Forest Program Specialist (Forest Health Division)

THE POSITION

Are you prepared to unite with a team dedicated to safeguarding Pennsylvania’s state forest resources for present and future generations? If the answer is yes, then the Forest Health Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is excited to receive your application. Seize the chance today to become our newest Forest Program Specialist!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

You will have the role of overseeing the implementation of field activities for the Division of Forest Health across multiple counties and four forest districts. These activities involve controlling forest pests, conducting surveys, and detecting forest insect and disease, as well as providing information and education programs to manage destructive forest insects and diseases in Pennsylvania’s public and private forest resources. At the area level, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, monitoring, conducting, supervising, and evaluating these activities. Additionally, you may also serve as the Field Project Leader for statewide forest health projects. 

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with 30-minute lunch
• 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. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in McConnellsburg.
• Alternate work schedule is available
• This position requires travel and overtime, especially during major insect suppression programs.
• 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:

• Two years of experience as a Forester; or
• Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license, of the proper class for the vehicles operated, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.