Ecological Program Specialist

The Position

Join a team that safeguards the natural places people and wildlife depend on every day! The Ecological Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission plays an important role in protecting wildlife and guiding responsible natural resource use. This position offers a chance to work across forests, wetlands, and open lands to support healthy habitats. The work is meaningful and supports conservation efforts that benefit people and wildlife across the state.

It is a great role for someone who enjoys science, outdoor work, and teamwork!

This position supports statewide environmental and land management efforts that guide safe and responsible oil, gas, and mineral activities on State Game Lands. It helps protect wildlife, habitats, and natural resources through careful planning, evaluation, and coordination. As a Ecological Program Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Inspections:
  Conduct site reviews to check resource development activities and identify impacts to wildlife and habitats.
• Plan Evaluation:
  Review and assess construction and permit plans to reduce or prevent harm to species and ecosystems.
• Issue Investigation:
  Investigate and address environmental problems caused by oil or gas operations on State Game Lands.
• Data Management:
  Maintain lease records, agreements, spatial data, and other information used for program decisions.
• Collaboration:
  
  Work with regional staff and other partners to restore sites and support responsible resource development.
• Technical Guidance:
  Provide recommendations on regulations, environmental requirements, and protection of wildlife resources.

Full-time employment Monday–Friday. Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM with a 30‑minute lunch. Telework may be available part‑time after a six‑month probationary period, subject to eligibility and a secure high‑speed internet connection. Salary may be based on experience and may be non‑negotiable in some cases.

• Full‑time employment.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday–Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• Telework: opportunity to work from home part‑time after probation; eligibility and IT requirements apply; ability to telework is subject to change.
• Salary:
  In some cases, the starting salary may be non‑negotiable.
• Further communications will be via email.

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (or equivalent federal title).
• Three years of experience as a Forester (or equivalent federal title).
• Three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

• You must meet the PA residency requirement.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Veterans are given employment preference under Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. § 7103). For more information, view the Veterans page on the Pennsylvania website.

• 711 for 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.
• 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:
• • 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.