Environmental Education Specialist Supervisor

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as the Environmental Education Specialist Supervisor for the Presque Isle State Park Complex, which includes Presque Isle State Park, Erie Bluffs State Park, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. This leadership role oversees the development, coordination, and delivery of all educational programs and public offerings across the complex. If you are passionate about environmental education, enjoy working with the public, and are ready to guide a team in one of Pennsylvania's most iconic natural areas, apply today.

In this role, you will lead and support the development, coordination, and delivery of environmental education and interpretive programs throughout the Presque Isle State Park Complex. You will work closely with schools, colleges, conservation groups, civic organizations, and the public to promote environmental awareness and stewardship. This position requires strong leadership, program-planning expertise, and the ability to guide staff, manage resources, and ensure high-quality educational experiences that reflect the natural, cultural, and historical significance of Presque Isle.

Program Development & Coordination

• Supervise and participate in planning, developing, coordinating, and presenting environmental education and interpretive programs.
• Create and maintain the master schedule of programs and activities for the park.
• Oversee lesson plan development and evaluate program effectiveness.
• Coordinate educational activities, seminars, and special events with partner organizations.
• Lead the creation of specialized programs focused on local natural history, cultural themes, and environmental management issues.

Educational Leadership & Public Engagement

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with conservation groups, civic organizations, schools, colleges, and the public.
• Provide guidance to educational institutions and community groups in developing environmental education programs, teacher workshops, and curriculum materials.
• Supervise guided walks, audiovisual presentations, and the preparation of scripts and lesson plans.

Resource & Facility Management

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of resource libraries and educational collections, including natural, historical, cultural, and archaeological materials.
• Supervise the development of educational publications, exhibits, and interpretive materials.
• Ensure proper use, repair, and maintenance of environmental education and interpretive equipment.

Planning & Administrative Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and review of the park's Interpretive Plan.
• Prepare the annual program plan for Presque Isle State Park.
• Assist with resource management strategies and practices within the park.
• Support the Invasive Species Program by scheduling environmental education staff as needed.

Staff Supervision & Workforce Management

• Supervise environmental education staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Assign work, determine workflow, and develop performance standards.
• Evaluate employee performance and participate in hiring recommendations.
• Approve leave requests, address grievances, and initiate corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure staff receive appropriate training and understand relevant policies and procedures.

Operational & Administrative Tasks

• Prepare letters, memoranda, reports, lesson plans, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate documentation related to programs, activities, and educational initiatives.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Days/Shifts will vary will work 5 days/37.5 hrs. per week including holidays and weekends
• 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:

• One year of experience as an Environmental Education Specialist (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or

• A bachelor's degree in environmental education, education, the natural sciences, social sciences, or parks and recreation; and one year of professional experience in the field of environmental education and interpretation; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

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 Guidelines.
• 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.
• 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.

• 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):

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.