Environmental Education Specialist - Little Buffalo State Park
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Environmental Education Specialist - Little Buffalo State Park
Salary
$26.57 Hourly
Location
Perry County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Seasonal Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2026-43111-54800
Department
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division
CN Little Buffalo St Prk
Opening Date
02/18/2026
Closing Date
3/3/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
54800
Position Number
00047778
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST06
Bureau / Division Code
00386317
Bureau / Division
CN Little Buffalo St Prk
Worksite Address
1579 State Park Road
City
Newport, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
17074
Contact Name
OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email
Ra-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opening for a full-time Environmental Education Specialist. This position involves engaging in professional activities focused on the creation and delivery of interpretive programs that highlight the environmental, historical, and cultural significance of Little Buffalo State Park. The role is designed for individuals passionate about educating the public and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature and heritage through interactive experiences. If you are enthusiastic about environmental education and wish to make a meaningful impact in a beautiful natural setting, we encourage you to apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will be responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering educational programs focused on environmental and historical themes, as well as outdoor recreation and interpretive activities at Little Buffalo State Park. Your role encompasses all aspects of environmental education, including the creation of lesson plans, scheduling, implementation, coordination, effective presentation, and evaluation of various programs. You will facilitate engaging learning experiences through inquiry-based methods, audiovisual presentations, guided nature walks, and professional development workshops for educators, alongside other educational initiatives that promote environmental and historical awareness. Additionally, you will support educational institutions, civic organizations, and both public and private entities in crafting and executing educational programs, workshops, and curriculum development tailored to environmental and historical topics.
Your responsibilities will also include the operation and maintenance of visitor service centers and resource libraries, as well as Shoaff's Mill, a fully operational 19th-century water-powered gristmill, where you will organize and lead group tours and demonstrations. You will implement established lesson plans for environmental learning activities, drawing from resources such as the Bureau of State Park lesson plans, Pennsylvania Land Choices, and various educational projects like Project WET and Project Wild. Furthermore, you will execute the Bureau of State Park's Watershed Education Program for local teachers and students, ensuring that programs are scheduled and lesson plans are prepared in accordance with the Bureau's approved format, while also submitting necessary reports on a regular basis. Your role will involve maintaining collections related to natural, historic, cultural, and archaeological resources, assisting in the research and development of educational publications and exhibits, and coordinating the use, repair, and upkeep of equipment related to environmental education and interpretive activities.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00047778) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately April 2026, until November 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment April 2027.
Work shifts/days vary, will work 5 days/37.5 hours per week to include weekends and holidays.
Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
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:
A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Conditions of Employment:
You must be willing to work weekends and evenings.
You must be willing to wear a prescribed uniform.
Other Requirements:
You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
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.
In accordance with Act 153 of 2014 this position is required to complete Child Abuse, Criminal and Federal Criminal History Checks around the time of hire and thereafter every 5 years
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.
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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html 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 shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How much college level coursework have you completed in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation?
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 your education was 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 visitingwww.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
A conferred Bachelor's degree or higher level degree
Within 3 months of conferring a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree
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
02
If you selected "Within 3 months of conferring a Bachelor's degree or higher level degree" above, what is your expected graduation date (MM/YYYY)?
03
How many years of full-time para-professional/technical or higher level experience do you possess in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation?
4 years or more
3 but less than 4 years
2 but less than 3 years
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 experiencemustalso 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
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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
06
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROGRAM COORDINATION
Plans, develops, coordinates, and presents environmental education, interpretive, and outdoor recreation programs and activities at a state park or environmental education center including conducting discovery learning activities, audiovisual presentations, teacher workshops, guided walks, demonstrations, impromptus, and other cultural and historical learning programs.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience planning, developing, coordinating, AND presenting environmental education OR outdoor recreation programs and activities at a park or environmental education center.
B. I have experience planning, developing, coordinating, AND presenting education programs OR activities NOT related to environmental or outdoor education.
C. I have experience DEVELOPING OR PRESENTING environmental education OR outdoor recreation programs and activities at a park or environmental education center, however, I have NOT planned or coordinated programs.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to environmental studies or environmental science
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
07
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.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
Details regarding your experience planning, developing, coordinating, and/or presenting education programs and activities
The @type of programs or activities you planned, developed, coordinated, and/or presented
08
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.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - LIAISON
Serves as a liaison to environmental and conservation groups, government agencies and the community which involves responding to requests for information or guidance, providing assistance in training development, program development, and event coordination as well as providing resources and communication of relevant and timely information.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience serving as a liaison to environmental and conservation groups, government agencies, AND the community on environmental or conservation topics.
B. I have experience serving as a liaison to the COMMUNITY on environmental or conservation topics. I did NOT serve as a liaison to environmental and conservation groups and government agencies.
C. I have experience serving as a liaison to government agencies OR the community on topics OTHER THAN environmental or conservation.
D. I have NO experience 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.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The topic of the liaison work
The groups you communicated with when you served as a liaison
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - VISITOR CENTER OR RESOURCE LIBRARY
Schedules employees; opens and closes buildings; maintains brochures, materials, and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries; and posts open and close times and programs offered to the calendar of events.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience scheduling employees; opening and closing buildings; maintaining brochures, materials, and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries; AND posting updates to the calendar of events.
B. I have experience maintaining brochures, materials, and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries and posting updates to the calendar of events. I have NOT scheduled employees or opened and closed buildings.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to retail management.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
12
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.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The duties you performed related to scheduling employees, opening and closing buildings, maintaining materials and exhibits in visitor centers or resource libraries, and/or posting updates to the calendar of events
13
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.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
Develops written materials including reports of program status and attendance and environmental education lesson plans, instructional materials, brochures, pamphlets, posters, and exhibits. Ensures material is suitable and available to the diverse groups being educated.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing reports on the status of environmental programs and written materials including lesson plans and instructional materials. I was responsible for the COMPLETE written document.
B. I have experience developing PORTIONS of reports on the status of environmental programs and written materials including lesson plans and instructional materials.
C. I have experience developing reports or instructional materials on topics OTHER THAN environmental education.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing or non-fiction writing.
E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
15
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.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The @types of written materials you developed or assisted in developing
The topics of the reports or instructional materials you developed or assisted in developing
16
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.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 - CUSTOMER SERVICE
Provides customer service at state park visitor or environmental education centers by giving information to park visitors on park facilities (activities, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, history, and environmental features), services, points of interest, and nearby State Parks. Answers phone and email inquiries.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience providing customer service at park visitor or environmental education centers by giving information to park visitors on park facilities, services, points of interest, and nearby state parks. I answered phone and email inquiries.
B. I have experience providing customer service and giving information to customers in person, via phone, or email inquiries. This experience was NOT in a park visitor or environmental education center.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or training related to customer relations or customer service training.
D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
18
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.
The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
The setting in which you provided customer service
19
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.
College/University
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
