Equipment Operator A - Elk Forest District, Elk County

Join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) as an Equipment Operator A and help keep the Elk Forest District running smoothly. This role gives you the chance to operate heavy equipment, support vital forest maintenance, and take part in important outdoor projects. Every day offers hands-on work that keeps state forest lands safe and accessible. Apply today to travel a career path where your skills make a real difference in Elk County!

This position supports forest operations by operating heavy equipment, maintaining facilities, and assisting with a wide-range of district projects. Here, you will play a key role in ensuring that district roads, trails, and forest areas are safe and functional for public use. As an Equipment Operator A, you will perform the following duties:

• Facility Maintenance: Clean, repair, and maintain state forest buildings, trails, structures, and equipment

• Equipment Operation: Operate vehicles and machinery up to 32,000 pounds and complete safety inspections

• Road Work: Use assigned tools and equipment to maintain proper drainage and safe road surfaces

• Emergency Support: Assist with wildfire response, search and rescue operations, and controlled burns as assigned

• Project Assistance: Help with construction, demolition, forest regeneration, and habitat management tasks

• Tool Care: Perform minor repairs, preventive maintenance, and recordkeeping for tools and equipment

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• 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 in March 2027.
• Work hours are 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday - Thursday, and 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Travel is required between headquarters and work sites.
• Overtime may be required for emergency situations such as wildland fires and search response.
• 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.

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 Requirement:

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

Condition of Employment:

• This position requires possession of a Class A commercial driver's license (CDL) and any endorsements required to operate specific equipment, in order to meet operational needs.

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).
• 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.