Forester - Elk Forest District, Cameron County

Are you ready to begin a career that allows you to influence the future of Pennsylvania's forests? As a Forester, you will be essential in safeguarding and managing the state's stunning natural areas by enforcing regulations, promoting sustainable resource practices, and implementing hands-on forestry techniques that ensure the long-term health of these ecosystems. If you have a passion for conservation, enjoy working outdoors, and want to make a real difference in the environment and local communities, this position offers a fulfilling opportunity to use your skills and commitment to protect Pennsylvania's forests for future generations.

In this position, you will act as a State Forest Officer tasked with enforcing State Forest Rules and Regulations while aiding in the protection, management, and regeneration of forest resources. Your responsibilities will include conducting landscape assessments to evaluate forest health, identify habitat requirements, and determine necessary cultural or silvicultural treatments in line with the State Forest Resource Management Plan. You will implement these treatments through the Timber Sale Program, oversee timber sale contracts with regular inspections, and contribute to forest fire prevention and suppression efforts.

Additionally, you will gather GPS and field data for timber sales, regeneration initiatives, habitat management, and recreational features, while also preparing reports and maintaining documentation for all assigned duties. Collaboration is key in this role, as you will work closely with landowners, partner organizations, and government agencies to promote sustainable forest stewardship. This involves coordinating Rural and Community Forestry activities, offering guidance to private landowners in Elk and Cameron Counties, and representing the Elk Forest District at County Conservation District meetings. To uphold high work standards and effectively implement the Forest Resource Management Plan, it is crucial to stay updated on professional forestry knowledge through ongoing training and literature review.

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 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Wednesday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Thursday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Two years of technical forestry experience, and an associate's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or
• A bachelor's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or
• A master's degree in forest technology, forestry, forest management, forest ecosystem management, urban forestry, forest science, agroforestry, or a related forestry degree; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirements:

• 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.