-
Roadside Specialist 2
- Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (PA)
-
Roadside Specialist 2
Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau/jobs/newprint/5169189)
Apply
Roadside Specialist 2
Salary
$59,345.00 - $90,211.00 Annually
Location
Lehigh County, PA
Job Type
Civil Service Permanent Full-Time
Job Number
CSSC-2025-38378-11822
Department
Department of Transportation
Division
TR Dstr Off 500
Opening Date
12/16/2025
Closing Date
12/30/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code
11822
Position Number
00079244
Union
AFSCME
Bargaining Unit
B4
Pay Group
ST07
Bureau / Division Code
080500
Bureau / Division
TR District Office 500
Worksite Address
1002 W Hamilton St
City
Allentown, Pennsylvania
Zip Code
18101
Contact Name
Angie Devers
Contact Email
+ Description
+ Benefits
+ Questions
THE POSITION
Do you have a passion for blending operational efficiency with environmental stewardship? If so, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is excited to welcome a meticulous and experienced Roadside Specialist 2 to join Engineering District 5-0 and engage in a wide-range of specialized assignments. Here, you will employ your skills to participate in roadside development, rest area maintenance and rehabilitation, erosion control, and landscape design activities. This is a critical role where your proficiency in the field will directly influence the aesthetics, safety, and functionality of our highway system's roadside areas and rest facilities across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Take the next step in your professional endeavors and apply your technical expertise and administrative skill to make a lasting impact in your community!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As a Roadside Specialist 2, you will be responsible for all roadside development and maintenance activities inclusive of rest area maintenance and rehabilitation, erosion control, insect control, and a variety of roadside beautification and landscape design activities. Landscaping projects will focus on maintenance and revitalization efforts to include planting and transplanting, seeding, mulching, weeding, and inspection of nursery stock and soil supplements. Work also involves planning and controlling the District Herbicide Program and the District Wildflower Program, as well as planning and monitoring the budgets and contracted services for both roadside rest areas. Within this role, you will establish a course of action based upon specialized technical knowledge and proficiency from your educational or work experience and the standards for the project at hand.
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=00079244) .
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
+ Full-time employment
+ Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
+ Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 50% of the work schedule, upon successful completion of the probationary 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 Allentown. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
+ Salary: Selected candidates who are new to employment within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will begin employment at the starting annual salary of $59,345.00 (before taxes).
+ You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
+ One year as a Roadside Specialist 1 ;or
+ Three years of experience in technical landscaping and roadside development activities; and an Associate's Degree in agronomy, botany, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field ; or
+ A Bachelor's Degree in agronomy, botany, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field; and one year of experience in technical landscaping and roadside development activities ;or
+ Any equivalent combination of experience and training .
Other Requirements:
+ This particular position requires a driver's license.
+ You must already have or obtain a Pennsylvania Herbicide/ Pesticide Application License by end of probationary period.
+ You must meet the PA residency requirement (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) and click on Residency.
+ You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed, and 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 will eliminate you from consideration for this position.
Veterans:
+ Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
+ 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
+ Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
+ Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
+ Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
+ You must provide complete and accurate information or:
+ your score may be lower than deserved.
+ you may be disqualified.
+ You may only apply/testoncefor this posting.
+ Your results will be provided via email.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.
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 visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
Selective Certification- Do you possess a current driver’s license which is not under suspension?
+ Yes
+ No
02
If you answered yes to the above question, please provide your driver's license number, expiration, date and issuing state. . If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
03
Have you been employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as a Roadside Specialist 1 for one or more years full-time?
+ Yes
+ No
04
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
05
How many years of full-time technical experience do you possess performing landscape and roadside development activities?
+ A. 3 or more years
+ B. 2 but less than 3 years
+ C. 1 but less than 2 years
+ D. Less than 1 year
+ E. None
06
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experiencemustalso be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
07
How much college level coursework do you possess in agronomy, botany, forestry, horticulture, or a closely related field? (Closely related fields are designated as surveying technology, agricultural engineering, highway engineering technology, plant science, ornamental horticulture, landscaping, environmental design, construction technology, entomology, landscape design, earth science, and biology.)
