JOB TITLE: GAME LAND OFFICER MANAGER 2

JOB CODE: 60190

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Game Land Officer Manager series describes work administering Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management programs for the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).

DEFINITION: This is administrative work directing and managing complex phases of a statewide wildlife habitat management program.

An employee in this job coordinates, evaluates, and directs a statewide land acquisition or right-of-way (ROW) program for the PGC. Work performed in a land acquisition program involves seeking out lands available for acquisition, developing land purchase options, coordinating partnerships with conservation organizations, developing and recommending approval or denial of land exchange agreements, bidding on lands or rights on behalf of the PGC at auctions, and assisting in the resolution of land disputes. Work performed in a ROW administration program involves preparing and evaluating ROW licenses, permits, and agreements; conducting research to determine land entitlements; and establishing fees and rates for authorized facilities, uses, and damages. Work is assigned in the form of projects by central office program directors or executive management. Work is reviewed for program effectiveness, adherence to PGC policy, and effectiveness of staff utilization.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

     • Work at this level is distinguished from the next lower-level job by the responsibility for directing a statewide land acquisition or right-of-way program for the PGC.

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.)

• Conducts research to identify feasible land acquisitions and works with sellers and their agents to develop purchase options.

• Reviews and recommends all land purchase options, title abstracting, and final settlements.

• Responds to inquiries regarding legal matters and records relating to land titles, surveys, buildings, and in-lieu-of-tax payments.

• Negotiates land transfer agreements with partners through complex funding and grant programs.

• Develops and recommends approval of Land Exchange Agreements.

• Attends auctions to bid on lands or rights on behalf of the PGC.

• Reviews applications for ROW licenses, agreements, and permits; recommends approval or denial based on relevant criteria; and prepares corresponding documentation.

• Conducts land title research to determine surface and sub-surface ownership rights, reservations, easements, and other entitlements throughout the commonwealth; prepares written summaries of findings.

• Calculates, negotiates, and assesses fees and damages; coordinates and reconciles mitigation requirements.

• Establishes fees and rates for authorized facilities, uses, and damages; manages invoicing and account data for the collection of fees.

• Develops, maintains, and distributes ROW program applications, forms, and associated guidance.

• Serves as a liaison with federal, state, and local entities to discuss and promote wildlife habitat management issues and identify program funding sources and requirements as they relate to land acquisitions or rights-of-way.

• Delivers presentations at various meetings, conferences, and events relating to land acquisition or rights-of-way associated with wildlife habitat management.

• Assists in the preparation of budgets for wildlife habitat management programs.

• Assists in the preparation of commission agenda items.

• Conducts statewide training for wildlife habitat management programs and prepares informational materials for field staff.

• Travels to remote destinations and traverses rugged terrain to review, assess, measure, collect, and record information on existing or proposed land utilization.

• Performs the full range of supervisory functions.

• Employees in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of natural resource management and land management.

• Knowledge of private and public land acquisition procedures.

• Knowledge of laws and regulations pertaining to real estate, conveyances, easements, and eminent domain.

• Knowledge of the legal instruments affecting the transfer, sale, and lease of real property.

• Ability to develop, coordinate, and implement phases of the wildlife habitat management program.

• Ability to evaluate program effectiveness, assess recommendations, and implement necessary changes.

• Ability to analyze, interpret, and communicate information regarding laws, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, and obligations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships.

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

• One year of experience as a Game Land Officer Manager 1 (commonwealth title);

or

• Three years of professional natural resource management experience that includes one year of experience in land acquisition or land management work;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.