Equipment Operator A (Seasonal) - Buchanan Forest District

Equipment Operator A

Step into a role that lets you grow while protecting natural spaces for everyone! As an Equipment Operator A with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, you will play a key part in keeping forest lands safe and accessible. This role gives you the opportunity to use equipment skills in ways that truly matter for the community. Every day brings a new chance to support conservation efforts and care for public lands!

This position focuses on operating and maintaining a wide range of trucks, tools, and equipment to support forest maintenance and safety. The work helps keep state forest infrastructure in good condition while supporting district and agency goals. As an Equipment Operator A, you will perform the following duties:

• Equipment Operation: Operate trucks and construction equipment with a gross vehicle weight up to 32,000 pounds for road and facility upkeep
• Fire Response Support: Drive and use specialized vehicles and tools to assist with wildfire suppression and prevention activities
• Tool and Machinery Use: Handle chainsaws and other powered and non-powered tools to maintain forest roads, trails, and structures
• Routine Maintenance: Complete basic maintenance tasks on equipment such as checking fluids, cleaning parts, and replacing filters
• General Labor: Perform physical tasks like digging, raking, sweeping, and cleaning when not operating equipment
• Recordkeeping: Maintain logs and time records related to equipment use and daily duties

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 are 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Overtime may be required in emergency situations such as wildfire suppression.
• 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:

• 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:

• You must be in possession of a valid Class C Pennsylvania driver's license.

Conditions of Employment:

• This position requires that employees possess a valid Class A or B 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.
• 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 more about employment preferences for veterans, go to 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.