Date of posting here January 12, 2008 Type of position The Governor's Invasive Species Council of Pennsylvania is seeking applicants for a full-time, salaried Coordinator for the Commonwealth's invasive species program. The minimum starting annual salary is $45,438. The position is currently funded until December 2008, and continued employment is contingent on annual funding by the Commonwealth and satisfactory progress of the employee. Employer Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Location Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Salary minimum starting salary is $45,438 Closing date of competition January 31, 2008 Date position available As soon as hiring process is complete but preferrably by April 16th, the next quarterly Council meeting Description of duties Work with the Council to revise, enhance and implement a comprehensive Invasive Species Management Plan (ISMP) for the Commonwealth, including aquatic and terrestrial species. Revise the IMSP at regular 5-year intervals. Work with the Council to provide guidance on prevention and control of invasive species and rapid response to new infestations. Facilitate cooperation and coordination among federal, state, regional, and local initiatives and organizations engaged in the management of invasive species. Schedule Council meetings at least quarterly. Work with Council to prepare biennial reports on the Council's activities to submit to the Governor. Oversee the Council's web site. Work with the Council to develop fact sheets, progress reports, etc. that can be distributed to target groups to emphasize the importance of invasive species. Identify federal, state and private funds available to the state to manage invasive species and advise and assist state agencies to acquire these funds. Build and maintain collaborative relationships with scientists, scientific institutions and public and private stakeholders to ensure the best scientific information is used in identifying, developing and exporting invasive species prevention and control practices. Participate in committee meetings to ensure communication of relevant information is occurring across committee memberships. Assist the Council/committees to identify and involve other groups and stakeholders on the invasive species issue and ensure their involvement in the management plan process. Effectively represent the Council to the general public, elected and other government officials, industry, media, and other individuals and organizations. Organize workshops and /or focus groups to further the information and development needed to complete the ISMP if/when funding allows. Qualifications sought Required Qualifications: A minimum of four years professional experience in an agricultural or natural resource program. A bachelor's degree with coursework in: agriculture, agronomy, animal science, aquatic ecology, biology, botany, ecology, entomology, forestry, horticulture, plant pathology, plant science, or weed science. A combination of experience and training other than degree and experience listed, that provides the candidate with the knowledge, skill, and ability to carry out the responsibilities of the Invasive Species Coordinator. Strong written and oral communication skills, with technical or scientific writing experience. Valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: Preferred candidate has two years experience in an invasive species program. Preferred candidate possesses an advanced degree in one of the subject areas listed above. Preferred candidate has experience preparing competitive grant applications to obtain program funding. Preferred candidate is skilled in at least one area of taxonomy (amphibian, bird, insect, invertebrate, mammalian, pathogen, plant, etc.) Preferred candidate has cross-discipline knowledge and experience with invasive species management. Preferred candidate has experience in developing web-based materials, editing website content, and is proficient in using Windows-based software (including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Contact for additional information Melissa A. Bravo, Interim Coordinator and Terrestrial Work Group Chair PA Invasive Species Council Botanist/Weed Specialist Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry 2301 North Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-787-7204 mbravo@state.pa.us Application procedure   Submit what Closing date for receipt of applications is January 31, 2008. Applicants must complete and submit a Personal Data Sheet, letter of interest, and resume to the Office of Human Resources for the position. The Personal Data Sheet is available at http://www.hrm.state.pa.us/pds Submit to Letters of interest should be addressed to: Russell Redding, Executive Deputy Secretary Office of Human Resources Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture 2301 North Cameron Street Harrisburg, PA 17110 Additional Information PA Department of Agriculture is proud to be a Equal Employment Opportunity Employer supporting workforce diversity.