Forest Resilience Program Specialist (Forest Program Specialist)

If you have a profound love for our local forests and a strong commitment to protecting our natural resources, we have an incredible opportunity for you. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rural and Community Forestry Section, is seeking a Forest Resilience Program Specialist (Forest Program Specialist) to complete our team. We are committed to leading efforts in sustaining, restoring, and conserving vibrant forest ecosystems, while recognizing the economic, ecological, and social advantages of trees. By enhancing rural, urban, and agricultural landscapes with trees, we aim to improve community livability. If you wish to contribute to our mission and help ensure the future health of our natural forests, we invite you to apply today!

In this position, you will oversee and direct the Bureau's private forest resiliency initiative, which aims to enhance forest resilience on private lands in Pennsylvania through expert guidance, leadership, technical support, and policy formulation. Work involves addressing various challenges faced by forests, including climate change, invasive species, and other disturbances, while also focusing on programs and markets for ecosystem products and services, such as forest carbon. You will have the opportunity to explore the integration of new programs and technologies within current wood products markets, industries, and educational resources. A key aspect of this role is to effectively communicate the significance of forestry and its associated products and services as viable solutions to contemporary issues, fostering economic, social, and environmental benefits for society. Proficiency in areas such as forest management, ecosystem services, stewardship incentives for private landowners, adult education, forest health and resilience, climate impacts on forests, climate mitigation strategies, and carbon markets will be essential.

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 to work with partners and field staff.
• AWS (alternate work schedule) may be available.
• 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:

• Two years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of 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 is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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.