A Forest or Conservation Technician works with foresters and conservation scientists to help maintain forests and natural areas. Tracks data on water, soil, disease and insect damage in forest areas; tracks wildlife and maintain trails or campsites; monitors timber and logging activity; patrols and assists with forest fire prevention measures; provides information to the public on forest or natural areas conservation .
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking to hire a Forest Technician to work in the Northwest Region. This position with the Pennsylvania Game Commission offers you the chance to protect and enhance important forest habitats across our state. This role allows you to develop valuable field skills while supporting long-term conservation goals. You will work outdoors, learn from experienced forestry staff, and help make a real difference in habitat management. Join the Commission and build a rewarding future in natural resource stewardship.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This role focuses on supporting forestry staff in managing young forest habitat conditions on State Game Lands in the Northwest Region. You will assist in fieldwork, data collection, mapping, and general forest habitat maintenance. As a Forest Technician, you will perform the following duties:
Boundary Marking:
Mark boundaries for timber sales, herbicide areas, and other treatments by following forester instructions
Timber Work:
Examine trees, mark timber, and complete volume computations according to established prescriptions
Field Data Collection:
Gather information for stand analysis, sale layout, and similar forestry projects
Data Entry:
Enter forestry data into designated computer programs for recordkeeping and analysis
GPS Mapping:
Collect GPS data and produce maps for forester review and approval
Habitat Maintenance:
Assist with herbicide application, equipment upkeep, and other habitat management tasks Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment, 40 hours per week Work hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
Telework:
You will not have the option to telework in this position.
Salary:
In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. 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
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.
Other Requirements:
PA residency requirement is currently waived for this title. 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. 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.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
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. Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video! See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator. Health & Wellness We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.• Compensation & Financial Planning We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life Balance We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.• Values and Culture We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving. Employee Perks Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships. For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box. Eligibility rules apply.