Mammal Recovery Specialist (Wildlife Biologist 2) (3-year limited term)

Salary: $59,345.00 - $90,211.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Civil Service Limited Term Full-Time
Job Number: CS-2026-47791-62120
Department: Game Commission
Division: GC Protd Mamls Sectn
Opening Date: 04/24/2026
Closing Date: 5/8/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: 62120
Position Number: 50263226
Union: AFSCME
Bargaining Unit: B4
Pay Group: ST07
Bureau / Division Code: 00234320
Bureau / Division: Bureau of Wildlife Management
Worksite Address: 2001 Elmerton Avenue
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17110
Contact Name: Ashley Boylan
Contact Phone: [click to reveal phone number]717.787.7836
Contact Email: [click to reveal email address]gamevacancybids@pa.gov

THE POSITION
The Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management is seeking an ambitious and highly skilled Wildlife Biologist 2 to serve as a Mammal Recovery Specialist in our Harrisburg Office. In this vital role, you will lead efforts that focus on the recovery of native mammalian species currently in decline. You will have the opportunity to develop, coordinate and implement active management actions, and document changes in the impacted species. If you are eager to make a meaningful impact on future generations with the work that you do, we invite you to apply and become a part of our dedicated team!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position's responsibility is to manage a program that focuses on the recovery of native mammalian species currently in decline, to develop active management actions, to coordinate the agency's implementation of said management actions, and document changes in the impacted species. This will be achieved by monitoring populational trends prioritized toward species of conservation need, researching threats and knowledge gaps associated with these species, and determining the most effective ways to improve the recovery of these species. This work will involve managing the data associated with these species and making sure these locations are transferred into the natural diversity database so that they will be best protected. Additionally, working with those that are on the ground improving habitat, writing conservation management plans for habitat with these species, and writing a recovery plan so that longer term recovery goals are clear and attainable.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description
Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 3 -year limited term, Full-time employment
• Work hours are 7:45 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with 45-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. Telework is not permitted during the initial six-month probationary period; eligibility may be granted upon its successful completion. 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.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• 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:

• One year of experience as a Wildlife Biologist 1 (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); 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
• 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
• 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 Requirement:

• You must possess a valid driver's license, which is not under suspension.

Other Requirements:

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

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.
• 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.

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 [click to reveal website link]www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
• Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
• Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
• You must provide complete and accurate information or:
  • your score may be lower than deserved.
  • you may be disqualified.
• You may only apply/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our

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 and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.
01

Special Requirement - Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?

• Yes
• No

02

If you answered "yes" to the above question, please provide the issuing state, the expiration date and your license number.
03

Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Wildlife Biologist 1 for one or more years full-time?

• Yes
• No

04

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05

Have you completed at least thirty-six (36) semester college credits in wildlife management, wildlife biology, animal or plant ecology, zoology, botany, natural resources, or environmental science?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes
• No

06

Have you completed at least six (6) semester college credits in statistics or biometry?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• Yes
• No

07

How much full-time professional experience do you possess conducting wildlife management research?

• A. 2 years or more
• B. 1 but less than 2 years
• C. 6 months but less than 1 year
• D. Less than 6 months
• E. None

08

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
09

How much graduate coursework have you completed in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Entomology, Ecology, Plant Biology, Soil Science, Forest Resources, Plant Pathology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Wildlife Biology, Animal or Plant Ecology, Zoology, Botany, Natural Resources, or Environmental Science?

If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services link.

• A. 30 credits or more
• B. Less than 30 credits
• C. None

10

You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. You must complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.

Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training. The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered. In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.

If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.

If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to our

• Yes

11

WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - WILDLIFE RESEARCH Develops and conducts wildlife studies and research projects of the biology, ecology, health, population, and management of various wildlife species. Level of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience developing AND conducting wildlife studies or research projects.
• B. I have experience conducting wildlife studies or research projects. I have NOT developed the studies or projects.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to wildlife population analysis, wildlife management, biology, or field ecology.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

12

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience developing or conducting studies/projects.
3. The type(s) of studies/projects you developed or conducted.
4. Your level of responsibility.

13

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

14

WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ANALYZE AND MAINTAIN DATA Maintains wildlife management files and databases which includes summarizing and analyzing data using statistics, developing data visualizations, troubleshooting issues, and entering and verifying accuracy of data.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience summarizing and analyzing data using statistics, developing data visualizations, or troubleshooting data issues.
• B. I have experience entering data into a database or verifying the accuracy of the data.
• C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to database management, data analysis, or computer science.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

15

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience analyzing data, developing data visualizations, or troubleshooting data issues.
3. Your experience entering data into a database or verifying the accuracy of the data.
4. Your level of responsibility.

16

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

17

WORK BEHAVIOR 3 - WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS Writes technical and narrative reports regarding wildlife research and management, and reviews reference materials and other literature written by wildlife professionals such as biologists, technicians, and biological aides. Prepares agreements, contracts, management plans, articles, and other written correspondence regarding wildlife management and research activities.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience WRITING technical or narrative reports or other correspondence related to wildlife. I WAS responsible for the final content of the written material.
• B. I have experience DRAFTING technical or narrative reports or other correspondence related to wildlife. SOMEONE ELSE was responsible for the final content of the written material.
• C. I have experience WRITING technical or narrative reports or other correspondence NOT RELATED to wildlife.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to technical writing, report writing, business writing, or non-fiction writing.
• E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

18

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. The type(s) of reports or correspondence you have drafted or written.
3. The topic(s) of the reports or correspondence you have drafted or written.
4. Your level of responsibility.

19

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

20

WORK BEHAVIOR 4 - VERBAL COMMUNICATIONS Communicates wildlife information to internal and external groups and other interested parties at public and professional meetings regarding findings of wildlife studies, interpretations of reports, recommended courses of action, and responses to questions.Levels of PerformanceSelect the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.

• A. I have experience communicating wildlife information to internal AND external parties.
• B. I have experience communicating wildlife information to internal OR external parties.
• C. I have experience communicating information to interested parties NOT RELATED to wildlife.
• D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to public speaking or communications.
• D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.

21

In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.

1. The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
2. Your experience communicating information and to whom.
3. The topic(s) of the information you provided.
4. Your level of responsibility.

22

If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.

1. College/University
2. Course Title(s)
3. Credits/Clock Hours

Required Question