R3 Program Specialist (Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist, Game Commission)

Drive the Pennsylvania Game Commission's R3 mission by leading the development and execution of statewide recruitment, retention, and reactivation programs, including the Junior Pheasant Hunt and other hands-on training events. This role builds and supports a network of skilled volunteers, delivers engaging instruction, and uses data-driven insights to enhance program offerings and boost public participation. Join us to shape the next generation of hunters while ensuring accurate documentation and dynamic promotion of R3 activities.

This role focuses on developing, leading, and supporting programs that encourage outdoor participation across Pennsylvania. It combines education, program management, and partnership building to advance the agency's R3 goals. As a Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist, you will perform the following duties:

• Program Leadership: Lead the implementation of the agency's R3 Strategic Plan to encourage new and returning participants
• Beginner Training: Develop and coordinate programs that teach basic hunting and trapping skills through workshops and mentored events
• Advanced Education: Provide opportunities for experienced participants to grow through advanced workshops and second step activities
• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit and train volunteers who support R3 programs and mentored hunts
• Partnership Collaboration: Work with agency staff and partners to create online learning tools and educational resources
• Program Evaluation: Measure public interest, analyze demand, and recommend scheduling improvements for statewide R3 events

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Temporary, Full-time employment, 3 year limited term
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM, Monday - Friday, with 45-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework is not permitted during the initial six-month probationary period; eligibility may be granted upon its successful completion. 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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:

• Two years of professional experience in the development and implementation of conservation education programs; and a bachelor's degree with course work in wildlife management, journalism, communications, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Successful completion of a hunter-trapper education course
• Possession of a valid state hunting license
• At least three years of hunting experience
• Experience successfully harvesting game in the last five years
• Experience teaching others to use a bow, crossbow, or firearm safely
• Experience trapping furbearers
• Experience planning and hosting events
• Experience building and maintaining partnerships

Legal Requirements:

• 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.
• 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.

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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.