Forestry Technician 3

Northern Sonoma County Fire; Geyserville (CA); On-site; USD 70,012 - 77,272; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer contribution

Job summary

A regional fire protection district in California is seeking a Forestry Technician 3. This full-time position involves implementing vegetation management treatments, safely operating power equipment, and maintaining tools. Candidates need a valid driver’s license, a high school diploma, and at least three months of relevant experience. Physical strength and stamina are essential due to the demanding outdoor nature of the role. Compensation includes a starting annual salary of $70,012, paid leave, and health benefits.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license.
• At least 3 months of experience in a related position.
• Ability to pass the Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level within 3 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Implement vegetation management treatments.
• Safely operate power equipment and tools.
• Maintain equipment and tools in peak working condition.

Skills

Ability to operate power equipment

Strong work ethic

Physical stamina

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Forestry or natural resources education

Tools

Chainsaw

Chipper

Job description

$70,012 – $77,272 Annual Pay; Number of Openings: 5; Applications Due: March 20, 2026

Position Description

The Forestry Technician 3 (FT3) position is a full-timeposition. Primary responsibility of the FT3 is the implementation of vegetation management treatments. Duties includesafe and efficient operation of power equipment, chippers, and hand tools to limb up trees; remove small trees, bushes and other vegetation; move cut vegetation to a chipper and feed vegetation into the chipper; follow directions and work diligently on projects; maintain equipment and tools in peak working condition; participate in pile burning.

Minimum Qualifications

Must be at least 18 years old, valid driver’s license, and high school diploma or equivalent. At least 3 months of experience as a fuels crew member or similar position. Ability to pass Work Capacity Test at the Arduous Level within 3 months of hire.

Highly Desirable Qualifications

Forestry or natural resources education and/or related experience. Wildland fire ecology, use, and management experience and education, including understanding wildland fuel loading, wildland fire effects, and wildland fire monitoring. Other desirable qualifications include wildland firefighting experience, EMT, S-130, S-131, S-190, L-180, S-211, S-212,S-215, S-219, S-230, and S-290.

Selection Process

The selection process will include one or more of the following components: application review, oral interview, Arduous Work Capacity Test (pack test), background investigation and physical exam.

This position requires frequent lifting and/or moving of heavy objects. Strength, stamina, and agility are necessary to hike steep, uneven terrain while carrying equipment. Work is performed primarily in wildland settings in all weather conditions.

Compensation and Benefits

• Starting pay is $33.66 per hour ($70,012 annual)
• Paid vacation, holiday and sick leave
• Medical, dental and vision insurance up to a set cap; employee pays costs above cap
• Participation in the District’s 457 Retirement Plan:employer contribution of 7.5%

Disclaimers

The Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District provides equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability or medical condition as defined in state and federal laws. This policy covers all facets of employment including, but not limited to, recruitment, training, promotion, compensation, discipline and termination. The District makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis. Please make all direct requests for accommodation to Anneke Turbeville. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.