What are the responsibilities and job description for the Environmental Education Specialist (Seasonal) Shawnee State Park position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Do you have a strong desire to share your knowledge, connect with others, and help protect our natural and recreational areas? If that sounds like you, Shawnee State Park wants you to be a part of their team as an Environmental Education Specialist. This role involves engaging in professional activities focused on creating and delivering educational programs related to environmental awareness, interpretation, and outdoor recreational activities at Shawnee State Park. 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!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this role, you will be responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and delivering educational programs focused on environmental and historical themes, as well as organizing outdoor recreational activities at Shawnee State Park. You will facilitate these educational initiatives through various methods, including hands-on discovery learning, audio/visual presentations, and workshops for educators, thereby enhancing the understanding of environmental and historical topics among diverse audiences. Additionally, you will support educational institutions, community organizations, and both public and private entities in the creation and execution of interpretive programs, teacher training sessions, and curriculum development efforts.
Your responsibilities will also include managing resource libraries to ensure access to relevant materials and working with the park’s volunteer program to schedule activities and maintain accurate volunteer time records. You will coordinate the maintenance and repair of both environmental education and recreational equipment, along with the upkeep of indoor and outdoor educational facilities. Your efforts will contribute to enhancing public understanding and appreciation of the environment through well-structured educational experiences. By engaging with various audiences, you will facilitate a deeper connection to the natural world and promote sustainable practices within the community. You will implement the Bureau of State Park’s Watershed Education Program for local educators and students, while also preparing proposals for funding opportunities through the OPS Division, managing purchases, and coordinating invoice submissions. Lastly, you will schedule educational programs, prepare lesson plans in accordance with bureau guidelines, and ensure timely submission of required reports on a daily basis.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time, seasonal employment without benefits.
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with a 30 minute lunch. Shift hours and days vary due to operational need.
- Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
- 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:
- Willingness to work weekends and evenings.
- Willingness 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.
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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 according with Act 153 of 2014, this position is required to complete a 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional Info/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.
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