The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy’s (WPC) watershed conservation program, in cooperation with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry, seeks a highly motivated, driven and well-organized individual to help promote and coordinate riparian forest buffer and lawn conversion implementation efforts in Pennsylvania as a part of tight-knit team working in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects at once, exhibit outstanding planning skills and demonstrate success with following up promptly with landowners and partners.

Experience with working with cross-sector partnerships and maintaining great working relationships with a variety of stakeholders is a plus. Knowledge of PA’s natural resource concerns, water quality best management practices (including riparian forest buffers, afforestation and conservation landscaping) and tree/plant ID skills are preferred. The position supports Pennsylvania’s renewed focus on increasing watershed forestry practices throughout the Commonwealth.

Ability to lead productive working groups is a must. A four-year degree in natural resources, or a related degree and equivalent experience, is required. Must be willing to travel throughout PA for site visits and meetings on a regular basis.

While the position involves a high level of in-office work, the selected candidate must also be willing to work outside in occasionally adverse conditions to plant and maintain tree seedlings and meadows, etc.

If you’re a people-person interested in a fast-paced career in the environmental realm, this might be the job for you!

The purpose of the position is to further the state and federal watershed forestry-related goals set for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Chesapeake Bay, especially within the south-central and south-eastern portion of PA. Efforts will focus on increasing landowner participation in watershed forestry programs. The position will result in the implementation of new acres of lawn-to-forest planting, riparian forest buffer planting and lawn-to-meadow planting, all of which help improve ecological function and water quality within the Chesapeake Bay and throughout PA.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Promote and outreach watershed forestry best management practices to PA landowners.
  • Respond to landowner requests for technical assistance, and assist landowners in finding appropriate funding sources for implementation projects on their properties.
  • Support better long-term maintenance of new and existing watershed forestry practices.
  • Coordinate working groups of stakeholders on specific issues connected to watershed forestry practices.
  • Track and report implementation of watershed forestry practices.
  • Conduct workshops/trainings for partners, stakeholders and landowners.
  • Provide staff support for the Riparian Forest Buffer Advisory Committee and Lawn Conversion Advisory Committee and associated leadership teams and action teams, etc.
  • Assist with planning and hosting the annual Watershed Forestry Summit (formerly Riparian Forest Buffer Summit).
  • Assist with grant management, as well as grant application reviews.
  • Develop planting plans for riparian forest buffers, forest plantings and lawn conversions.
  • Participate in partner projects and initiatives.
  • Administrative responsibilities.

Absolute Requirements

  • The position will be based in DCNR Bureau of Forestry offices in Harrisburg, Pa., with remote working options available with a PA residence.
  • Bachelor’s degree in a natural resource-related/environmental field; OR a related degree and equivalent experience.
  • Well-developed organizational skills – must be able to handle multiple tasks and priorities, and keep track of many appointments and deadlines, etc.
  • Excellent work ethic, drive and motivation to succeed as an individual and as a team-player.
  • Ability to work successfully with people at all organizational levels and from all backgrounds.
  • Verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively meet with, speak with, educate and present to a wide variety of audiences and individuals.
  • Ability to manage data/spreadsheets, develop documents, utilize virtual meeting software, etc.
  • Public presentation experience.
  • Must be flexible with schedule; willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Ability to perform physical work, carry heavy equipment and navigate uneven terrain.
  • Valid driver’s license and willingness/ability to travel to various locations throughout the Commonwealth on a regular basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working in the natural resources field.
  • Proven track record of building good working relationships with landowners and partner organizations.
  • Experience working with agricultural landowners and communities.
  • Knowledge of riparian forest buffer and lawn conversion planning, implementation and maintenance techniques.
  • Experience developing planting plans for watershed forestry practices.
  • Experience organizing events, such as plantings or maintenance days, or partner meetings.
  • Experience coordinating with multiple partners on projects.

Location: The position is based in Harrisburg, Pa.

Position Duration: The is a regular full-time opportunity with full benefits.

Pay: We offer a competitive salary with a comprehensive benefits package.

Application Process: Please send a cover letter, résumé and salary requirements to wpcjobs@paconserve.org and list WF Specialist in the subject line.

Application Deadline: October 22, 2021