Forestry Technician (Helitack)

United States Forest Service • Chester, CA

432d • $39,437 - $39,437

About The Position

The Forestry Technician (Helitack) position is a temporary role within the USDA Forest Service focused on wildland fire management. The primary responsibility is to support fire suppression and management efforts as a specialized firefighter, operating and maintaining specialized tools and equipment. The role involves working on a helitack crew, performing various fire suppression duties, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of firefighting operations.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).
• Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).
• Must pass the appropriate level of the Work Capacity Test for Wildland Firefighters.
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations and may require occasional overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with helicopter operations and fire suppression equipment.
• Knowledge of wildland fire behavior and safety practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a team under stressful conditions.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs recurring fire suppression duties on a helitack crew as a senior firefighter.
• Loads helicopter personnel and cargo, considering methods, weight distribution, and securing necessities.
• Inventories and inspects helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment to ensure availability for firefighting tasks.
• Constructs helispots and attacks small fires, hot spots, and spot fires as needed.
• Gathers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior for wildland fire incidents.
• Recommends best approaches and practices for positioning and deploying personnel and equipment.
• Operates and maintains specialized equipment for wildland and prescribed fire situations.
• Accomplishes emergency repairs to equipment as necessary.
• Participates in wildland fire and safety training, ensuring safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or related fire suppression crews under adverse conditions.
• May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance and habitat manipulation.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Eligibility for various federal benefits depending on the position type.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: High school or GED