Forestry Crew Specialist 1-2 - Wildland Firefighter

State of Louisiana; Monroe (LA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-call compensation

Hazardous duty pay

Longevity-based premium pay

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Office of Forestry in Ouachita Parish seeks a Forestry Crew Specialist to protect forests through wildfire prevention and suppression, support forest management, and enforce timber laws. This full-time position offers CDL options and leadership opportunities within the Forest Division.

You will perform field duties, participate in information programs, and may advance to Forestry Crew Specialist 2 with higher SER; on-call and hazardous duty

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.
• CDL encouraged; one year to obtain CDL after hire.
• All candidates must undergo drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Make reports of forest fires, including location and acres involved.
• Assist in forest management activities such as cruising, detecting, and controlling pests and diseases.
• Participate in Information & Education programs related to forestry fields as required.
• Monitor and maintain transport trucks, dozer tractors, fire suppression equipment, and hand/power tools.

Skills

Fire prevention

Wildfire suppression

Data gathering

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Transport trucks maintenance

Dozer tractors

Fire suppression equipment

Hand and power tools

Job description

This position is located within the Office of Forestry in Ouachita Parish.

The Office of Forestry's primary responsibilities include suppressing timberland wildfires; promoting sound forest management practices; disseminating information; facilitating educational programs; producing reforestation seedlings; enforcing timber-related laws; investigating timber theft; and assisting community urban forestry programs.

The incumbent of this position is responsible for performing duties related to fire prevention and suppression of wildfires in the forestlands of Louisiana. Supervision for this position is received from the Forestry Parish Supervisor.

Ready to make a difference in protecting Louisiana's forests? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as a Forestry Crew Specialist! Play a vital role in wildfire prevention and suppression, promote sound forest management, enforce timber laws, and support community forestry programs. Advance your career with leadership opportunities and CDL options. This position offers eligibility for the Hazardous Duty Services Retirement Plan at all levels of the CPG.

LDAF cares about the well‑being of its employees! We offer a fully employer‑funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and at home. The EAP is also free for all members of your household.

Get excited about this wonderful opportunity. Watch this video to see what employees in the Forestry division have to share: https://youtu.be/kmSGeMV7peo

Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

• Responsible for making reports of forest fires, including gathering data such as location and number of acres involved.
• Assists the Forestry Crew Specialist Leader in the performance of forest management activities, including cruising, detecting, and controlling forest insects and diseases.
• Participates in Information & Education programs related to all forestry fields as required.
• Responsible for monitoring and/or performing the repair and maintenance of transport trucks, dozer tractors, various fire suppression equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools.

Performs other duties as may be assigned.

Functional Requirements

• Moderate light lifting, 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50+ pounds
• Reaching above the shoulders and carrying specialist equipment needed to perform duties
• Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods of time
• Climbing on and off the transport and tractor

Environmental Factors

• Working indoors and outdoors
• Excessive smoke, heat, humidity, cold, wet, and extreme dry conditions
• Walking on irregular ground for long distances
• Working around neighborhood/residential and wild land hazards
• Will be required to wear appropriate safety protection/clothing

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Forestry Crew Specialist 1 or 2, depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).

Compensation: *This position has a Special Entrance Rate at each level of the Career Progression Group*

Forestry Crew Specialist 1 has an SER of $1,616.00 Bi-weekly.

Forestry Crew Specialist 2 has an SER of $1,728.80 Bi-weekly.

Other Benefits

This position is eligible to receive on‑call compensation ($1.00/hour) when the employee is required to be available for work status at times outside of the regular work schedule. Work schedules and on‑call rotations are determined by the Ag/Forestry Regional Administrator. Additionally, the incumbent of this position will receive hazardous duty pay ($1.73/hour) for all hours worked in addition to its base salary. Incumbent will also receive longevity based premium pay for hours worked based on your years of service with LDAF - Office of Forestry.

LDAF - Longevity-Based Premium Pay Schedule

• 0-2 Years - $2.00 per hour
• 2-4 Years - $3.00 per hour
• 4-6 Years - $4.00 per hour
• 6-8 Years - $5.00 per hour
• 8+ Years - $6.00 per hour

Location

This position is located within the Office of Forestry in Ouachita Parish.

Other Important Information

Candidates who hold a current Louisiana Class A or B CDL are encouraged to apply. New hires selected for these positions will have one year from their hire date to obtain a Louisiana Class B or higher CDL. The Department will provide training before the required testing date. Once a CDL is obtained, employees must remain with LDAF for at least one additional year or reimburse the Department for any CDL-related expenses incurred.

Louisiana is a State as a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Equal Opportunity / Diversity / Inclusion

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry strictly prohibits workplace harassment and discrimination on the on the basis of race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, religion, national origin, military service, sickle cell trait, protected genetic information or other non-merit factor. LDAF also strictly prohibits employment decisions based upon or influenced by such factors.

All candidates for hire must undergo drug screening.

This agency participates in the E-Verify system for verification of citizenship and employment authorization.

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Tiffany Waddell - HR Analyst

Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry

5825 Florida Blvd., Suite 1001

Baton Rouge, LA 70806

[e-mail]