Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50594705	Description Activated On: 4/7/2026 11:49:51 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

This position serves within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Recreation and Conservation, Partnerships Division, Landscape Partnerships and Educational Services Section. This employee works directly with the Section Chief to administer a variety of river, community and watershed forestry, and partnership grant projects, including participating in the planning, development, coordination, review, approval, and management of assigned projects. This position also provides assistance in developing and implementing programs and services related to rivers conservation and community and watershed forestry.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Provide professional and technical grant and non-grant information, presentations, consultations and assistance to educate stakeholders on the Bureau’s River Conservation Program resources and services.

Provide professional and technical grant information, presentations, consultations and assistance to stakeholders related to the Bureau’s Community and Watershed Forestry Grant Program resources.

Complete project site inspections and attend on-site meetings with stakeholders and partners to provide technical assistance.

Participate in the Partnership Division’s grant planning, development, coordination, review, approval, and administration of grant projects to ensure grant programs are administered efficiently and effectively.

Assist with the development and implementation of the Bureau’s Rivers Conservation Program annual work plan to advance priority river conservation initiatives.

Provide technical assistance to stakeholders and partners related to the Bureau’s Community and Watershed Forestry Grant Program.

Provide staff assistance to the program specialist including conducting river related research, developing technical assistance materials and assessing priority river access areas and conservation improvements.

Participate in the Pennsylvania Water Trails Partnership, support priority programs and initiatives, and assist with implementation of the Water Trails Program Strategic Plan.

Attend and participate in regional stakeholder meetings to gain a better understanding of watershed issues that may impact river-related conservation activities.

Work collaboratively with other state agencies and within DCNR to develop proactive strategies for the advancement of river conservation efforts.

Work directly with conservation organizations on the development and update to River Conservation Plans and ensure that the rivers, river segments or watersheds are placed on the Pennsylvania Rivers Registry after plan approval.

Participate in developing, presenting, and explaining policy changes such as: grant program eligibility requirements, eligible projects, eligible costs, rating and ranking criteria, reporting requirements, documentation requirements, and other factors that affect the management and quality of the Rivers and Community and Watershed Forestry Grant programs.

Serve as the Project Manager for a variety of river, community and watershed forestry, and partnership grant projects administered by the Bureau. Manage all aspects of grant projects daily to meet established goals and deadlines.

Review and evaluate grant applications for eligibility and conformance with rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines. Review project costs, scores applications, recommends project funding, and develops official project scopes.

Review, analyze, critique, and approve technical project documents and deliverables for assigned grant projects. Identify and resolve issues and problems.

Review and evaluate requests for payment and requests for grant amendments from grantees to ensure eligibility of project costs, adherence to grant program policies, procedures, and requirements, and prevention of audit exceptions, and recommends approval or disapproval of requests.

Schedule regular meetings with grantees to review project deliverables, track progress and proactively manage issues.

Support the Bureau’s Outreach and Educational Services to include providing articles for the Bureau’s e-newsletter, and assisting with educational material development and distribution, workshops, and webinars when needed.

Perform special projects and other assignments as directed by the Section Chief, Division Chief or Bureau Director and represent the Department and/or Bureau on committees, task forces, and ad hoc groups as a professional and technical rivers program and community and watershed forestry grant program expert.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Work is performed independently and is reviewed by the Landscape Partnerships and Educational Services Section Chief and Partnerships Division Chief for effectiveness and alignment with the Bureau’s grant program policies, outreach and education strategy. Refers questions or issues involving policy decisions, unusual circumstances or politically sensitive issues, to the supervisor and/or manager for final decision-making.

Regularly assigned duties are performed independently and work is reviewed upon completion, as determined necessary by the Supervisor, for sound application of policies and procedures.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

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2.   N/A

3.   N/A

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Operates a personal computer and is proficient with Microsoft Office and Adobe products; database management.
2.	Communicates effectively verbally, electronically, and in writing.
3.	Analyzes data, prepares and reports findings.
4.	Travels including overnight trips as required.
5.	Interprets, comprehends, and applies current standard operating procedures, program policies and legislated program requirements.
6.	Exhibits sound decision making throughout daily operations.
7.	Presents information effectively to diverse groups in public settings.
8.	Organizes and facilitates meetings.
9.	Works professionally, effectively and efficiently with others.
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