Rural and Community Forestry Division Chief (Natural Resource Program Manager)

As a Rural and Community Forestry Division Chief with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will lead major programs that support forest health and community landscapes. This position gives you the chance to work with partners, manage funding, and support critical restoration efforts. You will help expand tree canopies, improve watersheds, and guide private forest stewardship. This role offers a rewarding path for someone who wants to make a lasting impression in conservation.

This position oversees key forestry programs that support private forest stewardship, watershed restoration, tree canopy growth, and habitat improvements across Pennsylvania. It leads funding efforts, manages contracts, coordinates with partners, and provides guidance to public and government officials. As a Rural and Community Forestry Division Chief, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Oversight: Guide Woodland Stewardship, Watershed Forestry, and Community Forestry program activities
• Funding Management: Secure funding, manage grants, and oversee accounts that support program implementation
• Contract Administration: Manage partnership contracts and ensure successful completion of program goals
• Budget Coordination: Prepare budgets and monitor expenditures to support Division operations
• Public Engagement: Meet with officials and stakeholders to address questions about private and community forests
• Interdepartmental Work: Collaborate with other offices and divisions to coordinate forestry initiatives

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.
• This position may be eligible for alternate work schedule (AWS)
• 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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:

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Supervisor (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Five years of professional experience in natural resource management or outdoor recreation management, which includes one year of professional supervisory experience and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related natural resources major; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes one year of professional supervisory experience in natural resource management or outdoor recreation management.

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.

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.

• 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.