Environmental Education Specialist

THE POSITION

If you have a passion for sharing your expertise, engaging with the public, and contributing to the environmental and recreational sector, consider joining the team at Nolde Forest State Park as an Environmental Education Specialist. Within this role, you will be responsible for organizing and executing educational programs and interpretive activities related to the environment and history. Take pride in knowing you are contributing to an agency which strives to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania's natural resources for present and future generations' use and enjoyment. Bring your talent and enthusiasm to our team and apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will be responsible for developing programs and lesson plans to provide special activities for park visitors such as environmental education and interpretive programs regarding natural history, historic and cultural events, and environmental management issues at Nolde Forest State Park. Work includes program planning, preparation, implementation, presentation, and evaluation. Programs will be facilitated by leading guided walks, audio-visual presentations, tours, and innovative field learning activities.

The ability to engage and collaborate with others is essential, as you will be presenting programs, workshops, and environmental education activities to students, the public, civic organizations, and various other organized groups. You will engage with patrons in-person, over the phone, and through email and social media. You will also be tasked with preparing and distributing program and activity schedules, as well as conducting all aspects of coordinating guest speakers for public programs. Furthermore, you will assist with maintaining all natural, historic, cultural, and archaeological collections; coordinating the use, repair, and maintenance of environmental learning field equipment; and assisting in various aspects of resource management projects at Nolde Forest.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately September 2026 until May 2027 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately in September 2027.
• Work schedule will vary. Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week and will include a 30-minute lunch.
  • Work may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Conditions of Employment:

• You must be willing to work weekends and evenings.
• You must be willing to wear a prescribed uniform.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• This position will require CPR and First Aid Certification upon hire. Training will be provided by agency.
  
• 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:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
• 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.