Wildland Fire Responder (Seasonal) - Pinchot Forest District, Lackawanna County

Full Job Description

If you have a passion for working in the great outdoors and thrive in a hands-on environment, consider a career with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

This opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in meaningful public service while also fostering your professional development.

You will not only find fulfillment in contributing to the preservation of our natural resources but also benefit from a range of career advancement options that can help you grow and excel in your field.

Embrace the chance to make a difference while building a rewarding career that offers both personal satisfaction and the potential for upward mobility.

Requirements

The main responsibilities associated with this role include patrolling designated areas for fire hazards, identifying and locating wildfires, and actively engaging in both the response to and suppression of these fires.

Additionally, the individual may take on the role of crew leader during wildfire incidents and prescribed burns, ensuring effective coordination and execution of firefighting strategies.

A significant aspect of the position also involves conducting standard wildland fire training sessions within the Pinchot State Forest, aimed at enhancing the skills and preparedness of team members and cooperators.

Furthermore, the role requires performing maintenance and repairs on various vehicles, equipment, and tools utilized in wildfire patrol and suppression efforts and facilitating wildfire prevention and education events within the community.

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 9 March 2026 until 13 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. Work hours may change to meet operational needs due to fire readiness code.

This role will require travel and overtime as needed.

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:

• Six months of experience in entry-level fire prevention, detection, or suppression work; or
• Six months of unskilled experience in construction; equipment operations; or equipment, automotive, grounds, or facility maintenance work; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirement:

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

Post Employment Requirements:

• All employees must complete the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) training within six months from the date of hire.
• All employees must complete the NWCG Wildland Fire Observations and Origin Scene Protection for First Responders (FI-110) training within six months from the date of hire.

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.