Forest Legacy Planner (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2)

Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CSSC-2025-22983-54910
Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division: CN Res Plng and Info
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Closing Date: 4/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 54910
Position Number: 50699678
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00388125
Bureau / Division: Resource Planning and Information Division
Worksite Address: 400 Market Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17105
Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email: RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov

THE POSITION

If you are passionate about our local forests and dedicated to safeguarding our natural resources, an exciting opportunity awaits you. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, specifically within the Resource Planning and Information Division, is on the lookout for a Forest Legacy Planner (Natural Resource Program Specialist 2). This role is part of the United States Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program, a federal initiative aimed at preserving forested areas that face the risk of being transformed into non-forest uses. The program achieves this by offering grant funds to facilitate the purchase of forestland or the acquisition of conservation easements, ensuring the protection of these vital ecosystems.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, your primary responsibility will be to support the State Forester's office, various Divisions, and Bureau field offices by effectively coordinating, promoting, and managing the US Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program (FLP) throughout Pennsylvania. In this role, you will oversee the administration of the FLP statewide and spearhead the development of conservation projects funded by the program. Additionally, you will play a crucial role in formulating and executing forest management and strategic plans, as well as assisting with the bureau's land acquisition initiatives. Your duties will include gathering and analyzing forest inventories, statistics, and feedback from the public and stakeholders, while also facilitating forest planning efforts in collaboration with other agencies and within the Bureau itself. Furthermore, you will be responsible for reviewing and providing input on proposed legislation, regulations, policies, and research that impact forest management and State Forest lands, along with conducting supportive activities aimed at the development and upkeep of various projects related to the management of State Forest lands.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Occasional travel and overtime is required as needed
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per 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.
• 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:

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Three years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education; and a bachelor's degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, 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.
• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link 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.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

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.

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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 and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Selective Certification - Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered "Yes", please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.
03

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 1 (Natural Resource Specialist) for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

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 experience must also 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

How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in natural resource management?

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

06

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 experience must also 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.
07

How many years of full-time professional experience do you possess in natural resource education?

• 3 years or more
• 2 but less than 3 years
• 1 but less than 2 years
• Less than 1 year
• None

08

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 experience must also 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.
09

How much graduate coursework have you completed in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field?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 you answer this question based on education 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 visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.

• 30 credits or more
• 15 but less than 30 credits
• Less than 15 credits
• None

10

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. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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 work behavior 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 for each work behavior 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 our

• Yes

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - IMPLEMENTS FOREST CONSERVATION PROGRAMS
Interacts with internal and external stakeholders on the development, scope, and purpose of voluntary forest conservation programs. Researches forest carbon and agroforestry trends, best practices, studies, and funding sources. Recommends new or revised program policies, procedures, and evaluation criteria. Provides expert technical guidance regarding forest carbon programs and agroforesty practices (current best management practices) and current issues that affect private forest landowners.

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic, and social benefits.

A forest carbon program is a program that encourages forest landowners to implement scientifically proven forest practices that increase the carbon sequestered and stored on a piece of land.

Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience researching trends, best practices, studies, or funding sources and recommending program policies, procedures, or evaluation criteria for a forest conservation program; AND I have experience providing technical guidance to others regarding a forest carbon program or agroforesty practices.
• B. I have experience researching trends, best practices, studies, or funding sources and recommending program policies, procedures, or evaluation criteria for a forest conservation program; OR I have experience providing technical guidance to others regarding a forest carbon program or agroforesty practices.
• C. I have experience providing technical guidance regarding forest conservation practices to others. This experience was NOT related to a forest carbon or agroforestry program.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to forestry, forest technology, forest management, or forest science.
• E. 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.

Your experience providing recommendations regarding sustainable forest management practices.

Your experience providing technical guidance regarding forest conservation. Include details regarding what types of programs/practices.

Your level of responsibility.

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(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - DEVELOPS PARTNERSHIPS
Develops and maintains productive and cooperative relationships with other governmental agencies, conservation organizations, research institutions, habitat managers, landowners, and the public. Convenes committees, roundtable discussions, and conferences with other natural resource professionals to discuss mutual concerns, exchange information, and build consensus relative to forest related initiatives specific to private land.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience LEADING groups of natural resource professionals in discussion of forest related concerns, information, and ideas to build support and consensus regarding forest related initiatives.
• B. I have experience LEADING groups in discussion of concerns and sharing of information and ideas to gain support and build consensus regarding any program or project initiative.
• C. I have experience exchanging information, concerns, and ideas with others to gain support or build consensus.
• E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communication, public speaking, counseling, or psychology.
• F. 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.

Your experience leading groups in discussion to gain support or build consensus for an initiative or your experience exchanging information, concerns, and ideas with others to gain support or reach an agreement.

The type(s) of initiatives for which you attempted to gain support or build consensus.

Your level of responsibility

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(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - DEVELOPS TRAINING
Develops, coordinates, and conducts new or revised training programs to keep staff, foresters/natural resource professionals, landowners, municipal/county officials, and other interested parties updated on current developments. This includes researching topic information, establishing training objectives, selecting course content, and designing course materials.

Levels of Performance

Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing an education or training program which included establishing learning objectives, selecting course content, and designing course materials. I was responsible for the content of the training.
• B. I have experience developing education or training materials under the direction of someone else who established learning objectives and determined course content.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or professional training related to training for the workplace, psychology of learning, organizational psychology, train-the-trainer, or education.
• D. i have NO experience or training 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.

Your experience establishing learning objectives and selecting course content for an education or training program.

Your experience designing course materials for an education or training program.

Your level of responsibility.

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(s)

Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question