Forestry Technician TEMP (Seasonal)

Larimer County; Louisville (CO); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sick leave

Employee Assistance Program

Benefits overview

Job summary

Larimer County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services is seeking dedicated wildland firefighters to join the Phantom Canyon Crew as Forestry Technician TEMPS (Seasonal). The role runs April 2027 through October 2027, with 40-hour weeks and potential extended time at the employer's discretion.

You will tackle wildland fire suppression, equipment operation, and training in a dynamic team environment. This seasonal, temporary, full-time posting requires NWCG certifications, safety focus, and a

Qualifications

• NWCG courses (I-100, L-180, S-190, S-130) with proof of required instructor-led field exercise.
• IS-700 (National Incident Management Systems) or currently enrolled in a training program; proof of enrollment must be included with the application.
• First Aid and Community CPR certifications required.
• NWCG Work Capacity Test must be completed.
• Must live within 50 miles of Emergency Services at 2250 W. County Rd. 56, Fort Collins, CO 80524.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain wildfire equipment, vehicles, and hand tools to construct fire line and suppress wildfires.
• May supervise fire line operations depending on NWCG qualifications and experience.
• Ensure PPE is worn and safety procedures are followed at all times.
• Maintain inventory and equipment on assigned apparatus.
• Take directions from fire line supervisors and communicate status, safety, and equipment information.
• Attend a minimum of two monthly training sessions from April to October.

Skills

Safety awareness

Communication

Teamwork

NWCG/IC knowledge

Job description

One Agency, One Mission: Public Safety

Protect Larimer County communities and natural resources from the threat of wildfire! The Larimer County Sheriff's Office is seeking dedicated wildland firefighters to join our initial attack module, Phantom Canyon Crew, as Forestry Technician TEMPS (Seasonal). These are seasonal, temporary, full-time positions that will work from April 2027 to October 2027, providing the opportunity to work under the direct supervision of the LCSO Emergency Services Unit.

As a member of the Phantom Canyon Crew, you play a crucial role in wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter on an engine or hand crew. You will participate in chainsaw cutting projects, as well as assignments outside of Larimer County. Additionally, you may be involved with fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning activities.

Pay rate for this position is $26.14 per hour.

View full job description at https://www.larimer.gov/hr/careers/job-descriptions#/app/detail/Forestry_Technician_TEMP

This selection process is for the 2027 fire season.

What you'll be doing:

• Use, operate, and maintain basic wildfire equipment and vehicles plus a variety of hand tools, portable pumps, chain saws, and firing equipment for constructing fire line and suppressing the wildfire.
• May be a fire line supervisor depending on National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) qualifications and experience.
• Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn always, and safety procedures are followed during all operations.
• Maintain inventory and required equipment on assigned apparatus.
• Take direction from assigned fire line supervisors and communicate fire status, safety, and equipment information as necessary or assigned.
• Participate in a minimum of two monthly training sessions that are offered from April to October.

What we're looking for:

• A mixture of direct experience with LCSO Emergency Services operations and those new to our program.
• Individuals with a drive to push themselves to learn, grow, and rise to any challenge.
• Collaborative individuals who work well in the Emergency Services team environment.
• Strong communicators who keep their chain of command clearly informed in dynamic situations.
• Service-minded individuals who selflessly support the community, team, and mission.

Learn more about the Larimer County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services and Fire Rescue!

We encourage you to think about your unique background and skills before applying. People often underestimate how their experiences match up with a role’s needs. We encourage you to apply if you meet the minimum qualifications and believe your skills and perspective can add value to this position.

• NWCG or FEMA Introduction to IC (I-100)
• NWCG Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
• NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
• NWCG Firefighter Training (S-130) with proof of required instructor-led field exercise
• National Incident Management Systems (MIMS) (IS-700), OR be currently enrolled in a training program
  • Proof of enrollment must be included with the application
• Must be able to obtain and maintain First Aid and Community CPR certifications
• Must successfully complete the NWCG Work Capacity Test
• Must live within 50 miles of Emergency Services at 2250 W. County Rd. 56, Fort Collins, CO 80524 (Housing is not provided by LCSO.)
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must hold a valid, current driver's license
• S-212 certification preferred, but not required

(The Red Card is an agency‑issued document that certifies that an individual has the training, experience, and physical fitness to perform the tasks of a specified position on a wildland or prescribed fire.)

Benefits

For all temporary positions, sick leave and our Employee Assistance Program are available, and other benefits may be available. To view information on Larimer County's Benefits, visit www.larimer.org/hr/benefits.

Schedule:

• Seasonal, temporary, full-time position (April 2027-October 2027). This position works 40 hours a week, Monday-Friday, with the ability to work other hours as needed. Weekend days and holidays may be required.

• Length of time in position could be slightly extended at the discretion of the LCSO Emergency Services.

Hiring Process: (Order of steps may vary)

• Complete the Online Application and submit all required certifications

• Prescreening
• NCIC/CCIC Background Check
• Interview
• Conditional Offer given for successful completion of all hiring steps
• Complete Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ). If there are concerns, a medical exam may be required before the next step.
• Complete Waiver of Liability for the Work Capacity Test - walking 3 miles in 45 minutes, carrying 45lbs, if not yet completed.
• New Firefighter Orientation - immediately following RT-130 from 1600-1800
• LCSO Fitness Challenge - Successful completion of the LCSO Fitness Challenge will be required for anyone who will be available to fight fire outside of Larimer County. The Fitness Challenge consists of a 1.5-mile run for time, maximum reps of push-ups and pull-ups, and a plan for time. Dates, times, and locations to be determined.
• Leadership Final Approval for Hire

Other Information to Note:

The Sheriff’s Office prohibits possession of or use of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.

Applicants must meet all of the following:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Cannot have a felony conviction
• No convictions involving domestic violence
• No use of illegal drugs within the past five years

Have questions?

• Questions on details of the position - contact Sam Krakauer [e-mail] and Joe Way [e-mail]
• Questions on the hiring process - contact Rachel Nye [e-mail] or 970-498-5510.

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Larimer County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment in all employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), national origin, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military status, or any other characteristic protected by law or regulation.