Environmental Education Specialist - 3 Year Limited Term

Print


Environmental Education Specialist - 3 Year Limited Term

Salary

$53,161.00 - $80,848.00 Annually

Location

Philadelphia County, PA

Job Type

Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time

Job Number

CS-2024-82174-54800

Department

Game Commission

Division

GC Wldlfe Ed Supv

Opening Date

04/24/2024

Closing Date

5/23/2024 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

54800

Position Number

50658031

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

B4

Pay Group

ST06

Bureau / Division Code

00239660

Bureau / Division

Southeast Regional

Worksite Address

John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Worksite Address

8601 Lindbergh Boulevard

City

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

19106

Contact Name

Julie Toth

Contact Phone

717.787.7836

Contact Email

gamevacancybids@pa.gov

THE POSITION

Are you an ambitious professional who has an enthusiasm for knowledge and outdoor recreation?  If so, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has a rewarding career opportunity waiting for you!  We are seeking an Environmental Education Specialist to provide outreach and education throughout the Philadelphia area and Southeast Region of Pennsylvania. Make a difference in your community and apply today! 


DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will conduct field and office work under the direct supervision of the Southeast Regional Director followed by the Wildlife Education Specialist (WES) for the Southeast Region of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.  Primary duties include planning, developing, coordinating, and promoting wildlife conservation and environmental education programs as well as teacher workshops for both public and private schools to help meet their needs regarding environment and ecology, as well as science and technology standards mandated by the Department of Education while promoting the agency's mission.


Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential in order to facilitate programs virtually and in person for a variety of public groups such as youth groups, scouts, retirement communities, consumptive, and non-consumptive users (hunters and the non-hunting public), and more.  You will also participate as a core team member of the Game Commission’s online virtual platform, Wildlife on Wi-Fi including content creation, capturing, editing, and assistance with videography duties as needed. 


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


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • 3-year limited term, full-time employment.
  • Work hours are 7:30 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:

  • 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:

  • You must be willing to work weekends and evenings.
  • You must be willing 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.

 

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): 

  • 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 short video!

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 visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01
How much college level coursework have you completed in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation?

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 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 also upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3 and click on Other Information.

  • A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher level degree
  • Within 3 months of conferring a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree
  • 120 credits or more
  • 90 but less than 120 credits
  • 60 but less than 90 credits
  • 30 but less than 60 credits
  • Less than 30 credits
  • None
02
If you selected "Within 3 months of conferring a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree" above, what is your expected graduation date (MM/YYYY)?
03
How many years of full-time para-professional/technical or higher level experience do you possess in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation?
  • 4 years or more
  • 3 but less than 4 years
  • 2 but less than 3 years
  • 1 but less than 2 years
  • Less than 1 year
  • None
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 experience must also 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
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. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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 our FAQ page.

  • Yes
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 – PROGRAM COORDINATION

Plans, develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs and activities at a state park or environmental education center including conducting discovery learning activities, audiovisual presentations, teacher workshops, guided walks, demonstrations, impromptus, and other cultural and historical learning programs.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience planning, developing, coordinating and presenting environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs and activities at a state, federal, county or private park or environmental education center including conducting discovery learning activities, audiovisual presentations, teacher workshops, guided walks, demonstrations, impromptus, and other cultural and historical learning programs.
  • B. I have experience planning, developing, coordinating, and presenting education programs and activities NOT RELATED TO ENVIRONMENTAL OR OUTDOOR EDUCATION.
  • C. I have experience presenting environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs and activities, however, I have NOT PLANNED OR DEVELOPED PROGRAMS.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to environmental studies or environmental science in natural resources and conservation.
  • E. I have NO experience, training, or coursework related to this work behavior.
07
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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The type(s) of programs you worked on
08
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 – LIAISON

