Forest Technician

Are you someone who is deeply passionate about our local forests and finds enjoyment in working in the great outdoors? If so, the Department of Agriculture is excited to welcome a committed Forest Technician to play a key role in helping to protect Pennsylvania's invaluable forests and agriculture. You will take part in essential fieldwork that supports the control of invasive pests like the Spotted Lanternfly. Here, you will have the exciting opportunity to work outdoors, collect valuable data, and support various research projects. Apply today to join a team that works hard to protect natural resources across the Commonwealth!

This fulfilling position supports efforts to detect and manage the Spotted Lanternfly by completing surveys, site assessments, and field monitoring activities. You will gather data, communicate with property owners, and assist with a wide-range of pest control measures. As a Forest Technician, you will perform the following duties:

• Property Contact: Reach out to property owners to explain survey needs before placing traps or conducting inspections
• Trap Management: Follow survey procedures to place, maintain, and remove traps and submit collected specimens
• Site Assessment: Perform assessments to locate properties suitable for survey or pest treatment activities
• Field Monitoring: Conduct visual checks of host plants, collect data with electronic tools, and maintain activity logs
• Pest Control: Apply pesticides as assigned to help reduce Spotted Lanternfly populations

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Limited-term, full-time employment
• This position is expected to remain active through Fall 2026.
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• This position is home headquartered in Westmoreland County. You will be expected to travel in the field for this position.
• This position is home headquartered. In order to be home headquartered, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.
• 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.

Condition 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.

• 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.