Forest Nursery Manager

Salary: $72,252.00 - $109,766.00 Annually
Location : Centre County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-50808-54413
Department: Game Commission
Division: GC Howd Nrsry Sectn
Opening Date: 06/15/2026
Closing Date: 6/29/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 54413
Position Number: 00064266
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00236570
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management
Worksite Address: 197 Nursery Road
City: Howard, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 16841
Contact Name: Alyssa Mayberry
Contact Phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io
Contact Email: View email address on click.appcast.io


THE POSITION
As a Forest Nursery Manager with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, you step into a role that strengthens wildlife habitats across the Commonwealth. This position allows you to shape seedling production and wood product programs that support conservation goals. Your leadership will help maintain essential services that benefit both wildlife and the public. Make an impact by guiding a talented team and contributing to meaningful environmental work.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position oversees large scale seedling production, wood product manufacturing, and facility operations that support wildlife habitat improvement across the state. The role requires strong leadership in planning, evaluating, and guiding programs that serve the agency and the public. As a Forest Nursery Manager, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Direct planning, scheduling, development, and evaluation of seedling and wood product programs to meet production goals
• Resource Oversight: Manage budgets, equipment, materials, and facility maintenance to support efficient operations
• Workforce Management: Supervise full time and seasonal staff, conduct performance reviews, and coordinate training and safety efforts
• Sales Coordination: Develop and implement commercial sales programs for surplus seedlings and wooden wildlife structures
• Public Engagement: Coordinate outreach with schools, partner groups, and the public, and conduct facility tours and educational support

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 40 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Essential Employee - required to report into the office location in time of an emergency.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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 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 Pennsylvania Class C driver's license.

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.

Legal Requirements:

• 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.

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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



Necessary Special 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 the issuing state, the license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", please type N/A in the text box below.
03


Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager for two or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

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 much college coursework have you completed in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree? 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.

• A Conferred Bachelor's Degree or higher
• 120 credits or more
• 90 but less than 120 credits
• 60 but less than 90 credits
• 30 but less than 60 credits
• Less than 30 credits
• None

06


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 work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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

07



WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT PROGRAMS Develops and implements statewide forest nursery programs to ensure forested ecosystems retain their resilience and health. Evaluates program results and makes recommendations for improvements. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing programs related to forestry. I also evaluated program results and made recommendations for improvements.
• B. I have experience evaluating programs related to forestry and recommending improvements. I DID NOT develop the programs.
• C. I have experience developing programs, or evaluating programs and recommending improvements. This was NOT RELATED to forestry.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to forest pathology, forest health, or program management.
• E. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

08


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The duties you performed related to developing or evaluating programs and the type(s).
3. The recommendations you made for improvements.

09


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(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

10



WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - BUDGET Prepares and submits budgetary requests for all forest nursery programs. Monitors and controls expenditure of resources while maintaining nursery facilities and operations. Determines changes to improve cost effectiveness and services. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience preparing or monitoring budgets RELATED TO forestry programs.
• B. I have experience preparing or monitoring budgets NOT RELATED to forestry.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to finance or accounting.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

11


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of budgets you prepared or monitored.

12


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(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

13



WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - PROPAGATION AND SAMPLEING Conducts tree propagation by collecting samples through seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting, and division for breeding and reproduction. Maintains seed orchards to support ecological conservation and habitat restoration. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience propagating trees by collecting samples through seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting, or division; AND I have experience maintaining seed orchards for conservation or restoration.
• B. I have experience propagating trees by collecting samples through seeds, cuttings, layering, grafting, or division. I DID NOT maintain seed orchards for conservation or restoration.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to propagation or biology.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

14


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience propagating trees and the samples you collected.
3. Your experience maintaining seed orchards.

15


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(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

16



WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - SUPERVISION Performs the full range of supervisory duties which include assigning and reviewing work; providing guidance; training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates; evaluating work; providing discipline; monitoring and approving leave; and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process. Levels of Performance Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience performing the full range of SUPERVISORY DUTIES which included assigning and evaluating work, providing discipline, monitoring and approving leave, and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process.
• B. I have experience as a LEAD WORKER which included providing training or staff orientation to newly hired staff and reviewing their work.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to supervisory development, labor relations, or human resource management, but I do not have at least six months of supervisory or lead work experience in a work setting.
• D. I have NO experience or training related to this work behavior.

17


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

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your duties as a supervisor (evaluating employee performance, approving leave, providing discipline, hiring/termination decisions, etc.).
3. Your duties as a lead worker (reviewing work, training, etc.).
4. Your specific responsibilities.

18


If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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/Training Source
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question