Forestry Intern - Tuscarora Forest District (High School)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; New Germantown (PA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, invites high school students to participate in a paid Forestry Intern position. You will learn forest health, assist with field projects, observe operations, and gain hands-on experience in resource management while supporting staff and visitors.

This internship runs during the 2026-2027 school year, with schedule variations by COPA location; telework is not offered.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age at time of hire.
• Must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2026-2027 school year.
• Letter of Recommendation from school official indicating you meet requirements.
• Work Permit submission required for minors upon acceptance.
• Must be able to perform essential job functions.

Responsibilities

• Observe resource management practices and assist with conservation tasks.
• Participate in planning efforts and help with maintenance and outdoor improvement projects.
• Learn about forest pest management and identify conditions affecting forest health.
• Support basic equipment care and observe repair procedures.
• Assist environmental education staff with park programming and visitor activities.
• Demonstrate understanding of safe work procedures during all tasks.

Skills

Observation

Outdoor work

Safety practices

Education

High School student (junior or senior)

Job description

THE POSITION

Are you a high school student interested in a paid internship where you can learn in the outdoors while helping to protect Pennsylvania's natural spaces? As a Forestry Intern with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), you will take part in real conservation work while learning about forest health and resource management. You will observe daily operations, assist with various projects, and build skills that support future career goals. This role allows you to experience how forests are protected, maintained, and improved for all visitors.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position introduces you to the daily work involved in managing and protecting state forest lands while supporting staff with a variety of field and maintenance tasks. As a Forestry Intern, you will perform the following duties:

• Forest Learning Activities: Observe resource management practices and assist with conservation tasks
• Project Support: Take part in planning efforts and help with maintenance and outdoor improvement projects
• Pest and Health Observation: Learn about forest pest management and identify conditions that affect forest health
• Equipment Assistance: Support basic equipment care and observe repair procedures
• Education Program Help: Assist environmental education staff with park programming and visitor activities
• Safety Practices: Demonstrate understanding of safe work procedures during all assigned 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 would be available through the 2026-2027 school year, until 6/30/2027.
• Junior enrolled in High School 2026-2027 - The internship could be available through the 2026-2027 school year, summer 2027, and 2027-2028 school year.
• Work schedule will vary based on the agreement between the high school and COPA location.
• 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.

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.