If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If you answer this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.
+ A. A conferred bachelors degree
+ B. 120 credits or more
+ C. 90 but less than 120 credits
+ D. A conferred associate's degree
+ E. 60 but less than 90 credits
+ F. 30 but less than 60 credits
+ G. Less than 30 credits
+ H. None
08
You must complete the supplemental questions below. These supplemental questions are the exam and will be scored. They are designed to give you the opportunity to relate your experience and training background to the major activities (Work Behaviors) performed in this position. Failure to provide complete and accurate information may delay the processing of your application or result in a lower-than-deserved score or disqualification. Youmustcomplete the applicationandanswer the supplemental questions. Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnotbe reviewed for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position or to determine your score.
All information you provide on your application and supplemental questions is subject to verification. Any misrepresentation, falsification or omission of material facts is subject to penalty. If requested, you must provide documentation, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of individuals who can verify the validity of the information you provide in the application and supplemental questions.
Read each question carefully. Determine and select which "Level of Performance" most closely represents your highest level of experience/training. List the employer(s)/training source(s) from your Work or Education sections of the application where you gained this experience/training.The "Level of Performance" you choose must be clearly supported within the description of the experience and training information entered in your application or your score may be lowered.In order to receive credit for experience, you must have worked in a job for at least six months in which the experience claimed was a major function.
If you have read and understand these instructions, please click on the "Yes" button and proceed to the exam questions.
If you have general questions regarding the application and hiring process, please refer to ourFAQ page (https://www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx) .
+ Yes
09
WORK BEHAVIOR 1 - NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING
Gathers and analyzes information related to roadside vegetation maintenance activities. Develops and documents the needs, purpose, and scope of roadside vegetation maintenance projects. Provides project recommendations, supporting data, and suggested courses of action to management to aid in program planning and ensure continued aesthetic, environmental, and functional features of the District's roadsides. Prepares the section's budget and seasonal/annual calendars in accordance with established program goals and objectives.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience gathering and analyzing information related to the needs, purpose, or scope of ROADSIDE VEGETATION MAINTENANCE activities and developing plans to address such needs.
+ B. I have experience gathering and analyzing information related to the needs, scope, or purpose of ANY LANDSCAPING, AGRICULTURAL, OR FOREST vegetation activities and developing plans to address needs or issues.
+ C. I have experience gathering and analyzing ANY project information and developing plans to address needs or issues.
+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to strategic planning, project management, or project planning and implementation.
+ E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
10
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The type(s) of activities or projects for which you assessed needs and developed plans.
+ The actual duties you performed related to needs assessment and plan development.
+ Your level of responsibility.
11
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
12
WORK BEHAVIOR 2 - ROADSIDE/LANDSCAPE ACTIVITIES
Directs and conducts the implementation of roadside vegetation maintenance projects including pesticide and herbicide spraying, pruning, fertilizing, mulching, tree trimming, removal of trees and woody vegetation, seeding, topsoil replacement, sodding, and planting. Prioritizes and schedules work. Provides direction regarding proper methods, products, and placement to ensure adherence to operational and safety goals and objectives.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience DIRECTING or CONDUCTING technical landscaping activities. My experience includes INDEPENDENTLY applying or directing others in the safe and effective application of pesticides or herbicides.
+ B. I have experience CONDUCTING technical landscaping activities. I applied pesticides or herbicides under the close supervision of SOMEONE ELSE who provided guidance regarding effective and safe application.
+ C. I have experience CONDUCTING technical landscaping activities such as trimming, mulching, seeding, planting, or tree removal. I was NOT responsible for applying pesticides or herbicides.
+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to horticultural or forest diseases, management of plant pests, entomology, or invasive plant/weed control.
+ E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
13
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ The actual duties you performed related to technical landscaping activities.
