JOB TITLE: WILDLIFE HABITAT GROUP MANAGER

JOB CODE: 60131

DEFINITION: This is managerial work developing and managing wildlife habitat management programs for the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

An employee in this job plans, develops, and oversees wildlife habitat management projects that promote game and non-game wildlife habitats. Work involves managing prescribed fires, infrastructure projects, right-of-way plans, and special use permits; supervising Game Lands Maintenance Supervisors responsible for implementing wildlife habitat management projects through game lands maintenance workers; developing, coordinating, and monitoring wildlife habitat development third-party contracts; and collecting and analyzing Geographic Information System Mapping (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data for project planning. Work includes developing and managing comprehensive game land management plans and the annual work plan; determining project plan priorities, budget, and grant funds needed for project completion; and completing grant progress reports for federally funded plans and projects. Work also includes coordinating with regional foresters, biologists, third-party cooperative programs, and the public to manage and represent wildlife habitat interests. Work is performed in accordance with prescribed regulations and procedures and reviewed by a supervisor through on-site reviews, meetings, and reports.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Supervises Game Lands Maintenance Supervisors responsible for overseeing wildlife habitat management and development projects involving equipment operation; building repair; and tree, shrub, and grassland habitats.

• Plans and manages wildlife habitat and infrastructure projects, such as those involving wildlife nesting and pollinator habitats, gas and power line rights of way, prescribed fire plans, and infrastructure construction and maintenance.

• Develops, coordinates, and implements comprehensive game land management and annual work plans according to prescribed schedules; determines required resources and budget, and evaluates and documents outcomes.

• Evaluates wildlife habitats and prepares impact reports for proposed construction projects, mining sites, and other land uses requiring state and federal permits.

• Determines work project priorities, prepares project funding approval plans, and purchases materials and supplies according to budget and grant fund availability.

• Collects GPS and GIS system data for wildlife habitat management plans and reports.

• Evaluates applications for special use permits, permanent right-of-way licenses, and temporary special road use.

• Assists supervisor and agency leadership with commission-level projects, such as environmental impact statements, land acquisitions, and securing rights-of-way.

• Trains subordinate staff on safely operating motorized equipment used for wildlife habitat management projects.

• Investigates work-related accidents and incidents, completes incident reports, and coordinates accident prevention recommendations.

• Interprets federal, state, and local wildlife habitat management regulations and policies.

• Operates motor vehicles.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the practices and principles of wildlife habitat management, natural resources conservation, and forest management involving silviculture and dendrology.

• Knowledge of wildlife habitat types, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, shrublands, barrens, and agricultural croplands and forage.

• Knowledge of digital mapping and GIS and GPS technologies.

• Knowledge of prescribed fire techniques used in wildlife habitat management.

• Knowledge of cooperative wildlife habitat programs.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to read and interpret geographic written material, photographs, and satellite imagery.

• Ability to operate motor vehicles.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• Two years of professional natural resource management experience; and a bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, parks and recreation, biology, forestry, ecology, geosciences, environmental sciences, wildlife management, or a closely related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• All positions require possession of an active motor vehicle operator’s license.

• All employees must obtain a Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator certification within the employee probationary period.

• All employees must successfully complete Wildland Type 2 Firefighter (FFT2) training, including successfully completing a Moderate (or Arduous) level Work Capacity Test (WCT) within the employee probationary period.