Serves as a liaison to environmental and conservation groups, government agencies and the community at large which involves responding to requests for information or guidance, providing assistance in training development, program development and event coordination as well as providing resources and communication of relevant and timely information.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience serving as a liaison to environmental and conservation groups, government agencies and the community at large which involves responding to requests for information or guidance, providing assistance in training development, program development and event coordination as well as providing resources and communication of relevant and timely information.
  • B. I have experience serving as a liaison to the COMMUNITY at large IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING which involves responding to requests for information or guidance, providing assistance in training development, program development and event coordination as well as providing resources and communication of relevant and timely information. I DID NOT SERVE AS A LIAISON TO ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.
  • C. I have experience serving as a liaison to AGENCIES OR THE COMMUNITY at large which involves responding to requests for information or guidance, providing assistance in training development, program development and event coordination as well as providing resources and communication of relevant and timely information. This experience was NOT IN AN ENVIRONMENTAL OR CONSERVATION SETTING.
  • D. I have NO experience related to this work behavior.
10
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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The setting (environmental or non-environmental) where you served as a liaison
  3. The groups you communicated with when you served as a liaison
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Recruit, interview and hire volunteers for park/environmental center projects. Train or coordinate training for volunteers, assign volunteers to appropriate projects, provide tools and materials for the project as well as guidance and feedback on volunteer performance.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience recruiting, interviewing and hiring volunteers for park/environmental center projects. I have experience training or coordinating training for volunteers, assigning volunteers to appropriate projects, providing tools and materials for the project as well as guidance and feedback n volunteer performance.
  • B. I have experience INTERVIEWING AND HIRING volunteers for park/environmental center projects. I have experience training or coordinating training for volunteers, assigning volunteers to appropriate projects, providing tools and materials for the project as well as guidance and feedback on volunteer performance. I DO NOT have experience recruiting volunteers.
  • C. I have experience RECRUITING volunteers for park/environmental center projects. I have experience training or coordinating training for volunteers, assigning volunteers to appropriate projects, providing tools and materials for the project as well as guidance and feedback on volunteer performance. I DO NOT have experience interviewing and hiring volunteers.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to effective interviewing skills or volunteer program management.
  • E. I have NO experience, training, 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
  2. The type of volunteer program you worked on.
  3. What your role was in the recruiting, interviewing and hiring process.
13
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – VISITOR CENTER OR RESOURCE LIBRARY

Schedule employees, open and close buildings, maintain brochures, materials and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries. Develop standard operating procedure manuals for volunteers when working at the visitor centers and libraries as well as procedures on use of library materials. Post open and close times as well as programs to the calendar of events.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience scheduling employees, opening and closing buildings, maintaining brochures, materials and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries. I develop standard operating procedure manuals for volunteers when working at the visitor centers or libraries as well as procedures on use of library materials. I post open and close times as well as programs to the calendar of events.
  • B. I have experience developing standard operating procedure manuals for volunteers when working at the visitor centers or libraries as well as procedures on use of library materials. I DO NOT have experience maintaining brochures, materials and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries.
  • C. I have experience maintaining brochures, materials and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries. I DO NOT have experience scheduling employees, opening and closing buildings or developing standard operating procedure manuals for volunteers when working at the visitor centers or libraries.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to retail management.
  • E. I have NO experience, training, 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. Your duties and level of responsibility related to visitor centers and resource libraries
16
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – WRITTEN COMMUNICATION

Develops written materials including reports to keep coworkers and management informed of status of programs and attendance as well as environmental education lesson plans, instructional materials, brochures, pamphlets, posters and exhibits and ensures that material is suitable and available to the diverse groups being educated.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience developing written materials including reports to keep coworkers and management informed of status of programs and attendance as well as environmental education lesson plans, instructional materials, brochures, pamphlets, posters and exhibits and ensure that material is suitable and available to the diverse groups being educated. I was responsible for the COMPLETE written document.
  • B. I have experience developing PORTIONS of written materials including reports to keep coworkers and management informed of status of programs and attendance as well as environmental education lesson plans, instructional materials, brochures, pamphlets, posters and exhibits and I ensure that material is suitable and available to the diverse groups being educated.
  • C. I have experience developing written materials UNRELATED to environmental education.
  • D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing or non-fiction writing.
  • E. I have NO experience, training, 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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. The types of written materials you developed or assisted in developing.
19
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 6 – CUSTOMER SERVICE

Provides customer service at state park visitor or environmental education centers by giving information to park visitors on park facilities (activities, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, history and environmental features), services, points of interest and nearby State Parks. Answer phone and email inquiries.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

  • A. I have experience providing customer service at state, federal, county or private park visitor or environmental education centers by giving information to park visitors on park facilities (activities, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, history and environmental features), services, points of interest and nearby State Parks. I answer phone and email inquiries.
  • B. I have experience providing customer service and giving information to customers in person and via phone and email inquiries. This experience was NOT in a state, federal, county or private park visitor or environmental education center.
  • C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to customer service relations.
  • D. I have NO experience, training, or coursework related to this work behavior.
21
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.
  1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
  2. Your duties related to customer service
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
  1. College/University/Training Source
  2. Course Title
  3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question

Agency
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120