What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Education Specialist Beltzville State Park position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Start an exciting career as an Environmental Education Specialist with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. You will have a great opportunity to share nature, teach visitors, and inspire people to care for the environment at Beltzville State Park. You will help create meaningful programs that bring the park's natural and cultural stories to life. Join a team that values learning, exploration, and community connection.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position develops and presents educational and interpretive programs that teach park visitors about natural and cultural resources. You will play a key role in helping the public connect with the outdoors through guided activities and environmental learning. As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will perform the following duties:
- Program Development: Create and present environmental and interpretive programs for visitors of all ages
- Educational Activities: Lead structured lessons, guided walks, talks, and hands-on learning experiences
- Event Coordination: Organize recreational events, guest programs, and volunteer activities
- Resource Management: Maintain educational materials, displays, and equipment used for programs
- Public Communication: Prepare schedules, brochures, press releases, and social media content
- Visitor Support: Assist with office tasks, answer questions, and provide customer service to park guests
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026, until November 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Thursday - Monday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- 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. Willingness to wear a prescribed uniform.
Other Requirements:
- This particular position also requires possession of a valid driver’s license which 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:
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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.
- 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 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.
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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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
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Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $27