Forestry Technician

United States Forest Service • Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ

431d • $39,437 - $39,437

About The Position

The Forestry Technician position is a temporary role within the National Forest Service, primarily focused on wildland firefighting. The technician will serve as a senior wildland firefighter on a fire crew, responsible for engine operation and suppression of wildland fires. This role involves driving fire engines, operating pumps, and performing various firefighting duties under challenging conditions. The technician will also participate in training, safety sessions, and may take on specialized roles during fire incidents.

Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen or US National.
• Must be 18 years of age.
• Prior wildland firefighting experience is required.
• 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 medical screening and must meet Federal Wildland Firefighter Medical Standards for arduous duty.
• Willing to live/work in remote locations and may require occasional overnight travel.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with fire suppression and fuels management duties under adverse conditions.
• Ability to perform regular maintenance and minor repairs on fire engines.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine.
• Independently perform engine operation duties in the suppression of wildland fires and prescribed fire.
• Drive engine to fire locations considering safety of crew and equipment.
• Perform and direct others in starting pump engine, priming pump, and adjusting engine speed and pump valves.
• Lay hose and use appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustments for effective water use.
• Handle specialized duties such as water handling specialist or chain saw operator.
• Serve as Incident Commander on initial attack, gathering information on weather, topography, and fire behavior.
• Recommend best approaches for protecting values at risk during fire incidents.
• Operate and maintain specialized firefighting equipment, performing emergency repairs as necessary.
• Participate in wildland fire and safety training, ensuring safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• Inventory fuel beds, prepare reports, and perform hazard fuel reduction projects.
• Assist in forestry/range research efforts and marketing of forest/range resources.

Benefits

• Access to a comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree