Ecological Program Supervisor

Full Job Description

Do you have a deep passion for Pennsylvania’s ecological resources and a desire to make a meaningful impact? If so, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) may have the career path for you! We are currently seeking candidates for the position of Ecological Program Supervisor, a vital role that focuses on implementing the statewide Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) which provides scientific information, expertise, and assistance to support the conservation of biological diversity. If you possess strong leadership skills and are driven by the chance to positively influence the Commonwealth's ecological conservation, we invite you to apply and become part of our vibrant team!

Requirements

As an Ecological Program Supervisor, you will be responsible for directing, planning, coordinating, and administering DCNR’s Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) within the Bureau of Forestry.

These programs include the PNHP partnership and operating plan, PA Conservation Explorer, PNDI reviews, PNHP contracts, and outreach and education.

As a supervisor, you will lead ecological program specialists and contract staff in developing, recommending, implementing, coordinating, monitoring, and evaluating the aforementioned statewide programs.

Another primary focus of this position involves conducting evaluations to determine the effectiveness of PNHP programs. Duties will entail preparing reports outlining findings and recommendations designed to ensure uniformity of action; adherence to established goals, objectives, and priorities; and to improve program efficiency and effectiveness. Excellent critical thinking skills are vital, as you will be managing the PHNP's day-to-day activities inclusive of managing contracts, prioritizing initiatives, and working closely with the Pennsylvania Biological Survey regarding specific species classifications.

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.

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.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as an Ecological Program Specialist, Forest Program Specialist, Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, or Wildlife Biologist 3 (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years as a Forest Assistant Manager (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Four years of professional experience in the management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and 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:

• 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.

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:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

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.

Additional Information

• 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.