Forest Maintenance Worker (Semi Skilled Laborer) - Forbes Forest District

THE POSITION

Do you enjoy working in the outdoors? Forbes State Forest, Pondfield Division, is looking for a seasonal Forest Maintenance Worker to conduct routine construction and maintenance of facilities within the Forest District. Consider joining the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and submit your application today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

Key maintenance and construction duties will include:

• Maintaining trail system signage by constructing new signs (layout, routering, and painting) and installing them throughout the trail system

• Clearing roads and trails of brush and fallen trees using brush cutters and chainsaws

• Clearing and maintaining State Forest boundary lines

• Maintaining roadsides and wildlife openings using brush hogs and debris blowers mounted on farm tractors

• Mowing grass including weed-whacking

• Performing basic maintenance on vehicles and machinery

• Installing and maintaining culverts and headwalls/tailwalls on roads and trails; and installing and maintaining gates.

• Plows and shovels snow and assisting in grooming snowmobile trails in winter

• Cleaning restrooms/latrines and picking up trash and debris.
  

As a Forest Maintenance Worker, your duties will also include conducting prescribed fires, assisting in wildfire suppression activities, and responding to emergencies.

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. There is not an option to buy into health care benefits. The season runs from approximately March 2026 until 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 are:
  • Week 1 through week 3 - 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Week 4 - 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Thursday, with a 30-minute lunch. Friday off.
• 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.

Conditions 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