The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy has been dedicated to protecting and restoring the region’s exceptional natural places since 1932. As a member-based nonprofit organization, we work in cities and towns across Western Pennsylvania and rely on the help of thousands of members, partners and volunteers. We are making a difference in our region’s water, land and life. We do this work for the benefit of wildlife and people who call Western Pennsylvania home, and for future generations.

The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program at the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is seeking a fulltime seasonal position to work in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in northwest Pennsylvania as part of a team to complete ecological field surveys in timber management stands on physically challenging terrain. The Seasonal Biologist will walk transects through stands proposed for silvicultural management to collect both general and site-specific ecological data, record occurrences of nesting sites, rare, unique, or invasive plants and wildlife and other ecological features using the Survey 123 application on state-issued iPad mini and attend trainings and check-in meetings with U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Forestry staff.

The Seasonal Biologist will be headquartered at a designated location (to be determined) near the survey area (Kane/Warren/Marienville). The biologist will be expected to report to this headquarters at least once per week at the beginning of each week. The Seasonal Biologist will drive a rental vehicle to various locations within the ANF where field surveys will be conducted. Most field work will take place in the ANF south of Kane, PA. Supervision will be provided by the Cornplanter Forest District staff in Warren and the Natural Heritage Program staff in Harrisburg.

Qualifications: Applicants should have experience in remote outdoor settings, be familiar with the plants and animals of northern Pennsylvania, and have a bachelor’s degree of relevant course work in botany, ecology, or related fields. The person will be required to:

• Use Apple iPad mini application platforms, including Survey 123.
• Navigate using a map, compass, and GPS unit.
• Safely drive an automatic 4-wheel drive vehicle on off-road locations.
• Attend orientation and training sessions.
• Be able to identify invasive plants, unique plants, and wildlife habitat in the Allegheny National Forest.
• Be comfortable working in dense, remote forests with rough, uneven, steep terrain.
• Work in all weather conditions
• Follow all established field safety protocols and methods.
• Overnight travel, as required. Hotel lodging and meals reimbursement is provided on workdays only, following Commonwealth of Pennsylvania restrictions.
• Work four 10-hour days.
• Maintain and submit time and expense records through established processes
• Be self-motivated, work well as part of a team, and possess a strong work ethic.

Applicants must be prepared to spend consecutive days away from home and to work in the field under rugged conditions. Being detail-oriented, having good communication skills, and having the ability to work independently are a must. Must provide a valid driver’s license and transportation. Rental trucks will be provided for day use in the National Forest.

Position Duration: Mid-May 2023 through Mid-August 2023. Seasonal Biologist will be expected to work four 10-hour days, forty hours per week.