+ Your experience applying pesticides or herbicides to vegetation.
+ Your level of responsibility applying pesticides or herbicides (directing others, independently, or under close supervision).
14
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
15
WORK BEHAVIOR 3 – PROGRAM OPERATIONS OVERSIGHT
Monitors and evaluates the progress and effectiveness of roadside vegetation maintenance projects including landscaping, erosion control, roadside screening, and noise abatement planting through the use of existing quality control checkpoints. Makes operational adjustments as needed to ensure that established goals and objectives are being achieved. Monitors activities to ensure that expenditures are maintained at the amount and for the purpose authorized.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience monitoring the progress and effectiveness of ROADSIDE VEGETATION MAINTENANCE projects and making operational adjustments as needed to ensure adherence to quality control goals and objectives.
+ B. I have experience monitoring the progress and effectiveness of ANY LANDSCAPING, AGRICULTURAL, OR FOREST VEGETATION activities and making operational adjustments as needed to ensure adherence to operational goals and objectives.
+ C. I have experience monitoring the progress and effectiveness of ANY construction or maintenance work activities and making operational adjustments as needed to ensure adherence to operational goals and objectives.
+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to agronomy, botany, forestry, or horticulture.
+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
16
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience monitoring the progress and effectiveness of projects.
+ The type(s) of projects you monitored.
+ Your experience making operational adjustments to projects to ensure adherence to goals and objectives.
+ Your level of responsibility.
17
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
18
WORK BEHAVIOR 4 – CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS
Determines the specifications of roadside development and maintenance work to be performed by contractors. Prepares and administers contract agreements outlining project specifications, parameters, and requirements.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience DEVELOPING specifications, parameters, and requirements for technical landscaping or roadside maintenance/development projects.
+ B. I have experience DEVELOPING specifications, parameters, and requirements for ANY construction or maintenance project.
+ C. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to landscape planning/design/construction/or contracting.
+ D. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
19
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience developing project specifications, parameters, and requirements.
+ The type(s) of project(s) for which you developed specifications, parameters, and requirements.
+ Your level of responsibility.
20
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
21
WORK BEHAVIOR 5 – COMPLIANCE AND GUIDANCE
Evaluates contracted work for compliance with department standards and contract specifications and communicates discrepancies to the contractor. Evaluates contractor performance to determine necessity for amendments, extensions, or termination of contracts. Reviews contractor's invoices before processing to ensure items of work are satisfactorily performed.
Levels of Performance
Select the "Level of Performance" which best describes your claim.
+ A. I have experience evaluating others' work for compliance with project specifications, plans, or standards. I communicated any discrepancies to the responsible contractor, project leader, or crew member and followed up to ensure resolution.
+ B. I have experience evaluating others' work for compliance with project specifications, plans, or standards. I reported my findings to SOMEONE ELSE who communicated any discrepancies to the responsible contractor, project leader, or crew member.
+ C. I have experience interpreting and explaining project specifications, plans, or standards to others.
+ D. I have successfully completed college-level coursework related to communication, negotiations, psychology, counseling, education, speech, or sociology.
+ E. I have NO experience or education related to this work behavior.
22
In the text box below, please describe your experience as it relates to the level of performance you claimed in this work behavior. Please be sure your response addresses the items listed below which relate to your claim. If you indicated you have no work experience related to this work behavior, type N/A in the box below.
+ The name(s) of the employer(s) where you gained this experience.
+ Your experience evaluating others' work for compliance with project specifications, plans, or standards.
+ Your experience communicating discrepancies in project specifications, plans, or standards to responsible parties or your experience interpreting and explaining project specifications, plans, or standards to others.
23
If you have selected the level of performance pertaining to college coursework, please provide your responses to the items listed below. If you indicated you have no education/training related to this work behavior, type N/A in the text box below.
+ College/University
+ Course Title
+ Credits/Clock Hours
Required Question
Employer
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Address
613 North Street
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120
Website
http://www.employment.pa.gov
-