Environmental Education Specialist (Seasonal) Keystone State Park

The Commonwealth of PA is hiring a Seasonal Environmental Education Specialist for Keystone State Park in Pennsylvania. This role involves creating and delivering educational programs focused on environmental awareness and outdoor recreation. Responsibilities include overseeing various educational activities and guiding tours. The position requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and is full-time from March to November 2025, with no telework option available.
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, Keystone 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 Keystone 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

As an Environmental Education Specialist, you will oversee every aspect of environmental education, recreation, and interpretive programs and activities at Keystone State Park. You will be responsible for strategizing, creating, organizing, and delivering environmental and historical education, recreation programming, and interpretive programs and activities for various visitor groups. These programs may consist of guided walks, audio-visual presentations, tours, outdoor recreation programs, and field learning activities that revolve around state-developed themes centered on natural history, historic and cultural events, and environmental concerns.

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. The season runs from approximately March 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2026.
• Shift hours and days vary due to operational need, with a 30-minute lunch
• Weekends, holidays, and all shifts as needed at 37.5 hours per week
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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:
• 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.
• 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%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.

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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 visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
• Eligibility rules apply.