Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Sproul Forest District, Clinton County

Are you an enthusiastic individual with a deep appreciation for the outdoors, capable of working in various weather conditions, and dedicated to sustainable forestry? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers an exciting opportunity to engage in essential forest management and conservation initiatives. As a Forest Technician, you will be instrumental in monitoring forest health, performing ecological assessments, and aiding reforestation efforts. If you are eager to explore the beauty of our forests while developing practical skills in environmental stewardship, we invite you to apply for this seasonal position and help us in our mission to protect and enhance forest ecosystems.

In this role, you will support the recreation forester in managing the district's recreational programs, activities, and facilities. Your responsibilities will include constructing and maintaining trails, coordinating volunteer efforts, and processing event requests. You will also update maps with GIS software, perform environmental assessments for recreational projects, and collect data on usage and conditions.

A significant aspect of this position involves promoting Wildfire Prevention Programs and maintaining accurate records. You will collaborate with the Fire Forester to improve Wildfire Mitigation Programs, focusing on initiatives like Fire Wise and Community Engagement in the District Search and Rescue Program. Additionally, you will help update the Incident Qualification System by verifying training certificates and logging wildfire experiences. Participation in wildfire suppression efforts may require weekend duties and standby availability when the Fire Forester is absent, along with involvement in weekly fire season phone calls.

You will assess timber volumes under the forester's direction, use GPS technology to mark boundaries for timber sales and herbicide application, and drive various vehicles on state forest land to complete your tasks.

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 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2026.
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday - Thursday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overtime and travel 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

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.

• 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).
• This posting requires submission of a copy of your college transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You may upload your document as an attachment during the application process. You must still complete the application and answer the supplemental questions. All documents MUST be uploaded prior to the submission of your application.
• 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.

• 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.