Environmental Education Specialist (Permanent) - Delaware Canal State Park

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is excited to announce an opening for the position of Environmental Education Specialist. This role involves engaging in professional activities focused on the creation and delivery of environmental education and interpretive programs at either a State Park or an Environmental Education Center. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to inspire visitors of all ages through innovative educational initiatives that promote awareness and appreciation of the natural world. If you are passionate about environmental education and eager to make a positive impact, we encourage you to apply today and join our dedicated team in fostering a deeper understanding of our natural resources.

In this position, you will be responsible for planning, developing, promoting, coordinating, and delivering educational and interpretive programs at Delaware Canal and Ralph Stover State Parks. These programs may encompass a variety of recreational activities, including kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking, while also addressing environmental, historical, and cultural themes. You will facilitate educational experiences through discovery learning activities, audiovisual presentations, and workshops tailored for teachers and staff. Additionally, you will support educational institutions, civic organizations, and public entities in creating and executing environmental education initiatives, teacher in-service workshops, and curriculum development. Your role will also involve the operation and maintenance of visitor service centers and resource libraries, as well as coordinating the Environmental Education Volunteer program for the park or center. You will be tasked with preserving natural, historical, cultural, and archaeological collections, assisting in the research and development of educational publications and exhibits, and managing the use, repair, and upkeep of interpretive equipment. Furthermore, you will create and present specialized activities for park visitors, focusing on local natural history, historical and cultural events, and environmental management issues, catering to students, youth groups, civic organizations, and other audiences. Your responsibilities will include facilitating guided walks and preparing lesson plans and scripts for audiovisual presentations, while also establishing and nurturing collaborative relationships with local and state conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, and the public regarding recreational, educational, and interpretive programs. You will be required to prepare various written materials, including letters, memoranda, reports, and lesson plans, and may need to travel to different work locations as necessary, performing similar duties as required.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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:

• A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Conditions of Employment:

• Willingness to work weekends and evenings.

• Willingness to wear a prescribed uniform.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

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.