Executive Secretary, State Conservation Commission

THE POSITION

If you are passionate about building a career in conservation and take pride in coordinating meaningful, high-impact initiatives, the Department of Agriculture offers an exceptional opportunity. We are seeking a driven Executive Secretary for the State Conservation Commission to oversee and support the Commission’s daily operations. This role not only aligns with ambitious professional goals—it allows you to make a lasting difference. Your work will help shape the future of conservation efforts across the Commonwealth as you collaborate with dedicated partners committed to protecting Pennsylvania’s natural resources.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As the Executive Secretary for the State Conservation Commission, you will play a central role in directing and coordinating all Commission programs and operations. You will lead the development of both short- and long-term strategies for Commission review, oversee financial and budgetary functions, and manage delegation agreements and contracts with conservation districts and partner organizations. In addition, you will guide interagency collaboration on agricultural, conservation, and environmental protection issues, ensuring effective communication and providing informed input and support where needed.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday – Friday, with a 30-minute lunch
• 
  Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time up to 2 days per pay period. 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

• Any combination of experience and training which affords the applicant the required knowledges, skills and abilities.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have experience overseeing and administering the programs and operations of an agency or commission.
• You must have experience researching and reporting on new and evolving conservation issues and legislative proposals and activities.
• You must have experience developing and delivering presentations to special interest groups, legislators, the media or the public.
• You must have experience with agricultural or environmental programs such nutrient or odor management; conservation grants; environmental road maintenance, etc.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Experience overseeing finance and budgeting responsibilities.
• Experience with agricultural, conservation, and environmental protection issues.
• Experience developing and implementing delegation agreements and contracts.
• Experience developing short and long-range strategies and plans.

• You must pass a background investigation.
• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

• You must attach a resume to your application for review by the hiring manager. However, 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.

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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 www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

• Eligibility rules apply.