Forestry Technician (Smokejumper Squad Leader) (Wildland Firefighter)

United States Forest Service • Redding, CA

269d

About The Position

The Forestry Technician (Smokejumper Squad Leader) serves as a highly trained and skilled team leader of a parachuting fire suppression squad, which jumps over forest and mountainous terrain landing in timber, open, or on rough ground. This position performs as an Initial Attack Commander responsible for leading a squad of three to seven personnel in wildland suppression activities. The role involves anticipating fire behavior, determining strategy and tactics, and directing on-line activities. The technician directs and coordinates all types of related aircraft, fireline personnel, and equipment. Additionally, they lead other crew members in all applicable smokejumper duties including parachute rigging and repair, paracargo rigging, aircraft loading, sewing and manufacturing, equipment maintenance, and other duties which support the smokejumper program. The position requires making parachute jumps from aircraft under various conditions and working with helicopters on fires while applying proper risk management principles for helispot construction, internal loading, and external loading of cargo.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
• Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• This is a drug testing designated position.
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management positions.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations.
• Under age 37 or eligible for a waiver if older.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in parachute rigging and repair.
• Experience in wildfire suppression methods and procedures.
• Experience as a member of a smokejumper crew.

Responsibilities

• Lead a parachuting fire suppression squad in wildland suppression activities.
• Anticipate fire behavior and determine strategy and tactics.
• Direct on-line activities and coordinate aircraft, fireline personnel, and equipment.
• Perform parachute rigging and repair, paracargo rigging, and aircraft loading.
• Conduct parachute jumps from aircraft under various conditions.
• Work with helicopters on fires and manage helispot construction.

Benefits

• Government housing may be available.
• Federal day care facilities may be available.
• Telework may be available.
• Recruitment or Relocation Incentive may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: No Education Listed