Forest Maintenance and Equipment Intern (High School)

Reference #: 4686700
THE POSITION
Are you a vocational student enrolled in a trades program seeking an internship that ignites your enthusiasm? Look no further! The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources offers a distinctive chance to apply your maintenance skills across various areas, such as trail and road upkeep, vehicle and equipment care, and drainage management. This paid internship within the maintenance division of Sproul State Forest will enhance your trade skills while you work in a spacious, natural setting. Apply today to seize this opportunity to contribute to the preservation of Pennsylvanias forest lands!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
In this position, you will collaborate with maintenance personnel to enhance your understanding of various procedures essential for the upkeep of state forest lands. Responsibilities encompass construction and repair of buildings, maintenance of grounds and trails, road repairs, forest regeneration, wildlife management, installation of signage, demarcation of state forest boundaries, fire prevention measures, vegetation management, fencing, and drainage system oversight. Furthermore, you will aid in and execute repairs on equipment and vehicles, including cars, trucks, graders, backhoes, bulldozers, tractors, dump trucks, all-terrain vehicles, lawn mowers, and other maintenance machinery. You will also expand your knowledge of standard tools and their applications within a state forest context, while demonstrating an understanding of safety protocols.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

Schedule will vary based on agreement between high school and COPA location.
Senior enrolled in High School 2024-2025 – The internship could be for the 2024-2025 school year until 6/29/2025

Junior enrolled in High School 2024-2025 – The internship could be for the 2024-2025 school year, summer 2025, and 2025-2026 school year
This position could be located in either location below:
Clinton County – Cooks Run Maintenance Div. – 37 Cooks Run Rd, Westport, PA 17778
Centre County – Snow Shoe Maintenance Div. – 351 West Laurel Lane, Snow Shoe, PA  16874
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:
You must be at least 16 years of age.
You must be a junior or senior enrolled in high school during the 2024 – 2025 school year.
Additional Requirements:
You must be a Vo-tech (career and technical center) student in an approved cooperative vocational training program that has prepared the student for the duties and the description of work described in this posting.
Letter of Recommendation: You must attach a Letter of Recommendation from your schools co-op coordinator, career or guidance counselor, or similar designated school professional indicating you meet your schools requirements and are being recommended for this opportunity.
By participating in this program, the student and school agree to use the Commonwealths Training Plan, Statement of Responsibilities, and Student Performance Evaluation. Forms will be provided to the student upon acceptance of this position.
Work Permit: Minors will be required to submit their Work Permit upon acceptance of this position.
You must be able to perform essential job functions.
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).
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 considerat on 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.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.
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.