Forest Maintenance Worker (Semi Skilled Laborer) (Seasonal) - Loyalsock Forest District

If you have a passion for working in the great outdoors and thrive in a hands-on environment, consider becoming a part of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In this role, you will play a vital part in the upkeep of district grounds, trails, and facilities, ensuring that these natural spaces remain accessible and enjoyable for the community. This position not only offers the rewarding experience of serving the public but also provides ample opportunities for professional development and advancement within the organization. Embrace the chance to grow your career while making a meaningful impact on the environment and the lives of those who enjoy these beautiful outdoor spaces.

In this position, your responsibilities will encompass a variety of tasks related to building and facility maintenance, as well as road and trail upkeep. You will be tasked with the upkeep of district facilities and landscapes, which includes cleaning, mowing, trimming, mulching, painting, garbage collection, recycling, snow removal, and performing general repairs using hand tools, power equipment, and chemicals as instructed. Additionally, you will ensure that directional and informational signage is well-maintained through staining, painting, routing, repairing, and installing signs. Comfort stations will require your attention for cleaning, sanitizing, and restocking supplies. You will also be responsible for the maintenance of electric deer exclosure fences, which involves regular inspections, clearing debris, and repairing any damaged sections or equipment according to a set schedule.

Your role will extend to the maintenance of trails and boundary lines within the forest district, where you will engage in constructing, repairing, and clearing vegetation, as well as marking trails. Operating snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and tractors equipped with stone rakes, mowers, or leaf blowers will be necessary to complete these tasks effectively. Furthermore, you will assist in the maintenance, repair, and construction of State Forest roads, bridges, and culverts, which includes cleaning ditches and culverts, constructing headwalls and tailwalls, clearing roadside vegetation, and managing access gates and road signs as directed.

In terms of tools and equipment maintenance, you will perform regular preventative maintenance, conduct pre- and post-inspections, and carry out cleaning and minor repairs on hand tools, power tools, motorized equipment, and vehicles as required. It will be essential to maintain a detailed written record of equipment usage and maintenance activities. Lastly, you will play a crucial role in forest fire protection by assisting with district fire suppression efforts, utilizing hand tools, power tools, and water pumps to extinguish wildfires under the guidance of a supervisor, while also being prepared to undertake additional related duties as needed.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal, full-time employment without 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.
• Position #1 work schedule is Monday, OFF; Tuesday - Thursday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
• Position #2 work schedule is Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday, OFF.
• This position may require travel and overtime as needed.
• 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:

• One year of experience in laboring work including the use of tools and equipment used in maintenance or construction; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Condition of Employment:

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

Other Requirements:

• You must meet the PA residency requirement . For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency.
• 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.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.