Human Dimensions Specialist (Forest Program Specialist)

If you have a profound love for our local forests and a strong commitment to engage and motivate people towards sustainability, we have an incredible opportunity for you! The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Rural and Community Forestry Section, is seeking a Human Dimensions Specialist (Forest Program Specialist) to complete our team. The mission of this section is to provide leadership and support for sustaining, restoring, and conserving productive forest ecosystems; valuing the economic, ecological, and social benefits of trees; enhancing rural, urban, and agricultural landscapes with trees; as well as supporting community livability.

Human Dimensions is "... an area of investigation which attempts to describe, predict, understand, and affect human thought and action toward natural environments and to acquire such understanding for the primary purpose of improving stewardship of natural resources. Human Dimensions research builds on concepts and theories from several disciplines including sociology, psychology, economics, anthropology, geography, political science, marketing, and education." - (Source: University of Delaware Sea Grant)

Apply today to start a rewarding chapter in your career, ensuring the long-term health, viability, and productivity of the Commonwealth's forests!

In the role of a Human Dimensions Specialist, you will use your expertise in social science and human dimensions to further the goals of the Bureau's Rural & Community Forestry (RCF) Section, which focuses on forestry, tree canopy, and restoration on private forests and in communities. This position assists the RCF section with understanding peoples' values and how people make decisions about natural resources and their management (in both rural and urban settings). You will have the opportunity to help program areas make the necessary connections and communications that will best motivate people towards appropriate and sustainable actions related to the natural resources under their care or in their communities.

Turn your love for the outdoors into a rewarding career!

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

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.