What are the responsibilities and job description for the Hunter Education Schools Program Coordinator (Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist) position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking a Hunter Education Schools Program Coordinator to support the Bureau of Information and Education. This position serves as a liaison between the Pennsylvania Game Commission, PA Department of Education, and public schools to recruit, train, and certify teachers to teach hunter education as an elective course or part of an existing course. This position plays an important part in strengthening conservation knowledge, promoting safe hunting practices, and expanding educational opportunities for students across the Commonwealth. Take advantage of this meaningful opportunity to make a lasting impact on future generations.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role advances opportunities for youth to take Pennsylvania’s Hunter-Trapper Education Program across the state by coordinating school-based programming. This position will work closely with Department of Education, school administrators and teachers, and agency staff to deliver hunter-education in schools. As the Hunter Education Schools Program Coordinator, you will perform the following duties:
- Hunter Education Schools Coordination: Lead collaboration with the Department of Education to recruit, train, and certify teachers to deliver hunter education programs in public schools
- Training and Certification Implementation: Provide teacher training, develop policies outlining teacher certification requirements, and assist teachers with coordinating hunter education programs in schools
- School Engagement: Foster positive relationships with teachers, school administrators, and education partners to promote hunter education and other agency youth-based programs
- Curriculum Development and Program Delivery: Prepare instructional materials, curricula, and guidance documents that support quality program delivery and align with agency standards for safety, instruction, and equipment use
- Program Evaluation: Collect program data, analyze program feedback, identify trends, and recommend improvements to enhance teacher and student outcomes
- Administrative and Operational Support: Assist with managing program inventory and school-based teaching materials, ensuring equipment and supplies are maintained and available for statewide use
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 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 45-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework is not permitted during the initial six-month probationary period; eligibility may be granted upon its successful completion. 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 the development and implementation of conservation education programs; and a bachelor’s degree with course work in wildlife management, journalism, communications, or a closely related field; or
- An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
- You must possess a Class C Driver's License.
- Within 6 months of hire, you must complete and maintain a certification to teach the state's mandatory basic hunter-trapper education program.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Preferred Qualifications (not required):
- Successful completion of a hunter education course
- At least three years of hunting experience
- Experience successfully harvesting game in the last three years
- Experience teaching others to use a bow, crossbow, or firearm safely
- Experience creating and maintaining positive working relationships with state agencies, non-government organizations, or school administrations for schools to adopt a new program or curricula
- Experience developing instructional materials, curricula, and standard operating procedures or policies for school-based programs
- Possession of any state-recognized teaching, school administration, environmental education, or agricultural education credentials
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 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 Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $60,538 - $92,010