Forestry Technician I - Wildland Crewmember

Clackamas Fire District No. 1; Boring (OR); On-site; USD 15,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Clackamas Fire District No. 1 is seeking a Forestry Technician I / Crewmember to participate in wildland firefighting activities across preparedness, response, and mitigation. This is a full-time seasonal role not to exceed 18 pay periods in a 12-month period.

The position involves training, physical work, and fire suppression tasks during the fire season. Responsibilities include assisting with initial/extended attacks, mop-up, equipment operation, and public safety outreach, with potential for

Qualifications

• Requires ability to perform physically demanding tasks outdoors.
• Ability to communicate clearly by telephone, radio, or in person.
• Willingness to work long hours during wildfire season.

Responsibilities

• Assist with initial and extended fire suppression and mop-up operations.
• Operate firefighting vehicles and support water and hose lay activities.
• Complete pre-suppression readiness duties and training.
• Identify hazard trees and assist in post-fire activities.
• Take weather observations and support WUI suppression.
• Perform equipment safety inspections and daily maintenance.
• Assist in public fire prevention outreach and community events.
• Conduct landscaping and building maintenance tasks as needed.
• Maintain positive relationships with landowners and the public.

Skills

Physical fitness

Communication

Teamwork

Situation awareness

Education

NWCG S-130/S-190/L-180 & FEMA ICs 100, 700

Job description

Overview

Forestry Technician I / Crewmember - complete wildland firefighting activities included in preparedness, response, and mitigation/recovery of wildland fires and other natural and manmade disasters.

Distinguishing Features

Position at this level assists with the completion of the tasks outlined within the series concept. The work at this level is planned and facilitates the training needs of an entry-level Forestry Technician I. This is a full time, seasonal position, not to exceed 18 pay periods in a 12-month period.

General Job information

Fighting wildland fire is extremely demanding both physically and emotionally. Wildland firefighting consists of long and stressful days of arduous work. Crewmembers are expected to participate in all aspects of fire suppression while we are on a fire assignment. These include initial attack, extended attack, fire line construction, hose lay operations, firing operations, and mop-up. When not on a fire assignment the crew participates in daily physical training, fire training, and other project work.

Additionally, the time commitment can be enormous, but the rewards are equally gratifying. Working upwards of 1000 to 1500 hours during the summer can be both satisfying and lucrative. It is important that applicants be able to commit to working these long hours for the duration of the Wildland fire season which typically lasts from late spring to early fall.

If you are interested in obtaining a position you need to be a team player, self-motivated, self-disciplined, and a hard worker.

Job Duties

• Using hand tools or power equipment by cutting, scraping, digging, and chopping or burning out to remove flammable materials.
• Participate in mop‑up duties by scraping, digging, chopping, and applying water to remove heat. Operate and monitor firefighting vehicles in support of wildfire suppression.
• Complete pre‑suppression/readiness duties such as road brushing, live‑fire training, water hole location, and develop knowledge of firefighting equipment, protection district; roads, topography, and landowners.
• Participate in post‑fire activities by identifying hazard trees, operating chainsaws, and brush removal equipment such as chippers, grinders, and masticators.
• Complete weather observations. Responsible for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) suppression activities.
• May operate vehicles including cars, trucks, cache vans, UTV/ATVs, and crew vehicles. Operate fire engines, Type 5 (400 gallons) and larger (12,500-26,000 GVW). Complete safety inspections, submitting requests for maintenance, and maintain general upkeep to ensure all firefighting equipment is fire ready to support fire suppression activities.
• Assist in public outreach activities such as home shows, civic groups, fairs, and parades. Conducts fire patrol activities within the assigned geographic areas including contacts with recreationists and the public. Ensures proper posting of fire prevention signs and communicates general public education of fire prevention statutes and rules. Use portable and mobile radios.
• Complete landscape and fire effects repair activities such as mowing, weeding, pruning, spreading bark or rock using hand tools and power equipment. Complete building maintenance activities such as; minor repairs, roofing, painting, concrete work, and custodial duties.
• Responsible for vehicle maintenance activities such as fire readiness, daily safety inspections, fluid checks, wash and wax, fire engine inventories. Complete equipment maintenance by cleaning saws, pumps, and mowers; cleaning, inspecting, and sharpening hand tools such as Pulaski, shovel, and hazel hoe; cleaning and inspection of firefighting equipment such as hose and appliances. Complete vehicle inspection checklist.
• Maintain positive relationships with landowners, cooperators, and the public.

Skills

• Perform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, radio, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources.
• Monitor and review information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Use hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes. (not including computers or vehicles).

Minimum Qualifications

• NWCG course completion of S-130, S-190, L-180, and FEMA ICs 100, 700 by time of appointment. (not required prior to application)
• Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level; once hired.
• Potential employees will be required to pass a medical examination prior to being hired.
• Requires a valid driver’s license at the time of hire, successful passage of pre-employment drug screening, and criminal background check.
• Must be 18 years old at time of appointment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Valid US Passport for possible international travel
• Commercial Drivers License
• Experience working with hand and power tools and working outside in inclement weather conditions preferred.