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Posted: January 21, 2026 (0 days ago)

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Forest Insect Pest Aide 1 (Temporary) - Northwest Region

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Department of Agriculture

Fresh

Location

Pennsylvania, 17120

Salary

From $17.38

per hour

Closes

February 4, 2026

Job Description

Summary

This temporary job involves traveling to forests, farms, and other areas in northwest Pennsylvania to search for harmful invasive insects that could damage trees and crops.

You'll set up traps, check them, talk to landowners for access, and record your findings to help protect the state's natural resources.

It's a good fit for someone who enjoys outdoor work, has basic knowledge of plants or bugs, and is okay with a short-term role without benefits.

Key Requirements

  • Valid driver's license for travel to work sites
  • Willingness to work full-time temporarily at $17.38 per hour with no benefits
  • Ability to perform field surveys, including handling traps and data entry
  • Comfort contacting property owners to gain permission for inspections
  • Follow strict protocols for detecting invasive insects like box tree moth and European cherry fruit fly
  • Maintain detailed activity logs and work in various outdoor settings
  • Preferred: College-level knowledge in dendrology, plant taxonomy, or entomology

Full Job Description

If you want to make a difference in safeguarding Pennsylvania's natural resources, this opportunity might be the perfect fit for you!

Various invasive insects pose a significant threat to Pennsylvania's agricultural commodities, forest ecosystems, and our communities.

As a Forest Insect Pest Aide 1, your work will involve field survey work related to the detection of invasive insect pests in agricultural, forest, and commercial settings.

Join the Department of Agriculture and help be part of the solution!


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Requirements

The Forest Insect Pest Aide 1 is responsible for conducting invasive insect pest surveys and detection work in Pennsylvania forests and agricultural lands, including vineyards, orchards, and commercial settings.

This includes contacting property owners to explain the insect pest survey programs and obtaining permission to examine trees or place traps prior to conducting activities.

Target insects include the box tree moth, European cherry fruit fly, golden twin-spot moth, and others.

Work also includes following survey protocols for handling traps, data entry, and maintaining a detailed activity log.


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


Work Schedule and Additional Information:

  • Temporary full-time employment
  • Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • This position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in Erie or Crawford counties.
  • Work will be performed in Clarion, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.
  • Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
  • 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.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

  • Any combination of experience and/or training which afforded the applicant the above listed required abilities.


Special Requirements:

  • This position requires possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license.


Additional Requirements:

  • You must be willing to accept a temporary position with no benefits and a wage of $17.38 per hour.
  • You must be able to perform essential job functions.


Preferred Qualifications (not required):

  • College coursework in Dendrology, Plant Taxonomy, or Entomology.


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 may 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).


    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.

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    Posted on NEOGOV: 1/21/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/21/2026

    Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-pabureau-5199389