Forester

Are you looking for an opportunity to be part of a team that is dedicated to conserving the forests in Pennsylvania? The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is seeking a skilled Forester. In this essential role, you will provide expert forest management support, with a focus on both sustainable forest management practices and forest wildfire management initiatives. If you are ready to apply your forestry expertise in a dynamic, mission-driven environment, we encourage you to apply today and explore the rewarding career opportunities available with the Commonwealth!

Watch this video to see how you can make a difference by working for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Utilize your expertise and training in forestry and join our team of dedicated professionals.

In this position, you will be responsible for performing professional forestry work at Fort Indiantown Gap (FIG), located about 22 miles northeast of Harrisburg, PA. As part of a collaborative team, you will help plan, develop, and implement programs focused on the management, protection, and conservation of forest resources at FIG. Your duties will encompass a wide range of responsibilities, including forest management, timber management, forest protection, wood utilization, resource planning, and wildland fire management.

You will apply a blend of biological, physical, quantitative, managerial, economic, social, and policy principles to promote forest regeneration, manage resources, and ensure the sustainable use and conservation of forest areas. Your work will support military training objectives while maintaining the forest's long-term productivity. Additionally, you will be involved in mitigating threats to the forest, including damage from wildlife, unauthorized fires, invasive species, disease, insect infestations, and climate-related factors. You will also assist with wildfire suppression and prescribed fire operations.

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 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
  • Weekend fire duty and weekday fire duties may require longer hours or altered work schedules during the fire season.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Annville.
• 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.
• Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Special Requirement:

• 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.

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.

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.

Veterans:

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

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.