Forestry Technician III, Wildland Squad Boss

Clackamas Fire District No. 1•Boring, OR

About The Position

Clackamas Fire is hiring a seasonal Forestry Technician III / Squad Boss to perform wildland firefighting and related forestry activities in the preparedness, response, and mitigation or recovery phases of wildland fires and other natural or manmade disasters. The position may direct a squad of 4–10 seasonal crewmembers, at the discretion of a forestry supervisor or other supervisor, and supports training and completion of forestry tasks. Work may involve arduous conditions, long and stressful days, and extensive seasonal hours. The wildland fire season typically runs from late spring to early fall, and applicants must be able to commit to working long hours for its duration. When not assigned to fires, crew members participate in physical training, fire training, and project work. The seasonal position is full-time and may not exceed 18 pay periods in a 12-month period. The anticipated seasonal duration is March 30 through October 1, with a flexible start date between March 2 and April 15, 2026. The role includes leading or serving on hand crews and other fire suppression crews; conducting suppression, fuels management, readiness, patrol, investigation, public outreach, maintenance, and post-fire activities; and operating vehicles, firefighting equipment, hand tools, and power equipment. The role requires a minimum of four years of documented wildland firefighting experience, including at least two years at FFT1 or higher, specified NWCG certifications and courses, a valid driver’s license at hire, and passing an arduous-level Work Capacity Test. Employment is contingent on required screening and background review.

Requirements

At least four years of documented wildland firefighting experience, including at least two years of experience at Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) or higher certification.
Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
NWCG certifications: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5).
Completion of ICS 200 and ICS 800.
Completion of NWCG courses: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290), Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230), and Wildland Powersaws (S-212).
Submit copies of the IQCS Master Record or equivalent training documents showing certification, with supporting course completion certificates, task book pages, and incident evaluations where applicable.
Pass the Work Capacity Test at the arduous level. The test is a pass/fail walk of 3 miles on level ground carrying a 45-pound weight vest or pack in 45 minutes or less.
Have a valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
Pass pre-employment drug screening and criminal background check.
Be at least 18 years old at the time of employment.
Ability to perform strenuous physical activities, including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, handling materials, and using arms, legs, and the whole body.
Ability to communicate information to supervisors, coworkers, and subordinates by telephone, radio, written communication, email, or in person.
Ability to observe, obtain, monitor, and review information from relevant sources, materials, events, or the environment to detect or assess problems.
Ability to use hands and arms to handle, install, position, and move materials and manipulate objects.
Ability to navigate using maps, GPS, and compass.
Excellent decision-making skills in high-pressure situations and leadership ability to manage crews and coordinate firefighting operations.
Ability to operate machines or processes using control mechanisms or direct physical activity.
Ability to commit to long hours for the duration of the wildland fire season.

Nice To Haves

Valid U.S. passport for possible international travel.
M-410 Facilitative Instructor certification, Instructor certification, or Fire Instructor I certification.
NWCG S-212 saw certification with FAL2 level or above qualification.
ICS 300 and ICS 400.
S-219.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Experience driving manual transmission.
Other NWCG course completions supporting the FFT1 or single-resource position.
Specialized experience patrolling controlled fires and mopping up remaining burning material; serving on a specialty crew such as hotshot, helitack, or engine crews to suppress difficult and complex fires; or operating specialized suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.

Responsibilities

Serve as an experienced FFT1 firefighter and squad leader on hand crews or related suppression crews, performing fire suppression and fuels management under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
Determine fire size-up and resource needs, and direct firefighting crews.
Perform fireline construction, hose-lay operations, firing operations, mop-up, and other suppression activities using hand tools and power equipment.
Operate and monitor firefighting vehicles in support of wildfire suppression.
Conduct fire-cause investigation, protect the fire origin, collect evidence, identify witnesses, and determine whether wildland fire investigators are needed.
Collect and tabulate fireline suppression metrics and complete fire reports, preliminary investigation reports, vehicle logs, and shift tickets.
Complete pre-suppression and readiness work, including road brushing, live-fire training, locating water holes, and developing knowledge of equipment, district roads, topography, and landowners.
Perform post-fire work, including identifying hazard trees and operating chainsaws and brush-removal equipment such as chippers, grinders, and masticators.
Direct or complete weather observations.
Perform Wildland Urban Interface suppression activities.
Operate cars, trucks, cache vans, ATVs, crew vehicles, and fire engines, including Type 5 engines and larger engines.
Inspect and maintain vehicles and equipment, complete inspection checklists, request maintenance, and keep equipment ready for fire suppression.
Assist with public outreach at home shows, civic groups, fairs, and parades; conduct fire patrols; post prevention signs; and educate the public about fire-prevention statutes and rules.
Use portable and mobile radios.
Complete landscape and fire-effects repair work, including mowing, weeding, pruning, and spreading bark or rock.
Perform building maintenance, including minor repairs, roofing, painting, concrete work, and custodial duties.
Clean and maintain saws, pumps, mowers, hand tools, hoses, appliances, and other firefighting equipment.
Participate in coaching and experience-based ongoing fire training for engine and hand crews.
Purchase materials for approved projects.
Maintain positive relationships with landowners, cooperators, and the public.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.