Temporary Commonwealth Challenge Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forest Insect Pest Aide 1

If you are passionate about protecting Pennsylvania's natural environment, this opportunity could be just what you're looking for! The state faces a serious challenge from various invasive insect species that threaten not only its agricultural products but also its forest ecosystems and local communities. This role involves conducting field surveys to detect and monitor these invasive pests in agricultural, forested, and commercial areas. By joining our team, you will play a crucial role in combating this pressing issue and contribute to the preservation of Pennsylvania's rich natural resources. Do not miss the chance to be part of a meaningful solution!

The Forest Insect Pest Aide 1 plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing invasive insect pests within Pennsylvania's forests and agricultural areas, which encompass vineyards, orchards, and various commercial landscapes. This position entails reaching out to landowners to provide information about the insect pest survey initiatives and securing their consent to inspect trees or install traps before initiating any fieldwork. The focus of these surveys includes detecting and tracking specific pests such as the box tree moth, European cherry fruit fly, and golden twin-spot moth, among others. Additionally, the responsibilities extend to adhering to established survey protocols, which involve the proper handling of traps, meticulous data entry, and maintaining a comprehensive log of all activities conducted. The work will take place across several counties, including Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia, and Schuylkill, highlighting the extensive reach and importance of this role in safeguarding local ecosystems and agricultural productivity.

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Any combination of experience and/or training which afforded the applicant the above listed required abilities.

Special Requirement:

• This position requires possession of a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.

Additional Requirements:

• Willing to accept a temporary position with no benefits and a wage of $17.38 per hour.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• College coursework or experience in Entomology, Dendrology, and/or Plant Taxonomy.

Applications 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.

Pennsylvania law 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.