No degree needed for these open Pennsylvania state jobs. One offers up to $76K a year

Looking for a job in Pennsylvania? There are plenty of options available through the commonwealth’s public sector — including a number that do not require a college degree.

Roughly 34% of Pennsylvanians older than 25 hold a bachelor’s degree or a higher level of education, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Those who did not go to college may have an easier time finding work in Pennsylvania thanks to a recent order from Gov. Josh Shapiro that eliminated the requirement of a four-year college degree for most government jobs.

If you’re searching for work with strong benefits and steady pay, Pennsylvania’s public sector might be your best bet. Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing jobs open, advertised publicly and without advanced educational requirements through the commonwealth’s employment online portal as of early January.

Forest technician

Salary: $44,010 to $66,348

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Description: A forest technician in this role would help conduct tree inventory for trees that host the dreaded spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect that has taken Pennsylvania and much of the mid-Atlantic by storm in recent years. According to the job description, this role would also involve completing ground pest surveys, plus assistance in direct suppression, biocontrol, trapping and sampling. Additionally, a forest technician in this role would establish study plots as required, collect and summarize field data and prepare written reports when necessary.

This job, based in Westmoreland County, operates on an 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule, Monday through Friday. Applicants should have an associate’s degree in forest technology, but that requirement can also be fulfilled through equivalent education in forestry. A valid noncommercial driver’s license is also required.

Waterways conservation officer trainee

Salary: $22.05 hourly

Agency: Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Description: Through this role, trainees would participate in a year of classroom and field training spread across several sites. There, they will learn law enforcement principles, fish and boat laws, watercraft safety, environmental protection and more, according to the job description. Those who complete the program will receive promotion to a waterways conservation officer, complete with an increased salary.

This full-time, statewide job requires graduation from high school or an educational equivalent, or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Applicants must reside in Pennsylvania, be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license.

Game lands maintenance worker 1

Salary: $36,929 to $54,309

Agency: Pennsylvania Game Commission

Description: A maintenance worker in this role would perform semi-skilled work and assist with other duties on game commission lands. According to the job description, this might include maintenance, repair and construction of bridges, roads, parking areas, gates, posting signs, ranges and more. Other duties could include mowing and habitat management.

This full-time job, based in Elk County, runs on a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. schedule, Monday through Friday. Applicants should have a year of laboring experience using construction or agricultural tools and equipment, or one year of construction equipment operation experience or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Applicants for this role must hold an active Pennsylvania driver’s license. Those working in the role are required to obtain an active Class A commercial driver’s license within one year of employment.

Lottery sales representative

Salary: $49,839 to $75,795

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Revenue

Description: The Pennsylvania Lottery is hiring sales representatives who would provide products, guidance and support to lottery retailers while working to help increase their sales. According to the job description, key duties include reading and interpreting sales data, discussing lottery products with business owners and customers and recruiting new retailers while educating them on the Pennsylvania Lottery’s retailer network, plus strategies that may help them succeed.

This full-time job is centered in Lebanon County. Applicants should have at least four years of experience in sales or marketing (or an equivalent combination of experience and training), plus a valid driver’s license. Preferred candidates should feel comfortable traveling in all weather conditions while on the job.

Clerical assistant 2

Salary: $34,621 to $50,915

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of State

Description: A clerical assistant in this role would help provide customer assistance and “vital support services” within the agency’s Division of Operations and Support. Key duties include scanning documents, processing payments, logging and filing documents and retrieving documents, including microfilm. An employee in this role would also help provide coverage for the reception area and answer phone calls and emails.

According to its online description, this Dauphin County-based job requires at least six months of work as a clerical assistant 1 (a commonwealth title), graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Remote work may be possible following one year of employment in this position.

Driver license examiner with CDL (Norristown)

Salary: $46,944 to $70,771

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Description: Through this role, examiners evaluate the skill and competence of applicants for commercial and noncommercial driver’s licenses. Examiners must determine the qualifications of applicants and the mechanical condition of their vehicles, perform pre-trip inspections before administering driving tests, examine applications, registrations and permits and administer tests that quiz applicants on the motor vehicle code and traffic signs. Examiners may also need to administer vision tests, including those for color perception.

According to the online job description, minimum qualifications for the role include at least one year of experience as a driver license examiner assistant (a commonwealth title) or two years of experience obtaining, evaluating and providing information to the public. Applicants must be at least 21 years old. Special requirements for the role include an active noncommercial Class C driver’s license and no suspension or revocation of a driver’s license during the five years immediately preceding employment.

Employees in this job are required to obtain an active, unrestricted Class M driver’s license within the first six months of employment (or before the end of the probationary period) and maintain it during employment. Employees must also possess an active Class A commercial driver’s license or an equivalent with a P or N endorsement.

Though not required, proficiency in the Spanish language is marked as a preferred qualification.

This job is based in Montgomery County, and applicants must live in Pennsylvania. Work hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

Digital content associate

Salary: $65,000 to $68,000

Agency: Office of the Governor

Description: Gov. Shapiro’s administration is looking for a digital content associate who, under the team’s content director and deputy content director, would help develop and executive the governor’s social media strategy.

According to the job description, key duties in this role include writing social media content, creating graphics and editing videos. A digital content associate would also help manage the long-term vision and strategy for some of the administration’s social media accounts while maintaining day-to-day content, too.

Qualifications for the Dauphin County-based job include at least two years of digital experience in a political, government or nonprofit office, plus prior experience managing a company’s social media platform. Professional experience using the Adobe Creative Suite and other third-party social media scheduling platforms is another qualification.

Candidates must be willing to relocate to Harrisburg or the surrounding area for in-person work. Additional requirements include strong writing skills and social media knowledge.