No degree needed for these open PA government jobs. One offers up to $88K per year

Now halfway through the summer, Pennsylvania’s workforce is continuing a strong showing in 2024.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry’s May unemployment report , the commonwealth’s unemployment rate sits at roughly 3.4% for the eighth consecutive month. Once again, that mark sits below the overall U.S. unemployment rate, which rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.0% in May.

Pennsylvania’s civilian labor force, or the estimated number of residents working or looking for work, rose by about 9,000 over the month to a record 6.6 million.

Many high-paying jobs with strong benefits are available in the public sector — even for those who don’t have a degree. You might have an easier time finding a job these days thanks to a 2023 executive order from Gov. Josh Shapiro that eliminated requirements of four-year college degrees for most government jobs.

Here’s a look at some of the most intriguing jobs advertised publicly and without strict educational requirements through the commonwealth’s online employment portal as of mid-July.

Clerical assistant 2

Salary : $35,306 to $51,932

Agency : Pennsylvania Parole Board

Description : Department of Corrections offices in Allegheny and Erie counties are searching for workers to help provide clerical and office support for the Pennsylvania Parole Board. Key responsibilities include filing, typing documents, inputting data for institutional departments, operating office equipment and maintaining computer databases and records.

Minimum qualifications for this role include six months as a clerical assistant 1 (a commonwealth title), graduation from high school or an equivalent combination of experience and training. Preferred qualifications include years of experience using Microsoft Office platforms like Excel and Word, plus experience answering phone calls and working with office equipment.

Maintenance repairman 2

Salary : $39,785 to $59,384

Agency : Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

Description : The Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania, located in Strasburg in Lancaster County, is searching for a maintenance worker who will help provide clean, presentable and functioning facilities for museum guests using carpentry, construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing and groundskeeping skills. Other duties include assisting in setting up and tearing down for special events and responding to after-hours alarms.

This full-time job offers employment Monday through Friday, though occasional evening, weekend and holiday work is expected.

According to the job description , applicants must have at least two years of experience as a maintenance repairman 1 (a commonwealth title) or at least four years of experience in building or plant maintenance work, which involved at least two of the building, electrical or mechanical trades. An equivalent combination of experience and training can also qualify for this role. All applicants must hold a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Additional requirements include experience using grounds maintenance equipment (such as lawnmowers or forklifts), maintaining exterior landscapes and performing skilled and heavy manual labor indoors and outdoors.

DCNR ranger (Promised Land State Park)

Salary : $21.98 hourly

Agency : Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Description : Promised Land State Park complex , located in Pike County, is searching for a seasonal, full-time ranger who will patrol park grounds, interact with the public, help ensure visitor safety, enforce park rules and uphold relevant laws.

While working, rangers may need to make physical arrests, serve warrants, issue citations and collaborate with law enforcement agencies as they investigate complaints, accidents and crimes. During emergencies, search and rescue operations and accidents, rangers may be asked to help take charge, keep guests safe, administer first aid and effectively manage traffic, the job description reads .

All applicants must successfully complete the DCNR’s ranger trainee program or hold completion of a department-approved law enforcement training program and at least 15 completed college credits related to ranger work. Applicants should also have at least one year of experience as a forest or park ranger and be at least 21 years old with an active driver’s license.

Driver license examiner with CDL (Lewistown)

Salary : $47,883 to $72,189

Agency : Pennsylvania Department of Transportation

Description : Examiners in this role will evaluate the skill and competence of applicants for commercial and noncommercial driver’s licenses in Mifflin County at the Lewistown-area office in Yeagertown. Key duties include determining applicants’ qualifications, performing pre-trip inspections before administering driving tests, examining applications and conducting potential vision tests, including those for color perception.

According to the online job description , minimum qualifications for this 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 and have an active noncommercial Class C diver’s license and no suspensions or revocations of that license during the five years immediately preceding employment.

While in this role, employees are required to obtain a Class M driver’s license within the first six months of employment and maintain it while on the job. Employees must also possess an active Class A commercial driver’s license or an equivalent with a P or N endorsement.

Proficiency in the Spanish language is marked as a preferred qualification for this job, but it is not required. Applicants must meet Pennsylvania’s residency requirement.

Forest technician (Susquehannock Forest)

Salary : $22.95 hourly

Agency : Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Description : Workers in this role will assist a forester in managing the Susquehannock Forest District. Key duties include following forest resource plans, the timber management operating manual and all relevant laws. According to the job description, most of the time on the job is dedicated to timber management, though technicians may also help perform search and rescue operations, suppress fires, perform recreational work and assist with deer fencing.

“Your role is crucial in ensuring the proper management of the district’s state forest resources,” the job description reads . “By following the established guidelines and focusing on various activities, you will contribute to the overall success of the forest management operations.”

Notably, this seasonal, full-time position does not offer benefits while work is conducted between March and November.

Though the minimum experience and qualifications for this role include an associate’s degree in forest technology, applicants can substitute it with the completion of an equivalent formal education in forestry. Applicants are considered to have met this role’s educational requirements once they are within three months of graduating with a qualifying degree or completing a program.

This position requires the possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.

Museum educator 2

Salary : $58,035 to $88,235

Agency : Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission

Description : Centre County’s Pennsylvania Military Museum is seeking a museum educator to help develop, promote, implement and evaluate its educational programs and interpretation, particularly through interactive tours, workshops, lectures, exhibits, special events and even historical demonstrations.

In this role, you would ensure museum programming is based on primary and secondary source historical research that aligns with current museum teaching methodologies and curriculum standards. You would also help coordinator visitor center operations and manage volunteers, provide training and offer evaluation and feedback. Educators with the museum also help direct the public and special guests and are largely responsible for the presentation of “sometimes controversial, emotional and stirring histories,” according to the job description .

“Such public service is not to be taken lightly,” the online listing reads. “You will be required to demonstrate tact and sound judgment on a daily basis.”

Applicants should have at least one year of experience working as a museum educator 1 (a commonwealth title) or an equivalent combination of experience and training, such as knowledge of U.S. military history. Additional requirements include possession of a valid driver’s license, prior experience developing and organizing public education programs regarding U.S. military history, historic weapons demonstrations and more.