Forest Legacy Planner (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2)

If you are passionate about our local forests and dedicated to safeguarding our natural resources, an exciting opportunity awaits you. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, specifically within the Resource Planning and Information Division, is on the lookout for a Forest Legacy Planner (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2). This role is part of the United States Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, a federal initiative aimed at preserving forested areas that face the risk of being transformed into non-forest uses. The program achieves this by offering grant funds to facilitate the purchase of forestland or the acquisition of conservation easements, ensuring the protection of these vital ecosystems.

As a Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, your primary responsibility will be to support the State Forester's office, various Divisions, and Bureau field offices by effectively coordinating, promoting, and managing the US Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program (FLP) throughout Pennsylvania. In this role, you will oversee the administration of the FLP statewide and spearhead the development of conservation projects funded by the program. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in formulating and executing forest management and strategic plans, as well as assisting with the bureau's land acquisition initiatives. Your duties will include gathering and analyzing forest inventories, statistics, and feedback from the public and stakeholders, while also facilitating forest planning efforts in collaboration with other agencies and within the Bureau itself. Furthermore, you will be responsible for reviewing and providing input on proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and research that impact forest management and State Forest lands, along with conducting supportive activities aimed at the development and upkeep of various projects related to the management of State Forest lands.

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 as needed
• 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.
• 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:

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license.
• 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.

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.

• 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.