Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Elk Forest District, Cameron County

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 elevate your career with the Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (DCNR) as a seasonal Forest Technician. 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 support and assistance to forestry staff responsible for the sustainability of forest resources throughout Elk Forest District.

Specific duties will entail collecting GPS field data, preparing maps based on data collected, and recording and entering data for processing.

You will also assist with a wide range of specialized projects such as deer fence construction and maintenance, tree planting, timber marking, herbicide application, and wildlife habitat management.

In addition, you will engage in forest fire prevention, pre-suppression, and 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 5:00 PM, Monday - Wednesday, and 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Thursday, with a 30-minute lunch.

This position requires occasional travel to attend trainings or help with emergency situations.

This position requires occasional overtime for emergency situations such as wildfires or search and rescue operations.

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 6 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Conditions 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:

• 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.