Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00037083	Description Activated On: 2/25/2026 9:43:17 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The goal of this position is to assist in the maintenance of Gallitzin Forest District grounds and facilities and to provide effective wildfire prevention and protection to the public.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

1. - MAINTENANCE OF STATE FOREST LANDS AND FACILITIES

1) Performs manual work including but not limited to: cleaning road culverts and ditches, repairing headwalls, cleaning public restrooms, mowing grass and weeds, raking leaves, collecting tree seeds, applying herbicides, painting, carpentry, felling and cutting trees, building repairs, sign maintenance, deer fence repairs, tree planting, trail maintenance, trash removal, and painting state forest boundary lines.
2) Performs minor mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance to vehicles and equipment and assist district mechanic with major repairs. 3) Completes safety checks and inspections of equipment prior to using.
4) Performs maintenance and improvement tasks while using a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, power pole pruners, etc.
5) Operates riding lawn mowers, farm tractors, ATV's, UTV's, snowmobiles, skid loaders and pick-up trucks.
6) Provides periodic assistance to the foresters when marking timber sales or collecting field data.
7) Operates trucks to haul staff and supplies to and from work sites.
8) Independent work is often required at various work sites in four counties.
9) Performs maintenance on recreational facilities (trash removal, privies, picnic tables, water supplies, etc.) as directed by supervisor.
10) Work with other staff to create and maintain wildlife habitat

2. – WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND PRESUPPRESSION

1) Assists in conducting wildfire prevention programs, including the wearing of the Smokey Bear suit.
2 ) Locates, investigates, and reports on wildfire hazards in assigned area.
3) Assists in burning safety strips and other wildfire hazard elimination and assists with prescribed burns.
4 ) Maintains and repairs wildfire suppression equipment and tools as needed.
5) Follows all district policies regarding fire season duties, schedules, and availability during non-work hours

3. WILDFIRE SUPPRESSION

1) Responds rapidly to wildfires in assigned area and provides efficient initial attack while working with Forest Fire Wardens and crew members.
2) Operates, as necessary, special wildfire fighting equipment
3) Assists district staff in fire investigations.

4. PUBLIC RELATIONS

1) Maintains a polite, cooperative attitude in dealing with the public.
2) Provides prompt answers to requests from the public.
3) Keeps informed of district and Bureau policies, regulations, and projects in order to provide accurate information to the public.
4) Maintains a proper appearance by maintaining and wearing the Bureau's work uniform.

5) SAFETY

1) Conducts all official duties in accord with Bureau Safety Policy and the Bureau Safety Code.
2) Reports and/or repairs safety hazards, which may threaten district personnel or others.
3) Maintains assigned safety and first aid equipment to standard.
4) Maintains assigned vehicle in a safe and clean condition
5) Wears appropriate safety equipment including but not limited to the following: hardhat, chainsaw chaps, reflective vest, safety glasses, ear plugs, fall protection harness in accordance with district and Bureau safety policies.
6) Attends all safety meetings and trainings as directed by the supervisor

6. TRAINING AND SELF DEVELOPMENT

1) Attends pertinent training as required.
2) Completes an annual employee self development plan and takes steps to acquire additional skills or knowledge.
3) Maintains a personal record of trainings completed and certificates received.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE

1) Prepares neat and accurate records and reports and submits them within the alloted time period.
2) Maintains an accurate record of daily activities and accomplishments and submits a bi-weekly report at the end of each pay period.
3) Follows all district policies regarding time and attendance, including the proper use of leave.
4) Maintains constant contact with the supervisor and the district office during work hours by way of portable and mobile radios
5) Assists with timely communication and exchange of information and paperwork between field offices and the district office.
6) Attends all staff meetings, work projects, and trainings.
7) Prepares monthly reports for all assigned vehicles and equipment.
8) Follows the district non-smoking policy while inside Commonwealth buildings and vehicles

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position.
Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Daily work assignments are made by the Forest Maintenance Supervisor in accordance with the District's annual work plan and goals established by the District Forester and Assistant District Forester. The incumbent will often need to work independently, travelling to various work sites in a four county area.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Ability to understand and follow directions and to effectively communincate with supervisor and co-workers.
2.	Ability to walk on rugged or steep terrain while carrrying up to 50 pounds.
3.	Ability to legally operate vehicles that require a class C driver's license, including those with a standard transmission.
4.	Ability to work from ladders, scaffolding, or on rooftops while wearing appropriate fall safety equipment.
5.	Ability to safely operate ATV's , snowmobiles, farm tractors, riding lawn mowers, and other maintenance equipment.
6.	Ability to perform basic maintenance on small gasoline engines, electric and air powered equipment.
7.	Ability to use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools for outdoor maintenance, carpentry, and mechanical work
8.	Ability to perform a direct attack on a wildfire while carrying a backpack water tank and other tools under hot, smoky conditions
9.	Ability to organize and prepare complete written reports and records.
10.	Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.