Forest Technician - Sproul Forest District, Clinton County

Are you someone who is deeply passionate about our local forests and finds enjoyment in working in the great outdoors? If so, we invite you to become a part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a Seasonal Forest Technician! This role allows you to support forest health, recreation, wildlife habitat, and wildfire operations throughout the Sproul Forest District. Here, you will take part in hands-on fieldwork that improves and protects public lands. Apply today to join a team that works hard to protect natural resources across the Commonwealth!

This position supports forestry operations across the Sproul Forest District through technical fieldwork and resource management activities. Your dedicated efforts will help to maintain forest health, recreation areas, wildlife habitats, and fire readiness. As a Forest Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Timber Work: Assist with marking timber, collecting field data, surveying boundaries, and preparing maps using GPS and GIS tools
• Recreation Support: Maintain trails, conduct assessments, install signs, and assist with volunteer projects related to recreation areas
• Forest Health: Identify insect, disease, and invasive species concerns and participate in control and monitoring efforts
• Fire Operations: Support wildland fire prevention, suppression, prescribed fire activities, and related training
• Equipment Use: Operate and maintain tools, vehicles, and equipment used in forestry and resource management work
• Public Assistance: Provide helpful information to visitors and support staff in enforcing forest rules and regulations

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 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overtime may be required for emergencies such as wildland fires and search response duties.
• Travel may be required for training or out of district wildfires.
• 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.

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.