programs, supporting training efforts, and helping private landowners use prescribed fire safely and effectively. As a Private Lands Prescribed Fire Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Develop goals, rules, and processes for the Certified Prescribed Burn Manager program
• Public Outreach: Provide education and guidance to private citizens and communities on safe prescribed fire practices
• Certification Review: Participate in reviewing qualifications and training for certification candidates
• Training Support: Lead or assist with fire training courses and help improve statewide program quality
• Fire Response: Respond to wildfires or prescribed burns as a firefighter or support resource when qualified and available
• Technical Assistance: Offer expertise in planning, implementing, and evaluating prescribed fires and related activities

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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel and overtime as needed
• 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:

• Two years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license, of the proper class for the vehicles operated, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional info