Ecological Program Specialist

Ecological Program Specialist

Join a team that safeguards the natural places people and wildlife depend on every day! The Ecological Program Specialist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission plays an important role in protecting wildlife and guiding responsible natural resource use. This position offers a chance to work across forests, wetlands, and open lands to support healthy habitats. The work is meaningful and supports conservation efforts that benefit people and wildlife across the state. It is a great role for someone who enjoys science, outdoor work, and teamwork!

This position supports statewide environmental and land management efforts that guide safe and responsible oil, gas, and mineral activities on State Game Lands. It helps protect wildlife, habitats, and natural resources through careful planning, evaluation, and coordination. As a Ecological Program specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Inspections: Conduct site reviews to check resource development activities and identify impacts to wildlife and habitats
• Plan Evaluation: Review and assess construction and permit plans to reduce or prevent harm to species and ecosystems
• Issue Investigation: Investigate and address environmental problems caused by oil or gas operations on State Game Lands
• Data Management: Maintain lease records, agreements, spatial data, and other information used for program decisions
• Collaboration: Work with regional staff and other partners to restore sites and support responsible resource development
• Technical Guidance: Provide recommendations on regulations, environmental requirements, and protection of wildlife resources

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 a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework is not permitted during the initial six-month probationary period; eligibility may be granted upon its successful completion. 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.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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.

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 and click on Veterans.

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.