Forest Maintenance Worker (Semi Skilled Laborer) - Forbes Forest District, Somerset County

THE POSITION

As a Forest Maintenance Worker with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will play an important part in keeping public lands safe and enjoyable. This job offers steady hands-on work across the Forbes Forest District. Each day will bring a new chance to make a positive impact on our trails, signs, roads, and facilities. Be part of a mission that protects and enhances Pennsylvania's natural spaces.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This position supports the upkeep of facilities, trails, and natural areas across the Mt. Davis and Blue Hole Divisions of the Forbes State Forest. It involves construction, repair, and general maintenance throughout the district. As a Forest Maintenance Worker, you will perform the following duties:

• Sign Construction: Construct and install trail and facility signs throughout forest divisions
• Trail Clearing: Clear brush, fallen trees, and debris from trails and roads using tools and machinery
• Boundary Work: Paint and maintain State Forest boundary lines
• Facility Cleaning: Clean restrooms and remove trash and debris from public areas
• Seasonal Maintenance: Plow snow, mow grass, and manage vegetation using various equipment
• Equipment Care: Perform basic maintenance on vehicles and machinery such as oil changes and filter replacements

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. 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 in March 2027.
• Work hours will be between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM Monday - Friday. Specifics about work schedules, including the possibility of an alternate work schedule, will be discussed during the interview.
• Overtime may be required for wildland fires
• 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).
• 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 (heari