Aquatic Resource Systems Specialist (Natural Resource Program Specialist 1)

Salary: $60,538.00 - $92,010.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CSSC-2026-53414-54900
Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division: CN Res Mgmt Plng Div
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/19/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 54900
Position Number: 00115298
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00386060
Bureau / Division: Resource Management and Planning Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17101
Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION


Join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as an Aquatic Resource Systems Specialist and take part in managing and restoring vital aquatic ecosystems! This role allows you to work on statewide projects that keep state park lakes clean, healthy, and productive for people and wildlife. You will collaborate with experts and partner agencies to solve complex environmental challenges. Bring your passion for natural resources to a position that supports the long-term sustainability of Pennsylvania's state parks!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports the planning and delivery of aquatic resource programs that protect habitats and guide responsible park operations across the state. As an Aquatic Resource Systems Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Aquatic Project Support: Assist with developing and guiding projects that address invasive or endangered species, habitat needs, and water quality goals
• Sediment Management: Evaluate site conditions and help plan solutions for excess sediment in park waterways
• Water Quality Work: Take part in exploring nutrient control strategies and watershed practices to improve aquatic conditions
• Wildlife Coordination: Help manage projects aimed at reducing conflict between park operations and nuisance or sensitive wildlife
• Communication Duties: Prepare reports, support outreach materials, and represent the agency in meetings and partnerships
• Operational Assistance: Support field data collection, equipment use, permitting needs, and onsite project activities

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 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 day in a 10 day 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C driver's license that is not under suspension.
• 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.

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 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.

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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our


Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.


Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*


Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01



Additional Requirement - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02


If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03


How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in natural resource management?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

04


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05


How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in natural resource education?

• 2 years or more
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

06


If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07


How much graduate coursework have you completed in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field?
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• 30 credits or more
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

08


INSTRUCTIONS: You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.


If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

09



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DATA COLLECTION AND MAPPING
Performs data collection and mapping work utilizing electronic devices and mapping applications such as data recorders, GPS units, GIS software, etc. to detect, measure, and document vegetation type, vegetation vitality, vegetation measurements, wildlife habitat and conditions, recreational use, and other applicable water and general site conditions for use in making aquatic resource management decisions.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience utilizing electronic devices and mapping applications such as data recorders, GPS units, or GIS software to collect data AND generate maps, charts, graphs, or other visualizations.
• B. I have experience utilizing electronic devices and mapping applications such as data recorders, GPS units, or GIS software to collect data OR generate maps, charts, graphs, or other visualizations.
• C. I have experience utilizing spatial applications to VIEW spatial data.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to electronic data collection, remote sensing, GIS, or mapping of natural resources.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

10


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to utilizing electronic devices and mapping applications to perform data collection and mapping work, or your experience utilizing spatial applications to view spatial data.
3. Your level of responsibility.

11


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

12



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Performs stream, lake, and other natural resource surveys under the direction of a resource specialist. Analyzes data on vegetation type, vegetation vitality, vegetation measurements, wildlife habitat and conditions, recreational use, and other conditions related to water resource management. Implement best management practices, tools, and techniques such as vegetation plantings, nuisance and invasive aquatic vegetation suppression, nutrient and other pollution controls, and installing habitat structures to conserve or restore aquatic habitats.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience ANALYZING the condition of streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats AND implementing best practices, tools, or techniques to conserve or restore them.
• B. I have experience ANALYZING the condition of streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats. Someone else implemented best practices, tools, or techniques to conserve or restore streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats.
• C. I have experience implementing best management practices, tools, or techniques to conserve or restore streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to natural resource management or environmental sciences.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

13


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to analyzing data regarding the condition of streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats.
3. The actual duties you performed related to implementing best management practices, tools, and techniques to conserve or restore streams, lakes, or other aquatic habitats.
4. Your level of responsibility.

14


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

15



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - AQUATIC PLANT IDENTIFICATION
Locates and identifies nuisance, invasive, or protected aquatic plants in aquatic habitats such as lakes or wetlands. Recommends corrective actions to protect or restore natural resources.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience identifying plants in aquatic habitats, such as lakes or wetlands, AND recommending appropriate conservation measures.
• B. I have experience identifying aquatic plants in places OTHER than natural aquatic habitats, such as garden ponds or aquariums, AND recommending appropriate conservation measures.
• C. I have experience identifying aquatic plants. Someone else was responsible for recommending appropriate conservation measures.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to aquatic plant management.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

16


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The actual duties you performed related to aquatic plant identification, including the type(s) of community/habitat (lakes, wetlands, garden ponds, or aquariums).
3. Your experience recommending conservation measures.
4. Your level of responsibility.

17


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

18



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 -WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Develops written documents such as narrative reports, technical science-based articles/blogs/posts for publication, educational materials for trainings (outreach materials), and responses to public inquires related to aquatic programs.
Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience writing narrative reports, technical science-based articles, or responses to public inquiries related to AQUATIC NATURAL RESOURCES.
• B. I have experience writing narrative reports, technical science-based articles, or responses to public inquiries related to NATURAL RESOURCES OTHER THAN AQUATIC.
• C.I have experience writing narrative reports, technical science-based articles, or responses to public inquiries. This is not related to NATURAL RESOURCES.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to scientific writing, business writing, or journalism.
• E. I have NO experience or coursework related to this work behavior.

19


In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience writing narrative reports, technical science-based articles, and/or responses to public inquiries.
3. The topic(s) of the written communication.
4. Your specific duties and level of responsibility.

20


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the three items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question