Wildlife Biologist (Ecological Program Specialist)

The Wildlife Biologist with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), Bureau of Forestry helps guide the future of wildlife conservation in Pennsylvania.  This role supports science-based decisions that protect habitats and maintain strong wildlife populations on State Forest lands.  This position coordinates the Deer Management Assistance Program on State Forest Lands and coordinates landscape-level wildlife habitat projects with conservation partners.  The Wildlife Biologist also serves on the Bureau's multi-disciplinary Gas Monitoring Team.  It offers opportunities to collaborate with skilled experts who care deeply about conservation.  This position allows you to make a meaningful difference for generations to come.

This position leads statewide wildlife management efforts by developing plans, reviewing research, and coordinating conservation actions across state forest lands.  Your work will also focus on supporting habitat evaluations, ecological planning efforts, and collaborating with field offices and partner organizations.  As a Wildlife Biologist, you will perform the following duties:

• Wildlife Planning: Develop statewide wildlife policies and guide habitat management strategies
• Program Coordination: Manage deer impact monitoring and support decisions tied to forest health
• Research Evaluation: Review scientific studies and monitoring results to inform conservation actions
• Habitat Projects: Plan and coordinate habitat improvement projects with field staff and partners
• Ecological Guidance: Provide technical expertise to staff, agencies, and the public on wildlife topics
• Impact Review: Evaluate proposed land use activities for effects on wildlife and habitat conditions

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 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Travel is required. 
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per two week pay period.  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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 2 or Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job titles or equivalent Federal Government job titles, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional experience in management of plant, wildlife, or natural resources and a bachelor's degree in biology, botany, ecology, environmental science, forestry, natural resources management, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Other Requirements:

• This particular position also requires possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver's license.
• Employee will be required to obtain a PA Pesticide Applicator License upon hire.
• 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.

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: 

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.

• 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.

Salary : $69,086 - $104,959