Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Forest Program Specialist in Pennsylvania
Forest Program Specialist
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/4844355)
Apply
Forest Program Specialist
Salary
$70,666.00 - $107,345.00 Annually
Location
Centre County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-19681-54414
Department
Game Commission
Division
GC Fors Inv Sectn
Opening Date
02/25/2025
Closing Date
3/11/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
54414
Position Number
00078876
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
B3
Pay Group
ST08
Bureau / Division Code
00236530
Bureau / Division
Forest Inv. Section
Worksite Address
197 Nursery Road
City
Howard, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
16841
Contact Name
Julie Toth
Contact Phone
717.787.7836
Contact Email
gamevacancybids@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to hire a Forest Program Specialist to work in Centre County. If you have what it takes to develop, implement, coordinate, evaluate, and promote statewide programs designed to manage, protect, and conserve forest resources, this is the role for you. Become a leader in innovative and proactive stewardship of wildlife and their habitats!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this professional forestry work developing and evaluating statewide programs, you will make decisions with database management, data collection, and transfer quality control, as well as data analyses and reporting within the statewide program oversight of the Forestry Division. This will rely on your knowledge of trees, shrubs, wildflowers, ferns, grasses, and other plants of Pennsylvania, as well as your ability to coordinate activities across multiple programs and disciplines, including programming languages. Responsibilities involve assessment of resource sustainability, information system integration, technology improvements and integration, research collaboration and alternative funding development, and regional support and training. Your experience and adaptability are essential for assisting the Forest Program Manager with statewide Forest Habitat ecological inventory programs designed to monitor the condition, growth, and health of Forest Habitats across our State Game Lands.
Our team will also rely on you to understand the needs of diverse program interests, serve as a primary support for regional forestry staff engaged in data collection, manage projects and contracts with third party vendors, and provide related support and advice as needed. Join our team and help provide lasting benefits for all wildlife, habitats, and people in Pennsylvania!
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00078876) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Two years of experience as a Forester;or
Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager;or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.
Special Requirements:
You must possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license, of the proper class for the vehicles operated, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Other Requirements:
PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) is currentlywaivedfor this title.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
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.
EXAMINATION 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
Yes
No
02
If you answered "yes", provide the issuing state, license number, and expiration date.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Forester or Forest Nursery Assistant Manager for two or more years full-time?
Yes
No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time professional forestry work in the conservation, development, management and use of forest resources do you possess?
A. 2 or more years
B. 1 but less than 2 years
C. Less than 1 year
D. None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in the management of a Forest Tree Nursery which involves the planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating of forest tree nursery operations?
A. 2 or more years
B. 1 but less than 2 years
C. Less than 1 year
D. None
08
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09
How much graduate coursework do you possess in forestry, forest technology, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science or agroforestry?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
A. 30 credits or more
B. 15 but less than 30 credits
C. Less than 15 credits
D. None
10
CS-INSTRUCTIONS You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – DEVELOP, IMPLEMENT, AND MONITOR PLANS
Develop, implement, and monitor the performance of forest resource management plans based on the principal goals and objectives of the Forestry Program and the State Game Lands Comprehensive Management Plans.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing, implementing, AND monitoring FOREST RESOURCE management plans based on principal goals, objectives, resources, and priorities.
B. I have experience developing, implementing, OR monitoring FOREST RESOURCE management plans based on principal goals, objectives, resources, and priorities.
C. I have experience developing, implementing, OR monitoring any type of management plans based on principal goals, objectives, resources, and priorities.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to forest management or forest operations
E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
12
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to developing, implementing, and monitoring plans
The type(s) of plans you developed, implemented, or monitored
The specific duties you performed
Your level of responsibility
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – PROVIDE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Provide forestry program/project-related technical assistance to public officials, local and regional planning boards or commissions, other state or federal agencies and bureaus, non-governmental organizations, collegues , and the public regarding the Commission's approach to Game Lands planning, habitat management, and programs such as wildlife habitat management, forest management, and Comprehensive Game Lands plans.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding FORESTRY projects/programs.
B. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding NON-FORESTRY RELATED NATURAL RESOURCES/SCIENCES projects/programs.
C. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding projects/programs UNRELATED TO FORESTRY OR NATURAL RESOURCES/SCIENCES.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communications, public speaking, psychology, counseling, or education.
E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
15
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to providing technical assistance, and for what type of projects/programs
Your level of responsibility
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Write technical reports, letters, and other correspondence to exchange information with elected officials, superiors, field personnel, co-workers, or the public.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience writing reports. I was responsible for the final product.
B. I have experience drafting reports. Someone else was responsible for reviewing the final product.
C. I have experience writing correspondence but have not written/drafted reports.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report writing, technical writing, scientific writing, or business writing.
E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.
18
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The actual duties you performed related to written communication, and what types of communication
Your level of responsibility
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov