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Posted: February 24, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Rivers Program Specialist - Recreation and Conservation Program Specialist

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

$67,736 - $102,905

per year

Closes

March 10, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This job involves managing grants and leading projects to protect and improve Pennsylvania's rivers, while boosting recreation and economic opportunities in local communities.

You'll work as part of a team in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, coordinating conservation efforts and ensuring projects run smoothly.

It's a great fit for someone who loves the outdoors, has experience in environmental planning, and wants to make a real difference in natural resource stewardship.

Key Requirements

  • One year of experience as a Recreation and Conservation Advisor 2 or equivalent
  • Three years of professional experience in parks, recreation, or natural resource conservation administration, planning, or development
  • Bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, city/regional/urban/environmental planning, or a closely related field
  • Equivalent combination of experience and training that meets the above standards
  • Ability to coordinate grant funding and lead conservation initiatives for rivers
  • Skills in project management for partnership and river-related projects
  • Full-time availability with standard work hours and potential for part-time telework in Pennsylvania

Full Job Description

Are you passionate about parks and recreation management and eager to leverage your expertise to enhance community resources and opportunities in Pennsylvania? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is on the lookout for qualified individuals to fill the role of Recreation and Conservation Program Specialist. In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing grant funding and spearheading conservation initiatives specifically for the Rivers Conservation Program across the state. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact on local communities while working alongside a dedicated team. If you are ready to take the next step in your career, we encourage you to apply today!

Requirements

In this position, you will be an integral part of the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, specifically within the Recreation and Conservation Partnerships Division, focusing on the Landscape and Educational Services Section. As a Program Specialist, your primary responsibility will be to coordinate initiatives and funding related to scenic rivers and river conservation projects. You will lead targeted programs and investments aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities, promoting stewardship, and safeguarding the natural resources of Pennsylvania’s rivers, all while fostering economic growth in the region. Additionally, you will take on the role of project manager for a diverse array of partnership and river-related projects overseen by the Bureau, ensuring that these initiatives are executed effectively and align with the overarching goals of conservation and community engagement.

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 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. Please check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
  • One year of experience as a Recreation and Conservation Advisor 2 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
  • Three years of professional experience in parks, recreation, or natural resource conservation administration, planning, or development; and a bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation, landscape architecture, environmental sciences, city, regional, urban, or environmental planning, 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.

  • 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.

    Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 2/24/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 2/24/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5241025