What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Education Specialist position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
If you have a passion for sharing your expertise, engaging with the public, and contributing to the environmental and recreational sector, consider joining the team at Raccoon Creek State Park as an Environmental Education Specialist. Within this role, you will be responsible for organizing and executing educational programs and interpretive activities related to the environment and history. Take pride in knowing you are contributing to an agency which strives to conserve and sustain Pennsylvania’s natural resources for present and future generations’ use and enjoyment. Bring your talent and enthusiasm to our team and apply today!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will be responsible for developing programs and lesson plans to provide special activities for park visitors such as environmental education and interpretive programs regarding natural history, historic and cultural events, and environmental management issues at Raccoon Creek State Park. Work includes program planning, preparation, implementation, presentation, and evaluation. Programs will be facilitated by leading guided walks, audio-visual presentations, tours, campfire programs, and innovative field learning activities.
The ability to engage and collaborate with others is essential, as you will be presenting programs, workshops, seminars, and environmental problem solving activities to students, the public, and various organized groups ranging in age from preschool through senior citizens. You will also be tasked with creating program schedules, as well as preparing and distributing program and activity schedules, brochures, press releases, and other correspondence. Furthermore, you will maintain and coordinate the use of environmental learning field equipment; oversee the use of equipment; and make recommendations for repair, servicing, replacement, and purchasing of new equipment.
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 provided and no option to buy in to group healthcare benefits. Employment runs from approximately March 2026 until November 2026. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2027.
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Work schedule will vary. Work will be scheduled 5 days/37.5 hours per week and will include a 30-minute lunch.
- Work may be scheduled on weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed.
- 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:
- 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:
- You must pass a background investigation.
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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.
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.
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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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.