Environmental Education Specialist - Oil Creek State Park

Do you enjoy our state parks and would like to spend your day sharing your knowledge, connecting with people, and making a positive impact in the fields of environmental conservation, recreation, and education? If so, consider becoming a part of the Oil Creek State Park team. In this dynamic role, you will develop and execute a range of educational programs and interpretive activities that showcase the parks rich history and stunning natural landscape. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals. If you are passionate about fostering a deeper understanding of our natural world, do not miss the chance to apply today!

In this position, you will be responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering educational and recreational programs focused on environmental and historical themes for various visitor groups. Program examples include guided walks, audiovisual presentations, tours, campfire discussions, and hands-on field activities that highlight natural history, cultural events, and environmental concerns.

Additionally, you will facilitate environmental education through both field experiences and classroom activities, utilizing resources like the State Park's Activities for Environmental Learning and Project Learning Tree. Programs will take place within the park and as outreach initiatives.

You will assist educational institutions and community organizations in creating and executing educational programs, professional development for teachers, curriculum design, and outdoor recreation activities. Furthermore, you will implement the Bureau of State Park's Watershed Education Program for local school teachers and students, while also submitting proposals for funding through the Outdoor Programming Services Division and managing purchases and tracking information for the regional office.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026, until November 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
• Work shifts/days vary, will work 5 days/37.5 hours per week to include weekends and holidays.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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:

• 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:

• 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.

• 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.