Equipment Operator A - Pinchot Forest District

Equipment Operator A

The Equipment Operator A position with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pinchot Forest District, offers a chance to support the care and maintenance of Pennsylvania forests. This role lets you operate equipment, help maintain forest infrastructure, and take part in important conservation efforts. Each day you will perform hands-on work that strengthens the natural spaces people enjoy. Join a team committed to protecting and improving state forests.

This position supports forest maintenance and construction by operating equipment and performing manual labor tasks as needed. You will play an important role in protecting natural resources and assisting with wildfire response. As an Equipment Operator A, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate vehicles and machinery for road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance
• Grounds Work: Complete mowing, brush removal, snow work, and other grounds tasks
• Safety Checks: Perform inspections, maintain logs, and complete required reports
• Manual Tasks: Assist with culvert installation, signage, repairs, and general labor duties
• Wildfire Support: Participate in wildfire suppression, prevention, and prescribed fire activities
• Resource Protection: Help safeguard unique natural and cultural features within the forest district

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 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Occasional shift changes due to the nature of the position. Telework is not an option in this position. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Six months experience in the operation and maintenance of large vans, buses and single-chassis trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 10,001 pounds or more; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Special Requirements:

• This position requires possession of a valid Class C Pennsylvania driver's license.

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.

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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). and click on Veterans.

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.