Would you thrive in a career where you could inspire people to explore and appreciate Pennsylvania’s natural and cultural heritage? As an Environmental Education Specialist with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR), you will help to connect people to the natural world. This position is perfect for individuals who enjoy teaching, planning programs, and working in the great outdoors. You will have the opportunity to guide learners of all ages through engaging activities focused on the environment and local history. Apply today to play a key role in supporting education, conservation, and outdoor enjoyment across the community!
This role supports environmental learning by developing, presenting, and coordinating educational programs at Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center. As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Program Delivery: Present environmental and historical education programs, guided walks, and outdoor learning activities
- Activity Planning: Schedule programs, prepare lesson plans, and conduct workshops using approved educational standards
- Community Assistance: Support schools, civic groups, and organizations by providing guidance for environmental learning efforts
- Resource Management: Operate resource libraries and maintain natural, historic, cultural, and archeological collections
- Facility Coordination: Oversee the use and upkeep of indoor and outdoor educational facilities and equipment
- Documentation Tasks: Prepare reports, lesson plans, correspondence, and other written materials to support programming
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 March 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2027.
- Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week, and will include a 30-minute lunch. Work days and shifts will vary and will include holidays, weekends, and evenings.
- Occasional overtime and travel may be required.
- 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:
- This particular position also requires a non-commercial Class C Driver's License.
- You must obtain CPR certification within 12 months of employment. Provided by the agency.
- 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.
- 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.