Crew Boss

Jones Family Tree Service; Willow Creek (CA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jones Family Tree Service in Humboldt County, CA is seeking an experienced Forestry Fuels Crew Boss to lead wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction operations throughout Humboldt County and surrounding areas. This role requires at least one season as a Squad Leader on a Hotshot Crew or equivalent federal/state wildland crew experience.

The successful candidate will demonstrate production discipline, a strong safety culture, and the ability to develop crew members toward higher qualifications,

Qualifications

• Minimum one season as Squad Leader on a Type 2 IA or Type 1 Hotshot Crew.
• Strong knowledge of NWCG standards and IC structure.
• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, and crew development.
• Preferred: CA/CA Fire qualifications or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise fuels reduction crews on daily operations.
• Ensure production goals while maintaining safety as priority.
• Conduct tailgate safety briefings and job hazard analyses.
• Maintain NWCG and Cal/OSHA compliance across field ops.
• Coordinate with project managers, agency reps, landowners.
• Oversee equipment readiness, inventory and maintenance.
• Develop crew members toward higher qualifications.
• Complete daily field documentation and incident reports.
• Support prescribed fire operations as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned by operations leadership.
• Foster positivity, growth mindset, professionalism and integrity.

Skills

NWCG standards

Safety leadership

Crew supervision

Field operations

Communication

Job description

Jones Family Tree Service is seeking an experienced Forestry Fuels Crew Boss to lead wildfire mitigation and fuels reduction operations throughout Humboldt County and surrounding areas. We are looking for a candidate with at least one season (minimum 1 year) as a Squad Leader on a Hotshot Crew or equivalent federal/state wildland crew experience. The ideal candidate understands production, safety culture, crew cohesion, and operational accountability at a professional wildland fire standard. This role will lead fuels reduction crews on shaded fuel breaks, WUI mitigation, prescribed fire support, and forestry thinning projects. This may also transition into other duties as assigned.

• 1+ year experience as a Squad Leader on a Type 2 IA or Type 1 Hotshot Crew
• (preferred) or equivalent leadership experience on a federal/state wildland fire crew
• Strong working knowledge of NWCG standards and IC structure
• Demonstrated leadership, accountability, and crew development

Preferred NWCG or State Qualifications

We value strong qualifications. Ideal candidates may hold some or many of the following:

• CARX (CA Prescribed Fire Burn Boss or task book opened)

Bonus Qualification

• (Active qualifications preferred; trainees with strong experience will be considered.)

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise fuels reduction crews (sawyers and swampers) on daily operations
• Ensure production goals are met while maintaining strict safety standards — safety is never traded for output
• Conduct tailgate safety briefings and job hazard analyses at the start of each shift
• Maintain full NWCG and Cal/OSHA compliance across all field operations
• Coordinate with project managers, agency representatives, and landowners
• Oversee equipment readiness, inventory, and maintenance accountability
• Develop and mentor crew members toward higher qualifications and responsibilities
• Complete daily field documentation, production logs, and incident/near-miss reports
• Support prescribed fire operations as directed and qualified
• Perform other duties as assigned by operations leadership
• Maintain a workforce culture of positivity, growth mindsets, professionalism, and integrity.

What We're Looking For

• Uncompromising safety mindset with a professional wildland fire culture
• Calm, decisive leadership under pressure and in dynamic field conditions
• Strong verbal communication with crew, clients, and agency partners
• Ability to hold crew accountable while maintaining cohesion and morale
• Production-oriented discipline — without ever compromising safety