Aquatic Resource Systems Specialist; Natural Resource Program Specialist

Position Overview

Become part of a statewide effort to protect important natural resources! The Aquatic Resource Systems Specialist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources supports key projects that help keep our state park waterways clean and healthy. This role strengthens habitats, supports park operations, and improves visitor experiences, especially as they relate to lakes within state parks. It is a great opportunity for someone who is excited to use their experience for both field work and project planning.

This role focuses on statewide planning and project work that strengthens the health and function of aquatic environments in state parks. It involves managing species, habitat conditions, water quality, and other challenges that affect park operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Species Management:
  Support projects that address invasive, threatened, or nuisance aquatic species through integrated management approaches.
• Sediment Projects:
  Assist in evaluating and planning efforts to manage excess sediment and determine project feasibility.
• Water Quality Work:
  Help assess and guide nutrient management practices that improve water system conditions.
• Habitat Improvements:
  Contribute to efforts that enhance aquatic habitats for wildlife such as birds, fish, turtles, and amphibians.
• Wildlife Conflict Response:
  Assist in projects that reduce conflict between park needs and nuisance wildlife or adverse watershed conditions.
• Field Operations Support:
  Participate in data collection, mapping, and project coordination for aquatic resource work.

• Full‑time employment.
• Work hours:
  
  7:30 AM–3:30 PM, Monday–Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch break.
• Telework:
  Up to 5 days in a 10‑day pay period; requires a secure high‑speed internet connection and an approved location within Pennsylvania.
• Salary:
  Starting salary may be non‑negotiable in some cases.

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (or equivalent federal title).
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education, plus a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements

• Valid Class C driver’s license not under suspension.
• Must meet Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

• Must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
• Conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

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.