Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Ecological Services

Full Job Description

Are you someone who is deeply passionate about our local forests and wildlife and finds working in the great outdoors exhilarating? If so, we invite you to elevate your career with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Forest Technician. Here, you will work with forest ecologists in the Ecological Services Section to provide vital technical assistance in the control of invasive plants, creation of wildlife habitat, and stewardship of rare plant species. Not only will you have the opportunity to serve the public and make a difference, but you will also open the doorway to pursue professional growth 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

As a Forest Technician, you will provide technical assistance to the Ecological Services Section by assisting with the control of invasive plant species on state forest lands.

This will be accomplished through conducting surveys, monitoring invasive plants, identifying locations of invasive plants in the field, and treating high priority invasive populations through chemical or mechanical means.

In addition, you will assist with wildlife and plant habitat creation and management projects, as well as assist with PA Plant Conservation Alliance (PPCA) stewardship activities.

Diligent organizational skills are essential, as you will be compiling plant and wildlife inventory data, entering information into databases, and producing a variety of reports and records.

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 2027 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 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.

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:

• 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.

Post-Employment Requirement:

• This position is required to obtain PA Pesticide Applicators License within 6 months of hire.

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:

• 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.