Forest Technician Pinchot Forest District

Commonwealth-of-Pennsylvania; Thornhurst Township (PA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks a Forest Technician to help protect and manage the Pinchot Forest District. This seasonal, full-time position offers outdoor work and opportunities to support wildlife habitat, forest health, and land stewardship.

You will assist with forest management, data collection, and conservation activities, working with experienced foresters and gaining technical skills used across forestry.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest technology or equivalent forestry education.
• Within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.
• Valid PA non-commercial Class C driver's license or equivalent.

Responsibilities

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

Education

Associate’s degree in forest technology

Completion of equivalent formal education in forestry

Tools

GPS units

Mobile devices

Job description

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.

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

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.

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.