Want a unique job working in Pennsylvania’s government? Some of these pay up to $105K
.jpeg "The interior of the Pennsylvania Capitol in Harrisburg is pictured in this file photo. See which unique public sector jobs might be a good fit for you.")
As spring transitions into summer, Pennsylvania’s labor figures remain strong and steady, commonwealth officials say.
Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained at 3.4% in April, unchanged from the past six months and slightly below the national 3.9% rate. The commonwealth’s civil labor force, or the group of residents working or looking for work, increased by about 17,000 over the month, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
If you need work and are looking for a job, positions in Pennsylvania’s public sector can provide strong benefits, steady pay and unique opportunities. Here’s a look at some of the most interesting state jobs open and advertised publicly through the commonwealth’s online portal as of late May.
Forest technician
Salary: $22.50 hourly
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Description: In this role, technicians would help conduct pest surveys and site assessments in pursuit of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that can damage or destroy many key plants and crops across Pennsylvania. A 2019 economic impact study found these insects could annually cost the state $324 million and more than 2,800 jobs if left uncontrolled.
Forest technicians detecting spotted lanternflies would place, maintain and remove traps while monitoring host plants for signs of lanternfly activity. This job offers full-time but seasonal work without benefits, according to its online description. This exact position runs from March through November and is home-headquartered for applicants living in Allegheny, Armstrong or Butler counties.
Applicants should hold an associate’s degree in forest technology or completion of an equivalent education in forestry. This position also requires possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. State residency is not required.
Fish culturist
Salary: $36,929 to $54,309
Agency: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
Description: Workers in this position will learn to collect and select brood stock while handling fish. Key training includes learning to operate a fish stocking vehicle and delivering fish, all while caring for fish and ensuring eggs are properly incubated, the job description says.
This full-time role is based in Cumberland County. Applicants should have a high school diploma or an equivalent certification of formal training. Special requirements include possession of a Pennsylvania driver’s license and the eventual possession of a commercial driver’s license that permits the operation of vehicles weighing 26,000 pounds or more.
Custodial guide
Salary: $39,003 to $58,211
Agency: Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission
Description: The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania is searching for a guide who will help provide customer service through ticket sales, historical interpretation, guided tours and housekeeping services. The museum, based in Strasburg in Lancaster County, attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year and preserves Pennsylvania railroad history, including more than 100 locomotives and railroad cars and countless other artifacts and photographs.
Requirements for this full-time job include graduation from high school or equivalent education, plus at least one year of work experience involving “significant public contact in a group setting,” the position’s online description reads. Applicants should have a driver’s license and prior experience providing tours or public presentations on historical subjects.
Bituminous underground mine electrical inspector
Salary: $84,499 to $105,238
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
Description: Inspectors in this role conduct technical electrical inspections of system installations and equipment in Pennsylvania’s bituminous underground coal mines to ensure they are safe and comply with underground mining laws.
“They are a vital component to ensuring the safety of Pennsylvania’s underground bituminous coal mines and mine workers and perform highly responsible work inspecting electrical equipment and investigating mining accidents to determine causes and preventive action,” the job description reads. “An important aspect of this work involves the authority to order the withdrawal of mine employees if threatened with imminent physical danger and to close the mine until conditions are corrected.”
This multi-county job is accepting applicants from the following counties: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Cambria, Clarion, Clearfield, Elk, Fayette, Green, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, McKean, Mercer, Somerset, Venango, Warren, Washington and Westmoreland. The position requires travel, but expenses are paid.
Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience working in underground bituminous coal mines, plus a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also be at least 30 years old and hold a valid driver’s license and a valid certificate as a bituminous mine electrician.
Game lands maintenance worker
Salary: $36,929 to $54,309
Agency: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Description: Interested in working on game lands across Pennsylvania? Game lands workers in this role will help maintain, repair and construct bridges, roads, parking areas, gates, posting signs, ranges and more throughout the commonwealth. Other duties include mowing and habitat management, according to the job description.
This job is based in Crawford County. Applicants must have at least one year of experience using tools and equipment for construction, agriculture or equipment operation, plus a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license. Workers are required to obtain a commercial driver’s license within one year of employment.
Park maintenance supervisor
Salary: $44,010 to $66,348
Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Description: Black Moshannon State Park in Centre County is looking for someone to lead and direct a crew of maintenance employees. The main responsibility of this role is to oversee a team of maintenance and trades workers who are responsible for construction, upkeep and cleaning of all grounds and facilities at the state park. The primary focus is placed on maintaining buildings, park roads and equipment, plus planning and organizing maintenance projects, according to the online job posting.
Applicants for this role should have at least four years of experience in semi-skilled maintenance or construction in any of several fields, including electrical, plumbing or carpentry trades, wastewater treatment plant operations and the operation of construction or agricultural equipment. An equivalent combination of experience and training could work, too. This position requires the possession of an active driver’s license.
Visit governmentjobs.com/careers/pabureau to find more openings in Pennsylvania and filter by department, location, salary and more.
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