Equipment Operator B - Elk Forest District

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is seeking an Equipment Operator B to operate heavy equipment, support forest maintenance, and assist with district projects. This role helps protect forests, improve recreation areas, and support emergency response when needed.

You will perform equipment operation, facility upkeep, project support, emergency response assistance, tool maintenance, and may serve as lead worker.

Qualifications

• One year of experience as an Equipment Operator A or two years in operation of heavy construction and specialized maintenance equipment with GVW 32,001 lb or more; or any equivalent combination of experience or training.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks for forest maintenance.
• Clean, repair, and maintain state forest buildings, trails, and structures using proper tools and equipment.
• Assist with forest regeneration projects, wildlife improvements, boundary work, and other assigned tasks.
• Support search and rescue, wildfire suppression, and controlled burn activities when qualified.
• Perform safety checks, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance on equipment and hand tools.
• Serve as a lead worker when assigned and support other staff in completing maintenance and operational tasks.

Skills

Equipment operation

Job description

Build a career that makes a difference as an Equipment Operator B with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources! In this position, you will operate heavy equipment, support forest maintenance, and assist with important projects across the district. Your work will help protect forests, improve recreation areas, and support emergency response when needed. Be part of a mission that keeps Pennsylvania's natural resources healthy and accessible!

This position supports the maintenance and protection of state forest lands through equipment operation, facility upkeep, and assistance with forest management activities. The role also involves manual labor, safety practices, and participation in emergency response when assigned. As a Equipment Operator B, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate heavy machinery such as graders, bulldozers, backhoes, and dump trucks for forest maintenance
• Facility Maintenance: Clean, repair, and maintain state forest buildings, trails, and structures using proper tools and equipment
• Project Support: Assist with forest regeneration projects, wildlife improvements, boundary work, and other assigned tasks
• Emergency Response: Support search and rescue efforts, wildfire suppression, and controlled burn activities when qualified
• Tool Care: Perform safety checks, minor repairs, and preventive maintenance on equipment and hand tools
• Team Coordination: Serve as a lead worker when assigned and support other staff in completing maintenance and operational tasks

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours will be as follows, with a 30-minute lunch:
  • Tuesday - Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM
• Overtime may be required in emergency situations such as wildfire suppression, search and rescue, etc.
• Travel may be required for trainings or other events.
• 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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of experience as an Equipment Operator A (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); 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.

Special Requirements:

• You must be in possession of a valid Class C Pennsylvania driver's license.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL).

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.

Commonwealth employees who wish to use their seniority rights must apply to the internal posting for their seniority rights to be considered.

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.