Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Bald Eagle Forest District

Full Job Description

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! Not only will you have the opportunity to serve the public and make a difference, but you will also have the opportunity to grow professionally and explore various avenues for advancement. Embrace the satisfaction that comes with dedicating yourself to the preservation and conservation of our precious natural resources.

Requirements

In this position, you will support Foresters in gathering field data for stand analysis and sale layout, utilizing handheld data collectors for data entry, and assisting with herbicide applications as well as fire suppression and prescribed burn operations.

Your responsibilities will include evaluating timber volumes through marking and cruising under the direction of the supervising Forester, as well as surveying and marking boundaries for timber sales, herbicide application zones, and planting sites using GPS technology, followed by the creation of maps for Forester approval.

You will ensure accurate data entry into the designated database and may lead a team of Forest Technicians or Semi-Skilled Laborers in various projects, such as constructing deer fences, planting trees, marking timber, collecting seeds, managing wildlife habitats, applying herbicides, and conducting prescribed burns, all while prioritizing safe handling and application of insecticides and herbicides under the guidance of a Forester or certified applicator.

Additionally, you will assist the District Forest Health Coordinator with insect and disease management through surveillance flights and ground checks, support forest fire protection efforts, and collaborate with the Recreation Forester on the leased camp program and district recreation infrastructure, while also engaging in volunteer recreational projects and public outreach initiatives.

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. The season runs from approximately March 2026, through 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 are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

• 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.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• An associate’s degree in forest technology (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Completion of equivalent formal education in forestry.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 6 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 may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

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.

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.