Environmental Education Specialist (Seasonal) - Yellow Creek State Park

Full Job Description

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opening for the position of Environmental Education Specialist. This vital role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities related to environmental education, interpretation of both cultural and historical contexts, and the facilitation of outdoor recreation programs designed for visitors at Yellow Creek State Park. The specialist will engage in various stages of program development, which includes planning, preparation, implementation, presentation, and thorough evaluation of educational initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals passionate about fostering a deeper understanding of the environment and enhancing the visitor experience in a natural park setting. If you are interested in making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply today!

Requirements

This position is responsible for creating innovative lesson plans and delivering environmental interpretive programs through various engaging activities such as guided nature walks, recreational events, audio-visual presentations, tours, campfire discussions, and hands-on field learning experiences. These programs are designed to cater to diverse audiences, including school students, youth groups, senior citizens, and individuals facing physical, mental, or emotional challenges. The content often aligns with state-developed themes that emphasize natural history, historical and cultural events, and pressing environmental issues. Programs may take place within the park or at external locations, ensuring accessibility and outreach to a broader community.

In addition to regular programming, the role involves the development and execution of special environmental initiatives, such as Penn’s Explorers, the Cavity-Nesting Trail Program, and Earth Day celebrations. This includes crafting and distributing promotional materials to attract participants, as well as devising a comprehensive marketing strategy to ensure the successful implementation of all programs. The position requires establishing and nurturing strong relationships with park staff, volunteers, local, state, and federal conservation organizations, educational institutions, scouting groups, and other civic entities to foster collaboration in environmental education.

The individual in this role will also plan, coordinate, and conduct workshops for teachers in partnership with the local ARIN Intermediate Unit #28, utilizing a variety of state and national curricula. Scheduling programs and preparing lesson plans in accordance with the state park's approved format is essential, along with submitting necessary reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Furthermore, the preparation of professional correspondence, program schedules, reports, articles, news releases, social media content, brochures, and emails is crucial for effectively communicating with schools and the public.

Maintaining an inventory of the park's environmental education, interpretation, and recreation materials, as well as overseeing the use of equipment, is a key responsibility. This includes making recommendations for repairs, servicing, replacements, and the acquisition of new equipment to the Park Manager. Additionally, the role involves the upkeep of the Environmental Learning Classroom building, contributing to the development and maintenance of interior displays, and scheduling activities to enhance the educational experience for visitors.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time, seasonal employment without benefits
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational needs, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• 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.

Qualifications

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 you to possess a valid driver’s license which 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.
• 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 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.

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.

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.