Nursery Technician (Forest Technician)

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Pennsylvania; On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources seeks a Nursery Technician to support seed and seedling production that sustains forest health across the state. You will work with experienced staff, learn essential nursery skills, and contribute to conservation efforts while helping build a greener future.

The role covers seed testing, nursery production, field scouting, seed collection, and data recording, using equipment safely in nursery and field tasks.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in forest technology or equivalent forestry education.
• Applicants may meet requirements within 3 months of graduation.
• Valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Seed testing: evaluate seeds and keep quality and inventory records.
• Nursery production: prep beds, sow seed, care for seedlings, and assist with inventories.
• Field scouting: monitor orchards and collection areas for tree condition and seed opportunities.
• Seed collection: gather, clean, label, and store seed with source and quantity records.
• Data recording: track testing, production, and field information for evaluations.
• Equipment operation: safely use tractors and seeders to support nursery and field work.

Skills

Seed testing

Nursery production

Field scouting

Seed collection

Data recording

Equipment operation

Education

Associate’s degree in forest technology

Equivalent forestry education

Job description

Grow your career from the ground up as a Nursery Technician with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This hands‑on role places you in the heart of seed and seedling production that supports forest health across Pennsylvania. You will work with experienced staff, learn essential nursery skills, and contribute to important conservation efforts. Step into a role where your work helps build a greener future.

This role supports seed testing, nursery production, and seed collection activities that help maintain healthy forests and quality nursery stock. As a Nursery Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Seed Testing: Conduct seed evaluations and maintain accurate records of quality and inventory
• Nursery Production: Carry out tasks such as preparing beds, sowing seed, caring for seedlings, and assisting with inventories
• Field Scouting: Monitor orchards and collection areas to document tree conditions and identify seed collection opportunities
• Seed Collection: Gather, clean, label, and store seed while keeping detailed source and quantity records
• Data Recording: Track testing, production, and field information to support evaluations and project work
• Equipment Operation: Use tractors, seeders, and other equipment safely to support nursery and field activities

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 without benefits. The season runs from approximately March until November at which the employee is placed on leave without pay.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Mandatory and voluntary overtime during spring lifting season and late summer through fall seed collection
• 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.

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a valid PA non-commercial Class C driver’s license or equivalent.

Other Requirements:

• You must obtain a Pennsylvania Applicators License within one year of start date.
• 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.