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Forest Insect Pest Aide 1 (Temporary) - Capital Region

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Forest Insect Pest Aide 1 (Temporary) - Capital Region

Salary

$17.38 Hourly

Location

*Home Headquartered, PA

Job Type

Non-Civil Service Temporary Full-time

Job Number

N-2026-40645

Department

Department of Agriculture

Division

AG Plnt Pro Div

Opening Date

01/20/2026

Closing Date

2/2/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Code

53980

Position Number

50482336

Union

AFSCME

Bargaining Unit

J1

Pay Group

ST02

Bureau / Division Code

00043951

Bureau / Division

Plant Protection Division

Worksite Address

Home Headquartered

Contact Name

Zachary Bender

Contact Email

[email protected]

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

THE POSITION

If you aspire to contribute to the preservation of Pennsylvania's natural treasures, this opportunity could be your ideal match. The state faces a formidable challenge from various invasive insect species that threaten its agricultural assets, forest ecosystems, and local communities. This role entails conducting field surveys to identify these pests in agricultural, forested, and commercial environments. Join us in this vital mission and become an integral part of the solution.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this position, you will be responsible for conducting surveys and detection of invasive insect pests across Pennsylvania's forests and agricultural areas, including vineyards, orchards, and commercial properties. This role involves reaching out to property owners to explain the insect pest survey initiatives and securing permission to inspect trees or place traps before proceeding with the work. The focus will be on detecting target pests such as the box tree moth, European cherry fruit fly, and golden twin-spot moth, among others. Additionally, you will adhere to established survey protocols for trap management, data entry, and maintaining a detailed log of your activities.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description (https://careers.employment.pa.gov/pd/PD\_NEOGOV.asp?p=50482336) .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

+ Temporary Full-time employment

+ Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.

+ This position will be home headquartered if applicant lives in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York Counties.

+ Work will be performed in Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, Perry, Cumberland, York, Adams, Fulton, and Franklin counties.

+ 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:

+ 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.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

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

Additional Requirements:

+ You must be 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.

How to Apply:

+ Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents willnot 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.

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.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this shortvideo (https://www.youtube.com/embed/HtcSRnndflc?rel=0) !

See the total value of your benefits package by exploring ourbenefits calculator.

Health & Wellness

We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*

Compensation & Financial Planning

We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.

Work/Life Balance

We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*

Values and Culture

We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.

Employee Perks

Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.

For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visitwww.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.

*Eligibility rules apply.

01

Do you possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension?

+ Yes

+ No

02

If you answered "Yes" to the above question, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered "No", type N/A in the text box below.

03

Additional Requirement- If offered, would you be willing to accept a temporary position with no benefits and a wage of $17.38 per hour?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Preferred Qualification- Do you have any college credits or experience in Entomology, Dendrology or Plant Taxonomy? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.

If you answer "Yes" to this question based on education acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visitinghttps://www.naces.organd clicking the Evaluation Services link.

+ Yes

+ No

05

If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the dates and the names of the employers where you gained Dendrology or Plant Taxonomy experience. If you answered None, type N/A in the text box below.

Required Question

Employer

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Address

613 North Street

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 17120

Website

http://www.employment.pa.gov