Forest Technician

THE POSITION

Are you prepared to join the front lines in protecting Pennsylvania’s agriculture and natural landscapes by helping us combat one of the state’s most destructive invasive pests—the Spotted Lanternfly? These insects threaten our trees, crops, and ecosystems, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage each year, and we are looking for motivated individuals who want to make a real impact. As part of the Department of Agriculture’s dedicated team, you will play a vital role in safeguarding our communities, supporting local farmers, and preserving the health of our environment. If you are passionate about protecting our state’s future and ready to take action, we invite you to join us in developing practical, effective solutions that truly make a difference.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this vital position, you will be responsible for delivering technical support both in the field and at the Spotted Lanternfly regional offices, assisting Plant Inspection Program Specialists and staff to ensure smooth and effective operations. Your duties will include conducting inventories of host trees for the Spotted Lanternfly, performing ground pest surveys, and aiding in direct suppression efforts, biocontrol, trapping, and sampling. Additionally, you will establish field study plots as necessary to facilitate the control of the Spotted Lanternfly.

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position will continue based on funding.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 5 days per pay period. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Palm. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

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.
  
  

Conditions of Employment:

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

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.