Job Information
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Forest Program Specialist (Silviculture Section) in Pennsylvania
Forest Program Specialist (Silviculture Section)
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Forest Program Specialist (Silviculture Section)
Salary
$66,250.00 - $100,636.00 Annually
Location
Multi-County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CS-2025-20729-54414
Department
Department of Conservation & Natural Resources
Division
CN Silviculture
Opening Date
04/02/2025
Closing Date
4/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
54414
Position Number
00017272
Union
Non Union
Bargaining Unit
B3
Pay Group
ST08
Bureau / Division Code
00388190
Bureau / Division
Silviculture Section
Worksite Address
Refer to Work Schedule and Additional Information
Contact Name
OA, CE Section Intake Division
Contact Email
RA-OACEINTAKESEC@pa.gov
Description
Benefits
Questions
THE POSITION
If you have a profound love for our local forests and a strong commitment to protecting these vital resources, we have an incredible opportunity for you. Join us as a Forest Program Specialist within the Silviculture Section of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In this position, you will have the chance to engage with nature firsthand, all while developing and executing programs designed to safeguard both our visitors and the invaluable natural assets we cherish.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In the role of a Forest Program Specialist, your primary duties will encompass the comprehensive planning, management, and conclusion of timber sale and regeneration contracts. You will be tasked with delivering expert guidance and support to forest districts and various stakeholders on a range of topics, including silviculture practices, tree planting initiatives, forest regeneration strategies, timber stand enhancement, and measures for controlling erosion and sedimentation. Additionally, you will ensure adherence to contract stipulations, conduct forest inventory assessments, categorize forest communities, and engage in relevant research activities.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD_NEOGOV.asp?p=00017272) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment
Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
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 Renovo, Waterville or Coudersport.
Position will report to either of the below listed locations.
Employee will be required to report to Rachel Carson State Office building (400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17105) the first month of employment for training purposes.
Sproul Forest District: 15187 Renovo Road, Renovo, PA 17764 (Clinton County)
Tiadaghton Resource Management Center: 10 Lower Pine Bottom Road, Waterville, PA 17776 (Lycoming County)
Susquehannock Forest District: 3150 E. Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 (Potter County)
This position may be eligible for Alternate Work Schedule (AWS).
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:
Two years of experience as a Forester (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
Two years of experience as a Forest Nursery Assistant Manager (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
Any equivalent combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills, and abilities.
Special Requirement:
This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license, of the proper class for the vehicles operated, as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Other Requirements:
PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) is currently waived for this title.
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.
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/testoncefor this posting.
Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
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, issuing state, 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 Forester or Forest Nursery Assistant Manager for two 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 forestry work in the conservation, development, management and use of forest resources do you possess?
Two years or more
One but less than two years
Less than one 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 the management of a Forest Tree Nursery which involves the planning, developing, implementing, coordinating, and evaluating of forest tree nursery operations?
A. Two or more years
B. One but less than two years
C. Less than one year
D. 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 do you possess in forestry, forest technology, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science or agroforestry?
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 visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link. For more information on foreign education credentials, please visithttps://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx#q3and click on Other Information.
A. 30 credits or more
B. 15 but less than 30 credits
C. Less than 15 credits
D. None
10
CS-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. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe 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 question 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 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 ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
Yes
11
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - SILVICULTURE TREATMENT IMPLEMENTATION
Assesses the appropriateness of silviculture treatments such as timber stand improvement, regeneration treatments, herbicide application, and tree planting, and develops or approves the implementation of silviculture prescriptions/plans to ensure the health and sustainability of forests.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience developing or approving the implementation of silviculture prescriptions/plans to ensure the health and sustainability of forests.
B. I have experience implementing silviculture treatments based on silviculture prescriptions/plans developed or approved by SOMEONE ELSE.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to silviculture or forest health.
D. 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.
The actual duties you performed related to silviculture treatments.
Your level of experience.
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 – COMPLIANCE EVALUATION
Evaluates internal activities for compliance with program plans, policies, and procedures, and contractor activities for compliance with contract requirements. Recommends corrective action to address discrepancies and ensure adherence to program goals and objectives.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A, I have experience evaluating internal activities for compliance with program plans, policies, and procedures, AND contractor activities for compliance with contract requirements. I recommended corrective action to address discrepancies.
B. I have experience evaluating internal activities for compliance with program plans, policies, and procedures, OR contractor activities for compliance with contract requirements. I recommended corrective action to address discrepancies.
C. I have experience evaluating internal activities for compliance with program plans, policies, and procedures, OR contractor activities for compliance with contract requirements. I did NOT recommend corrective action to address discrepancies.
D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to program or project evaluation, auditing, business management, program management, or compliance.
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 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.
The actual duties you performed related to evaluating compliance, including the types of corrective action you recommended.
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 – CONTRACT PREPARATION AND INTERPRETATION
Prepares, revises, approves, and interprets timber sale or regeneration contracts for buyers and vendors.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience preparing, revising, or approving TIMBER SALE OR REGENERATION contracts.
B. I have experience preparing, revising, or approving sales or service contracts NOT related to timber sale or regeneration.
C. I have experience interpreting the provisions of TIMBER SALE OR REGENERATION contracts to others. I do NOT have experience preparing, revising, or approving timber sale or regeneration contracts.
D. I have experience interpreting the provisions of sales or service contracts to others. I do NOT have experience preparing, revising, or approving sales or service contracts.
E. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to contracting or legal affairs.
F. 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 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.
The actual duties you performed related to preparing, revising, approving, or interpreting contracts, including the type(s) of contracts.
Your level of responsibility.
19
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.
College/University/Training Source
Course Title
Credits/Clock Hours
20
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – PRESENTATIONS AND TRAININGS
Develops and conducts presentations and training to internal staff and external parties regarding silviculture and timber related programs and practices.
Levels of Performance
Select the Level of Performance that best describes your claim.
A. I have experience conducting presentations or trainings. I developed the content of the presentations or trainings.
B. I have experience conducting presentations or trainings. I did NOT develop the content of the presentations or trainings.
C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to education, public relations, training, or public speaking/speech.
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 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.
The actual duties you performed related to developing or conducting presentations or trainings.
Your level of responsibility.
22
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
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov