Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Resource Planning & Information Division, Lycoming County

Commonwealth Of Pennsylvania; Waterville (PA, ME); On-site; USD 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to contribute to the protection of local forests. This seasonal position involves monitoring environmental metrics and requires a strong foundation in forest technology. Gain valuable experience while working outdoors in a collaborative team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience with forest monitoring protocols.
• Ability to operate electronic equipment for data collection.

Responsibilities

• Monitor forest vegetation, soil, water, and air quality.
• Collect and record field measurements accurately.

Skills

Surveying Techniques

Data Management

Education

Associate's Degree in Forest Technology

Tools

GPS

Handheld Data Collectors

Job description

THE POSITION

NOTE: THIS IS A REPOSTING OF CS-2025-23116-54140. IF YOU APPLIED UNDER THE PREVIOUS POSTING WHICH WAS OPEN FROM APRIL 10, 2025 TO APRIL 23, 2025, YOU CANNOT SUBMIT A NEW APPLICATION.

If you have a strong passion for our local forests and thrive in the beauty of the great outdoors, we encourage you to join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources! This is your chance to contribute to the community while making a meaningful impact on the environment. In addition to serving the public, you will have the chance to enhance your professional skills and explore numerous pathways for career growth. Experience the fulfillment that comes from committing to the protection and conservation of our invaluable natural resources.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this role, you will play a crucial part in the implementation, establishment, and assessment of various variables and metrics outlined in the forest monitoring protocols. This includes monitoring aspects such as forest vegetation, soil quality, water quality, air quality, and social impacts. Your responsibilities will involve, under the guidance of your supervisor, identifying specific areas for sampling and measurement, as well as setting up and documenting new plots designated for data collection. This will require the application of basic surveying techniques, utilizing tools such as aerial photographs, maps, compasses, chaining tapes, and electronic surveying devices. You will be tasked with collecting and accurately recording all field measurements in accordance with the established forest monitoring protocols.

Additionally, you will be responsible for operating electronic equipment to measure, store, retrieve, and organize monitoring data. This includes using handheld data collectors, survey lasers, and global positioning systems, as well as managing data on laptop and desktop computers to ensure the effective organization and transfer of field data from the data collectors.

You will also participate in training sessions that cover various aspects of multiple resource inventories, computer systems, application software, and other training components as specified in the Bureau's Entry-Level Training Plan.

Moreover, you may be called upon to assist with other Bureau programs on a temporary basis, which could include tasks related to wildfires, gypsy moth control, landscape examinations, and assessing the impact of deer on vegetation.

Your role will also involve participating in the control of invasive species on State Forest Land, contributing to the preservation and health of these ecosystems.

Lastly, you should be prepared to undertake additional related duties as requested by your supervisor, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the Bureau.

Additional Information

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. The season runs from approximately March 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment in March 2026.
• Work hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday - Thursday; 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday.
• 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.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.

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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at [e-mail].

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.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

• 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.