Silviculture Section Chief (Natural Resource Program Supervisor)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania • Dauphin County, PA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Silviculture Section Chief leads statewide silviculture operations, timber program administration, and research coordination for the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources’ Bureau of Forestry. The position oversees forest management programs that support sustainable, healthy, and productive forest ecosystems, including a timber sale program with more than $20 million in annual activity. The role also represents the Bureau’s forest stewardship work, builds partnerships with the forest products industry and other organizations, and supports research related to silviculture and forest products utilization.

The position is headquartered at the Rachel Carson State Office Building in Harrisburg. It is full-time, with a standard 37.5-hour workweek and a start time between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM, plus a half-hour lunch. An alternate work schedule may be available. Part-time telework of up to five days per pay period may be offered, subject to applicable requirements and change; employees who cannot telework may report to the Harrisburg headquarters.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Natural Resource Program Specialist 2, or an equivalent Federal Government job title as determined by the Office of Administration; or four years of professional experience in natural resource management or natural resource education and a bachelor's degree in a qualifying field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.
• A bachelor's degree, when using the four-year experience pathway, in natural resource management, parks and recreation, education, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, or a closely related field.
• Meet the Pennsylvania residency requirement.
• Be able to perform the essential job functions.
• If claiming education toward minimum qualifications, provide a copy of college transcripts with the application; unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Lead statewide silviculture operations, timber program administration, and research coordination.
• Review timber proposals and support and perform quality control for timber sale administration and regeneration fund project work.
• Review and improve silvicultural guidance used by Bureau of Forestry field staff.
• Manage the bidding and contracting business enterprise for state forest timber sales in alignment with Commonwealth policies and management objectives.
• Provide technical expertise on applied silviculture and coordinate research needs to advance sustainable forest management.
• Develop and lead training for foresters, technicians, and program staff on silvicultural practices and timber sale procedures.
• Represent the Bureau at meetings and events to communicate forest management strategies and strengthen conservation partnerships.
• Coordinate Good Neighbor Authority activities with federal partners, including planning, agreements, and reporting.
• Build collaborative networks with state agencies, nongovernmental partners, and forest products industry stakeholders to support landscape-level conservation and forest stewardship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager