Equipment Operator B - Bald Eagle Forest District (DCNR, Forest District 7 Only)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking an Equipment Operator B to maintain forests, trails, and facilities using trucks, graders, bulldozers, and other machinery. This full-time role offers hands-on outdoor work and a diverse daily routine.

Responsibilities include operating equipment, performing routine maintenance, repairing forest roads and trails, and supporting fire prevention and prescribed burns.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as an Equipment Operator A; or two years operating heavy construction equipment over 32,001 lb, or an equivalent combination.

Responsibilities

• Operate trucks, trailers, graders, bulldozers, rollers, backhoes, loaders, tractors and power tools for forest maintenance.
• Perform preventative maintenance, minor repairs, and assist mechanics with major repairs.

Skills

Equipment operation

Heavy machinery

Safety awareness

Job description

The Equipment Operator B position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a chance to work outdoors while using a wide range of heavy equipment. This role supports important forest maintenance, trail care, and facility upkeep that help visitors enjoy safe and beautiful public lands. You will work with a skilled team and build strong experience operating trucks, tractors, and specialized machinery. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands‑on work and variety in their day.

This position supports the maintenance and protection of state forest lands by operating equipment and completing manual tasks. As an Equipment Operator B, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks, trailers, graders, bulldozers, rollers, backhoes, loaders, tractors, and various power tools for forest maintenance
• Routine Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance, complete minor repairs, and assist mechanics with major repairs on equipment
• Facility Upkeep: Repair and maintain forest roads, culverts, buildings, picnic areas, trails, signs, and other structures
• Trail Maintenance: Remove downed trees, repaint blazes, construct water diversion controls, and maintain trail signage
• Manual Labor: Use hand tools to clean, dig, rake, cut brush, and complete janitorial and groundskeeping tasks
• Fire Support: Assist with wildfire prevention, suppression activities, equipment operation, and prescribed fire efforts

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full‑time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30‑minute lunch.
• This position may be eligible for an alternate work schedule.
• This position may require travel and overtime.
• 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.

Organization or Location Restrictions:

• This posting is restricted to Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Forest District 7 employees only.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as an Equipment Operator A; or
• Two years of experience in the operation of heavy construction and specialized maintenance equipment used at this level with a gross vehicle weight of 32,001 pounds or more; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience or training.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) with air brake endorsement and transmission restriction removed.

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 Guidelines.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.

This position is subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding. If no applicable union‑covered bidders apply, other applicants may be considered.

• Seniority rights apply for Equipment Operator As
• Seniority/Promotion Unit: 047

You must be eligible for selection in accordance with merit system employment regulations.

Recruitment Methods:

• Applicants must meet one of the following methods to be considered for this vacancy:
  • Seniority Promotion
  • Seniority Unit Lateral
• When the collective bargaining obligation(s) have been met; then the following recruitment methods may be used:
  • Promotion Without Exam
  • Reassignment(Only current civil service employees in the same agency who hold the same or similar job title, with the same maximum salary, within the same occupational group or where there is a logical career movement, will qualify for reassignment).
  • Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
  • Voluntary Demotion
  • Reinstatement(Former civil service employees may only be reinstated to the job title from which they resigned. Current civil service employees are not eligible through reinstatement.)

Promotion Without Examination (PWOE):

• Class Restrictions for Promotion Without Examination Only - You must have or have held regular civil service status in one of the following classifications:
  • Equipment Operator A
• Employees who previously held regular civil service status in the job title of the position being filled are also eligible for promotion without examination.
• The promotion without examination requirements are issued in accordance with merit system employment regulations.
• Meritorious service is defined as (a) the absence of any discipline above the level of written reprimand during the 12 months preceding the closing date of the posting, and (b) the last regular or probationary performance evaluation showing an overall rating of satisfactory or higher.
• Applicants must have a minimum of one year in the next lower class by the posting closing date with no break in service.

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.