Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00100776	Description Activated On: 2/25/2026 9:43:57 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) Perform 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 pesticides, painting, carpentry, felling and cutting trees, building repairs, sign maintenance, deer fence repairs, tree planting, trail maintenance, trash removal, and painting boundary lines.
2) Perform minor mechanical repairs and preventative maintenance to vehicles and equipment.
3) Complete safety checks and inspections of equipment prior to using.
4) Perform maintenance and improvement tasks while using a variety of hand tools and power equipment such as chainsaws, weed eaters, power pole pruners, etc.
5) Operate riding lawn mowers, farm tractors, ATV's, UTV's, snowmobiles, skid loaders and pick-up trucks.
6) Provide periodic assistance to foresters when marking timber sales or collecting field data.
7) Operate pickup trucks with or with out trailer on a daily basis to haul staff and supplies to and from work sites.
8) Independent work is often required at various work sites in four counties.
9) Perform maintenance at 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 projects.

2. – WILDFIRE PREVENTION AND PRESUPPRESSION

1) Assist in conducting wildfire prevention programs, including the wearing of the Smokey Bear suit.
2) Locate, investigate, and report on wildfire hazards in assigned area.
3) Assist in burning safety strips and other wildfire hazard elimination and assist with prescribed burns.
4) Maintain and repair 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) Respond promptly to wildfires in assigned area and provide efficient initial attack while working with Forest Fire Wardens and crew members.
2) Operate, as necessary, special wildfire fighting equipment.
3) Assist district staff in fire investigations.

4. PUBLIC RELATIONS

1) Maintain a polite, cooperative attitude in dealing with the public.
2) Provide prompt answers to requests from the public.
3) Keep informed of district and Bureau policies, regulations, and projects in order to provide accurate information to the public.
4) Wear and maintain the Bureau's work uniform in a clean and neat fashion.

5) SAFETY

1) Conduct all official duties in accord with Bureau Safety Policy and the Bureau Safety Code.
2) Report and/or repair safety hazards, which may threaten district personnel or others.
3) Maintain assigned safety and first aid equipment to standard.
4) Maintain assigned vehicle in a safe and clean condition
5) Wear 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) Attend all safety meetings and trainings as directed by the supervisor

6. TRAINING AND SELF DEVELOPMENT

1) Attend pertinent training as required.
2) Complete an annual employee self- development plan and take steps to acquire additional skills or knowledge.
3) Maintain a personal record of trainings completed and certificates received.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE

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

This position 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 perform any other job related duties requested by the 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. 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 communicate with others.
2.	Ability to walk on rugged or steep terrain while carrying up to 50 lbs.
3.	Ability to legally operate vehicles that require a class C driver's license, including those with standard transmissions
4.	Ability to work from ladders, scaffolds, or on rooftops while wearing 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, electric, and air powered tools and equipment.
7.	Ability to use and maintain a variety of hand and power tools for general maintenance, carpentry, landscaping and mechanical work.
8.	Ability to perform a direct attack on a wildfire while carrying a backpack water tank and other tools under hot and smoky conditions.
9.	Ability to organize and prepare complete written reports and records
10.	Ability to work outdoors under all weather conditions.