Forestry Intern – Forbes Forest District (College)

THE POSITION

Are you an enthusiastic and driven student in search of a paid internship that fuels your passion? The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources oversees over 2 million acres of forest across 48 of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Picture yourself as part of a committed team of environmental professionals, earning while doing what you love. If you have a deep appreciation for Pennsylvania's state forests and a commitment to preventing and managing wildfires, protecting land from invasive pests and diseases, conserving native plant species, and promoting sustainable timber practices, this opportunity is perfect for you. Do not wait—embark on your journey today!
 

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

This internship offers a valuable opportunity for hands-on learning, focusing on supporting the foresters and staff at the Forbes Forest District in managing state forest lands, rural and community private properties, and various aspects of forest health and fire protection. Based at the Forbes Forest District Office, the intern will engage in a range of technical and scientific tasks typically assigned to foresters. Responsibilities will include assisting with state forest timber sales—such as marking timber and collecting sale data—conducting Geographic Information Systems (GIS) work with ArcMap software, and gathering data using GPS technology. The intern will also participate in forest management activities, regeneration projects, trail maintenance, invasive species management, and environmental education initiatives. Additional duties may involve providing advice to private landowners, managing wildfire prevention programs, and conducting surveys related to forest health and wildlife habitat.
 
 

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time internship that will run from 5/1/2026 through 8/28/2026
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• 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

Internship Requirements:

• Enrollment in good academic standing as a FULL-TIME student in a two-year, bachelor's or advanced degree program in:
  • Forestry
  • Wildlife Management 
  • Environmental Resource Management 
• An approved major course which includes a qualifying 24 credit hours of study in the physical, biological and environmental sciences may be acceptable.
• Good academic standing (2.0 GPA or higher)
• Freshman year completed by May 2026
• Pennsylvania residency or enrollment of a Pennsylvania college or university.

Additional Requirements:

• You must possess a valid driver's license which is not under suspension.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements:

• This position falls under the provisions of the Child Protective Services Law.
  • Under the Law, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports including, but not limited to, PA State Police clearance, PA Child Abuse history clearance, and FBI Fingerprint clearance.

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. 

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.