Environmental Education Specialist - Little Buffalo State Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Environmental Education Specialist. This position involves engaging in professional activities focused on the creation and delivery of interpretive programs that highlight the environmental, historical, and cultural significance of Little Buffalo State Park. The role is designed for individuals passionate about educating the public and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and heritage through interactive experiences. If you are enthusiastic about environmental education and wish to make a meaningful impact in a beautiful natural setting, we encourage you to apply today!

In this position, you will be responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering educational programs focused on environmental and historical themes, as well as outdoor recreation and interpretive activities at Little Buffalo State Park. Your role encompasses all aspects of environmental education, including the creation of lesson plans, scheduling, implementation, coordination, effective presentation, and evaluation of various programs. You will facilitate engaging learning experiences through inquiry-based methods, audiovisual presentations, guided nature walks, and professional development workshops for educators, alongside other educational initiatives that promote environmental and historical awareness. Additionally, you will support educational institutions, civic organizations, and both public and private entities in crafting and executing educational programs, workshops, and curriculum development tailored to environmental and historical topics.

Your responsibilities will also include the operation and maintenance of visitor service centers and resource libraries, as well as Shoaff's Mill, a fully operational 19th-century water-powered gristmill, where you will organize and lead group tours and demonstrations. You will implement established lesson plans for environmental learning activities, drawing from resources such as the Bureau of State Park lesson plans, Pennsylvania Land Choices, and various educational projects like Project WET and Project Wild. Furthermore, you will execute the Bureau of State Park's Watershed Education Program for local teachers and students, ensuring that programs are scheduled and lesson plans are prepared in accordance with the Bureau's approved format, while also submitting necessary reports on a regular basis. Your role will involve maintaining collections related to natural, historic, cultural, and archaeological resources, assisting in the research and development of educational publications and exhibits, and coordinating the use, repair, and upkeep of equipment related to environmental education and interpretive activities.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately April 2026, until November 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment April 2027.
• Work shifts/days vary, will work 5 days/37.5 hours per week to include weekends and holidays.
• 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

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:

• 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:

• 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.

• 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.