Are you someone who is deeply passionate about our local forests and finds working in the great outdoors exhilarating? If so, we invite you to become a part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources as a seasonal Forest Technician. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, explore, and support the natural landscapes that make our state special. You will gain valuable experience while working with skilled forestry professionals who are dedicated to forest stewardship. Embrace the satisfaction that comes with dedicating yourself to the preservation and conservation of our precious natural resources.
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Condition of Employment:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
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.
In this position, you will support forestry staff by providing technical assistance that helps maintain the health and sustainability of the Susquehannock State Forest. The work you will do follows established plans and policies to ensure responsible management across the district. As a seasonal Forest Technician, you will perform the following duties:
- Forest Data Work: Collect field measurements for timber volumes, stand analysis, and sale layout
- Boundary and Plot Tasks: Survey and mark project areas, download GPS data, and prepare maps
- Crew Support: Participate in field projects such as fencing, vegetation control, and tree planting
- Resource Management: Assist with habitat improvement, invasive species control, and forest health activities
- Fire Readiness: Maintain wildfire qualifications and assist with prevention and suppression efforts
- Recreation Support: Help maintain trails, mark routes, and assist with camp administration
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- This is a seasonal, full-time position with no healthcare benefits. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 until November 2026 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
- Work hours for this position are be based on a 2 week rotation.
- Week 1: Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30 minute lunch.
- Week 2: Work hours are 7:00 am to 4:15 PM, Monday - Thursday, with a 30 minute lunch. Employee will be off on Friday.
- Travel and overtime may be required.
- Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- An associate’s degree in forest technology; or
- Completion of equivalent formal education in forestry.
- Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
Condition of Employment:
- This position requires possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.
Other Requirements:
- PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be 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.
- 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.
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).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
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.
- 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/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.