Small Game Mammals Biologist, Wildlife Biologist 2

THE POSITION

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, upon successful completion of the required 6-months probationary period. 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.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Coordinate and manage the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s small game mammals program. Responsible for small game mammals research, management, monitoring, and outreach statewide. Serve as principal investigator for small game mammal studies, and as the agency’s technical advisor on small game mammals in Pennsylvania.

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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Recruitment Method(s): Applicants must meet one (or more) of the following method(s) to be considered for this vacancy:

• Promotion without Examination
• Reassignment
• Transfer
• Voluntary Demotion

Eligibility – all candidates:

1. Meet the minimum experience and training required for the job:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 1 (commonwealth title); or

• Two years of professional experience conducting wildlife management research and a bachelor’s degree that includes thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, or a closely related field, and six college credits in statistics or biometry; or

• Six years of experience conducting wildlife management research, including two years in a professional capacity, and thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, or a closely related field and six college credits in statistics or biometry; or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes thirty-six college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, zoology, or a closely related field and six college credits in statistics or biometry.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of an active motor vehicle license.

2. You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

3. You must be able to perform the essential functions.

4. PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.

Eligibility – Competitive Promotion Without Examination Only:

CLASS RESCTRICTIONS

Have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:

• Wildlife Biologist 1

Applications will be reviewed to determine if employees previously held regular civil service status or currently hold regular civil service status in a class for which there is a logical occupational, functional, or career development relationship to the posted position, or if there is a clear linkage between the required knowledges, skills, abilities to the previously or currently held class with those needed for the position posted.

This position is subject to the promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

Selection Criteria:

• Minimum experience and training required for the job.
• Meritorious service; defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the positing, and (b) the last due overall regular or probationary performance evaluation was higher than unsatisfactory or fails to meet the standards.
• Seniority, defined as a minimum of one year(s) in the next lower class(es) by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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. 
• If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled 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.

Benefits

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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.

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.

Agency Information

EmployerCommonwealth of PennsylvaniaAddress 613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120 Website http://www.employment.pa.gov