Would you thrive in a career where you could help people connect with nature through creative and meaningful outdoor learning experiences? As a seasonal Environmental Education Specialist with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), you will create hands-on educational experiences for visitors of all ages at Presque Isle State Park. This position allows you to lead guided hikes, workshops, and programs that highlight the park’s fascinating natural and cultural features. You will help develop lessons, exhibits, and special activities that support conservation and learning. Apply today to begin a meaningful role that combines education with stewardship!
This position develops and presents environmental education and interpretive programs at Presque Isle State Park and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. It involves planning lessons, maintaining exhibits, coordinating activities, and working with partners and visitors. As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Program Development: Create and deliver educational programs, workshops, and presentations for park visitors
- Community Support: Assist schools, civic groups, and organizations with environmental curriculum and learning activities
- Exhibit Management: Plan and maintain exhibits and interactive displays at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center
- Guided Activities: Lead walks, hikes, paddles, and special events as well as prepare lesson plans and learning materials
- Resource Care: Maintain natural, cultural, and historical collections and manage educational equipment
- Partnership Building: Work with conservation groups and support volunteer programs and major park events
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately February 2026 until October 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment approximately in February 2027.
- Work schedule will vary. Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week and will include a 30-minute lunch.
- Work may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- 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:
- 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 Guidelines.
- 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.
- In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years.
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.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on 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.