Equipment Operator B - Clear Creek Forest District, Jefferson County

THE POSITION

The Equipment Operator B position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a hands-on way to support the Clear Creek Forest District. This role lets you work outdoors while operating important equipment that keeps forest roads, trails, and facilities in good condition. You will help protect natural resources and support safe recreation for visitors. This is a great opportunity to grow your skills while making a positive impact on public lands.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will support the maintenance and improvement of forest infrastructure by operating equipment and completing manual tasks across the Clear Creek Forest District. You will help protect natural resources and maintain safe, accessible public spaces. As an Equipment Operator B, you will perform the following duties:

• Operate Equipment: Use specialized machinery to construct, grade, and maintain forest roads, trails, and related facilities
• Maintain Tools: Complete inspections, preventative maintenance, and minor repairs on vehicles, tools, and equipment
• Perform Manual Work: Carry out tasks such as clearing vegetation, repairing facilities, and maintaining signs and fences
• Support Emergencies: Assist with wildfire response, search and rescue efforts, and other emergency activities when qualified
• Protect Resources: Help with forest and wildlife management projects such as erosion control, planting, and habitat work
• Record Activities: Document equipment use, maintenance actions, and project progress in required records

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Seasonal, full-time employment with no 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 in March 2027.
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 Thursday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• 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 as an Equipment Operator A (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
• Two years of experience in the operation of heavy construction and specialized maintenance equipment used at this level with a gross vehicle weight of 32,001 pounds or more: or
• Any equivalent combination of experience or training.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires possession of Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).

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.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require a drug screening.

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