Forest Technician (Seasonal) - Loyalsock Forest District, Sullivan County

If you have a profound love for our local forests and thrive in the beauty of the great outdoors, we encourage you to consider joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact on the community while actively contributing to the preservation of our invaluable natural landscapes. As a member of our team, you will engage in fulfilling work that allows you to serve the public and protect the environment, all while enjoying opportunities for professional development and career advancement. Experience the rewarding feeling that comes from dedicating your efforts to the conservation of our natural resources, and be part of a mission that values sustainability and ecological stewardship.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to work autonomously or in collaboration with foresters on various technical forestry tasks, including timber sales, fire prevention, and pest management, as well as recreational projects. Your responsibilities may involve operating heavy machinery and specialized equipment for construction, maintenance, firefighting, and pest control. You will receive assignments from a supervisor, guided by broad parameters, requiring you to interpret maps and plans to execute your duties effectively. The quality of your work will be assessed throughout the process and upon completion to ensure compliance with departmental standards.

Additionally, you will perform timber stand analyses by collecting vital data on timber types, health, measurements, and recreational usage, which will be presented to your supervisor for decision-making. Your role will also include measuring and marking both live and dead trees during reproduction treatments or overstory removals, as directed by a forester. This task involves determining the diameter at breast height (DBH), tree height, grading, and cull deductions, ultimately resulting in a timber tally and volume report for the forester. Proficiency in using forestry tools such as clinometers and diameter tapes, along with a solid understanding of dendrology and forest mensuration, is essential.

Moreover, you will be tasked with laying out timber sales based on your supervisor's instructions, conducting compartment examinations, and performing reproduction analyses in designated areas. This includes measuring and recording basal area, seedling and sapling counts, tree species, and crown class distribution. You will also assist in verifying forest types using aerial photographs and contour maps, ensuring accurate assessments and effective management of forest resources.

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 2025 until November 2025 at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2026.
• Work hours are OFF, Monday; 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday - Thursday; 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel and overnight travel 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.

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

• PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

• 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.

• 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.
  
  

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

• 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.