What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forest Maintenance Worker (Semi Skilled Laborer) Sproul Forest District position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Start a rewarding outdoor career with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as a Forest Maintenance Worker. Each day will bring new tasks that help maintain forest roads, trails, and facilities across the Sproul Forest District. You will contribute to tree planting, trail upkeep, and wildfire response efforts. DCNR is eager to welcome dedicated applicants who want to make a positive impact on Pennsylvania’s forests.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position supports the Sproul Forest District by maintaining forest roads, trails, boundaries, and facilities while assisting with regeneration projects and wildfire protection. As a Forest Maintenance Worker, you will perform the following duties:
- Road Maintenance: Clear culverts, remove brush, and maintain road surfaces and ditches
- Trail Upkeep: Operate grooming equipment, ATVs, and tools to keep trails safe and accessible
- Regeneration Work: Plant trees, maintain deer fences, and support forest regeneration activities
- Facility Care: Perform building repairs including painting, roofing, and concrete work
- Wildfire Support: Use tools and equipment to reduce fire hazards and assist with wildfire detection and suppression
- Sign Preparation: Operate woodworking equipment to create and maintain forest signs
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. The season runs from approximately March 2026 through November 2026, at which time the employee will be placed on leave without pay. The employee will automatically be returned to employment March 2027.
- Work hours will be between 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM Monday – Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM Thursday, Friday - off. Specifics about work schedules, including the possibility of an alternate work schedule, will be discussed during the interview.
- Overtime may be required for state forest operations or emergencies such as wildfire suppression and search response.
- 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
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 driver’s 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 Guidelines.
- 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).
- 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.
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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.
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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.
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Retirement PlanSalary : $19