Environmental Education Specialist (Salary) - Washington Crossing Historic Park

The Department of Conservation & Natural Resources is excited to announce an opportunity for a permanent Environmental Education Specialist position at Washington Crossing Historic Park. This role involves engaging in professional activities focused on the creation and delivery of environmental education and interpretive programs designed to enhance visitor understanding and appreciation of the natural world. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing educational content, leading programs, and facilitating activities that promote environmental stewardship within the park or at the Environmental Education Center. If you are passionate about educating the public on environmental issues and enjoy working in a dynamic outdoor setting, we encourage you to apply today and become a vital part of our mission to inspire and educate the community.

In this position, you will be responsible for the development, coordination, and presentation of educational and interpretive programs at Washington Crossing Historic Park. Your role will also involve planning and delivering educational initiatives at local schools and various community venues. This work necessitates the establishment and nurturing of strong collaborative relationships with local and state conservation organizations, civic groups, educational institutions, and the general public, all aimed at enhancing environmental education and interpretive efforts. Assignments will be provided by the Park Manager, who will outline specific programs and activities, while you will apply your professional judgment to execute these tasks effectively. Any projects you initiate will require prior approval from Park Management, and completed work will undergo a review process to ensure quality, technical accuracy, and overall proficiency.

Your responsibilities will include the planning, development, promotion, coordination, and presentation of educational and interpretive programs at Washington Crossing Historic Park, which may encompass recreational activities such as kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking, alongside environmental and historical or cultural themes. You will facilitate educational and interpretive activities through various methods, including discovery learning sessions, audiovisual presentations, and workshops for teachers and staff. Additionally, you will provide support to educational institutions, civic organizations, and public entities in creating and implementing environmental education programs, teacher in-service workshops, and curriculum development. Your role will also involve the operation and maintenance of visitor service centers and resource libraries, as well as the coordination of the Environmental Education Volunteer program for the Park or Environmental Education Center. You will be tasked with maintaining collections that reflect the natural, historic, cultural, and archaeological significance of the area, assisting in the research and development of educational publications and exhibits, and overseeing the use, repair, and maintenance of environmental education and interpretive equipment. Furthermore, you will create and present specialized activities tailored for park visitors, enhancing their educational and interpretive experiences.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational needs, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• Overtime and travel as operationally necessary
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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:

• 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 you to possess 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.