Forest Maintenance Worker (Semi Skilled Laborer) (Seasonal) - Sproul Forest District, Centre County

Full Job Description

If you have a passion for working in the great outdoors and thrive in a hands-on environment, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) may have the position for you! We are seeking a dedicated Forest Maintenance Worker to play a vital role in the upkeep of Sproul Forest District grounds, trails, and facilities, ensuring that these natural spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for all. This position not only offers the rewarding experience of serving the public but also provides ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. Embrace the chance to grow your career while making a lasting impact on the environment and maintaining Pennsylvania's beautiful landscapes!

Requirements

As a Forest Maintenance Worker, you will conduct a wide-range of duties involving forest maintenance and regeneration, trail maintenance, and monitoring signage throughout the district.

General forest maintenance duties entail mowing and weeding, clearing out culvert pipes, clearing stones from roadways after the road grader has cut and shaped roads, using a truck or tractor to stone rake surfaces, clearing side ditches of debris and sediment, and removing brush and trees from trails and roadways.

You may also conduct minor painting, construction, and general cleaning duties within state buildings.

You will ensure accurate and legible signage is present throughout the forest. If signage needs to be replaced or constructed, you will operate the necessary woodworking equipment to prepare and place new signs. Within this role, you will also participate in forest fire suppression efforts such as using water pumps, hand tools, and mechanized equipment to suppress fires, as well as promptly alerting district personnel of fires and transcribing suppression activities.

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 in March 2027.

Work hours are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday - Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

Voluntary and mandatory overtime may be required for emergencies such as wildland fire and search response.

Some travel may be required.

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:

• One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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 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.

Additional 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/test once for this posting.
• Your results will be provided via email.