Forest Technician - Pinchot Forest District

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 20,664,000 - 30,307,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks a Forest Technician for the Pinchot Forest District. This seasonal, full-time role supports forest management, data collection, and conservation activities while offering hands-on field experience alongside experienced foresters.

The position emphasizes timber analysis, boundary marking, health monitoring, and wildfire-related operations, with opportunities to contribute to habitat protection and land

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest technology or equivalent forestry education.
• Educational requirements may be met within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• PA residency requirement is waived for this title.

Responsibilities

• Timber support: assist with timber stand analysis, boundary marking, and prescription marking for timber sales.
• Forest surveys: collect data using GPS units and mobile devices.
• Health monitoring: treat trees for pests, control invasive plants, and conduct forest health surveys.
• Boundary work: obtain land records and apply data to establish and mark state forest boundaries.
• Wildfire activities: participate in wildfire suppression, prevention, and prescribed fire operations.
• Recreation support: assist with development and maintenance of recreational opportunities in the district.

Job description

THE POSITION As a Forest Technician with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will help protect and manage the forests of the Pinchot Forest District. This role offers meaningful outdoor work and the chance to support wildlife habitat, forest health, and land stewardship. You will work closely with experienced foresters and learn valuable technical skills used across the forestry field. Join a team that is dedicated to conserving Pennsylvania’s natural resources for future generations.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK This position supports forestry staff by assisting with forest management, data collection, and conservation activities throughout the Pinchot Forest District. It plays an important part in maintaining healthy forests and supporting public resource stewardship. As a Forest Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Timber Support: Assist with timber stand analysis, boundary marking, and prescription marking for timber sales
• Forest Surveys: Perform landscape examinations and collect data using GPS units and mobile devices
• Health Monitoring: Treat trees for pests, control invasive plants, and conduct forest health surveys
• Boundary Work: Obtain land records and apply data in the field to establish and mark state forest boundaries
• Wildfire Activities: Participate in wildfire suppression, prevention, and prescribed fire operations
• Recreation Support: Assist with development and maintenance of recreational opportunities in the district

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 March 2027.
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overtime and travel maybe required
• 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

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

Conditions 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: