Forestry Intern - Susquehannock Forest District (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Coudersport (Potter County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks a Forestry Intern in Susquehannock Forest District, based at 3150 E. 2nd Street, Coudersport PA 16915.

This high school internship for 2026-2027 offers hands-on training in forest management and field tasks. You will learn from experienced foresters, assist with trail maintenance, silviculture techniques, timber tally, and safety practices.

Qualifications

• Must be 16+ and enrolled as a junior or senior in 2026-2027.
• Requires Letter of Recommendation from school official indicating eligibility for this opportunity.
• Work Permit may be required for minors.

Responsibilities

• Field Assistance: Observe forestry staff and support land management tasks.
• Project Oversight: Assist with monitoring maintenance and construction activities.
• Trail Work: Help with basic maintenance of forest lands, trails, and outdoor areas.
• Silviculture Skills: Demonstrate proper methods for growing and cultivating trees.
• Timber Tally: Apply timber tally techniques during field activities.
• Safety Practices: Follow safety procedures in all tasks.

Skills

Learning agility

Teamwork

Safety awareness

Education

High School student

Job description

Salary

$17.88 Hourly

Location

Potter County, PA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

N-2026-60088

Department

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources

Division

CN Fors Dstr #15

Opening Date

10/08/2026

Closing Date

10/22/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

U2540

Position Number

50701332

Union

Non-Union

Bargaining Unit

98

Pay Group

XH28

Bureau / Division Code

00388115

Bureau / Division

Susquehannock Forest District

Worksite Address

3150 E. 2nd Street

City

Coudersport, Pennsylvania

Zip Code

16915

Contact Email

[e-mail]

THE POSITION

Start your journey into the world of forestry with a role that lets you learn by doing! As a Forestry Intern with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you take part in daily activities that keep Pennsylvania forests safe, healthy, and well managed. You train with experts, join in project planning, and support outdoor maintenance. If you are a student interested in natural resource management, forestry, or similar occupations, this amazing opportunity will help you learn about state forest operations and management!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This role allows you to learn and take part in important forestry tasks that support the care and management of Pennsylvania state forest lands. As a Forestry Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Field Assistance: Observe forestry staff and support work on state forest land management
• Project Oversight: Assist with monitoring maintenance and construction activities
• Trail Work: Help with basic maintenance of forest lands, trails, and outdoor areas
• Silviculture Skills: Demonstrate proper methods for growing and cultivating trees
• Timber Tally: Apply timber tally techniques during field activities
• Safety Practices: Show understanding of common safety procedures in all tasks

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• This is a high school internship for the 2026-2027 school year.
  • Senior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship could be for the 2026-2027 school year until 6/30/2027.
  • Junior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship could be for the 2026-2027 school year, summer 2027, and 2027-2028 school year
• Work schedule is as follows:
  • Students age 18 and older who possess a valid driver's license: Half-day schedules are permitted. Students will drive a state vehicle while on-the-clock. (Full-day schedules are also permitted, with a minimum of two full days per week. Each full day is eight hours plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch. Additional hours can be discussed.)
  • Students age 18 and older who do NOT possess a valid driver's license: Must intern for at least two full days each week. (Each full day is eight hours plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch. Additional hours can be discussed.)
  • Students age 16 and 17: Must intern for at least two full days each week. (Each full day is eight hours plus a 30-minute unpaid lunch.) Even if the student possesses a valid driver's license, students will NOT be permitted to drive while on-the-clock.
• This position is located at Susquehannock State Forest, 3150 E. 2nd Street, Coudersport, PA 16915.
• 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

Internship Requirements:

• You must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026 - 2027 school year.

Additional Requirements:

• Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your school's co-op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating that you meet your school's requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
• Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
• By participating in this program, the student and school agree to the use of the Commonwealth's Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
• 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).
• 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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.