Salary: $66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location : Berks County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number: CSSC-2025-19656-54910
Department: Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division: CN Fors Dstr #17
Opening Date: 03/11/2025
Closing Date: 3/24/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 54910
Position Number: 00025416
Union: Non Union
Bargaining Unit: B3
Pay Group: ST08
Bureau / Division Code: 00388117
Bureau / Division: William Penn Forest District
Worksite Address: 845 Park Rd
City: Elverson, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 19520
Contact Name: OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email: RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
THE POSITION Are you driven by a commitment to safeguard and enhance our natural resources? Do you have extensive experience in managing various forest management projects? If this resonates with you, we encourage you to consider applying for the role of Assistant District Forester (Natural Resource Program Specialist) at the William Penn Forest District, a division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This opportunity allows you to contribute significantly to environmental preservation, so be sure to send in your application without delay.
DESCRIPTION OF WORKIn this position of leadership, you will assist the Forest District Manager in overseeing and directing the personnel within the forest district. Your responsibilities will encompass the management of forest resources, the organization of recreational activities, the maintenance of forest health, the supervision of wildlife management efforts, the coordination of recreational maintenance tasks, the advancement of conservation education and outreach programs, as well as the execution of rural and community forestry initiatives.
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.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, on an ad-hoc basis, when needed. 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 Elverson.
- 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 & ELIGIBILITYQUALIFICATIONSMinimum 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 will 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 & WellnessWe 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.*
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Work/Life BalanceWe 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.*
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*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
02
If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your 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?
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
INSTRUCTIONS: 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
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - PROGRAM/PROJECT PLANNINGPlan and coordinate all resource management programs. Duties include overseeing timber management operations, invasive plant suppression activities, regeneration projects, recreation programs, and wildlife management.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience planning and coordinating resource management activities including timber management operations, invasive plant suppression activities, regeneration projects, recreation programs and wildlife management.
- B. I have experience planning and coordinating resource management activities including timber management operations, invasive plant suppression activities, regeneration projects, recreation programs or wildlife management.
- C. I have experience coordinating any natural resource project or program including coordinating contracts internally or externally or managing appropriate budgets.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to project planning or project management.
- 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 on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
- Your experience planning or coordinating a program/project
- The type(s) of programs/projects
- Your specific duties and 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
- Credits/Clock Hours
14
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONWrites and reviews documents such as work plans, official agreements, summary reports for vegetation management and grant funds, and responses to public inquiries related to state forest resource and recreational programs.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience writing documents, inquiries, or responses related to state forest resource or state forest recreational programs.
- B. I have experience writing documents, inquiries, or responses related to natural resource programs other than state forest resource or state forest recreational programs.
- C. I have experience drafting documents, inquiries, or responses related to natural resource programs. Someone else was responsible for the final content of these documents.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to report or grant writing.
- E. 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 on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
- Your experience writing or reviewing documents, inquiries, or responses related to state forest resource or recreational programs or natural resource programs
- Your specific duties and 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
- Credits/Clock Hours
17
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - TECHNICAL ASSISTANCEProvides technical assistance to internal and external parties regarding the interpretation of program requirements and the analysis of state forest rules and regulations. Acts as a subject matter expert on habitat management, urban and community forestry, and recreation. Interprets policies, priorities, issues, and goals of projects for operational structure.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding the interpretation of state forest program requirements, rules, and policies.
- B. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding the interpretation of natural resources program requirements, rules, and policies NOT related to state forests.
- C. I have experience providing technical assistance regarding rules and policies NOT related to forest or natural resources.
- D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or communications.
- E. I have NO experience or education 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 on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
- Your experience providing technical assistance and to whom
- The topic(s) of the information provided
- The actual duties you performed and 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
- Credits/Clock Hours
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WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - SUPERVISION Performs the full range of supervisory duties including assigning and reviewing work; providing guidance; training subordinates or arranging for the training of subordinates; evaluating work; providing discipline; monitoring and approving leave; and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process.
Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
- A. I have experience performing supervisory duties which included assigning work, evaluating work, providing discipline, monitoring and approving leave, and making recommendations in the hiring and termination process.
- B. I have experience as a lead worker which included providing on-the-job training and staff orientation, reviewing work, or serving as a team or group leader.
- C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework or other training related to supervisory development, labor relations, or human resource management, but I do NOT have at least six months of supervisory or lead work experience.
- D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
21
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed on this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you claimed you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
- The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience
- Your duties as a supervisor (evaluating work, monitoring and approving leave, etc.)
- Your duties as a lead worker (providing training, reviewing work, etc.)
- Your specific responsibilities
22
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework or training, 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.
- Training Source
- Course Title
- Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
