Forest Resilience Program Specialist (Forest Program Specialist)

Join a dedicated team that is shaping the future of Pennsylvania's forests and fuel your passion for conservation. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is looking for a Forest Resilience Program Specialist to play a key role in efforts aimed at sustaining, restoring, and protecting our vital forest ecosystems. In this position, you will advocate for the economic, ecological, and social advantages of trees while enhancing the health and livability of communities in rural, urban, and agricultural areas throughout the state. If you are passionate about conservation and eager to make a meaningful impact on the long-term resilience of our natural landscapes, this is your chance to contribute-apply today and help our forests flourish.

In this position, you will spearhead the Bureau's initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of private forests throughout Pennsylvania. Your primary focus will be on tackling significant issues like climate change, invasive species, and other stressors affecting forests. This involves shaping policies, offering technical guidance, and supporting programs related to ecosystem products and services, particularly forest carbon. Additionally, you will seek ways to incorporate new programs, technologies, and innovations into current wood products markets and educational resources.

A key aspect of your role will be to effectively communicate the importance of forestry and its associated products and services as viable solutions to pressing environmental, economic, and social issues. To excel in this role, you will need a solid understanding of forest management, ecosystem services, stewardship incentives for private landowners, adult education, forest health and resilience, the impacts of climate change on forests, climate mitigation strategies, and carbon markets.

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.
• Occasional travel and overtime is required to work with partners and field staff.
• This position has the option of reporting to either of the below headquarters locations:
  • Rachel Carson State Office Building: 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101
  • Moshannon Forest District: 3372 State Park Road, Penfield, PA 15849
• 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• This position may be eligible for alternate work schedule (AWS).
• 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:

• 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 information.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.

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.