Ecological Information Specialist

The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Bureau of Forestry, is seeking a skilled professional with botanical and ecological expertise to provide technical guidance and outreach to state land managers, foresters, DCNR planners and policy makers, and private landowners.

This position will review development projects for potential impacts to native plants of special concern or related habitats, provide assistance with the management, maintenance, and policy development for DCNR’s Native Wild Plant Program, and assist with other conservation initiatives within the Bureau of Forestry. The position will be based in the DCNR Bureau of Forestry office in Harrisburg, PA.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should have a 4-year degree in botany, biology, ecology, natural resources, environmental science, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Excellent communication skills are required.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems, a commitment to conservation goals, and familiarity with Pennsylvania’s flora, natural communities, or ecology is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Utilizing keyboarding and fine motor skills
• Sedentary work
• Seeing with near, far, and peripheral visual acuity
• Speaking and hearing in-person, telephone, and other remote speech
• Stamina to conduct field investigations in rough terrain, in adverse weather conditions, and in proximity to common outdoor natural hazards
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle