Fuels Technician III

Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation; Toppenish (WA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation seeks a Fuels Technician III within the Department of Natural Resources and Fuels Management. The role supports planning, directing, and monitoring fuels activities to protect and restore natural resources on the Yakama Reservation, including Hazardous Fuels Reduction and contract oversight.

Responsibilities include field data collection, GIS mapping, and coordination with BIA Forestr y and related programs.

Qualifications

• Two years of Forestry or Fuels Technician II experience.
• Three years of wildland firefighting experience.
• Ability to pass fitness tests and safety training.

Responsibilities

• Assist Fuels Manager in planning and directing fuels management activities.
• Lead HFR layout and monitor contract work in the Yakama Nation forested areas.
• Collect field data, GIS mapping, and coordinate with agencies.
• Support training, wildfire suppression, and vehicle operations.

Skills

Forestry experience

Wildland firefighting

Data collection

GIS mapping

Contract administration

Safety compliance

Tools

GPS

iPad

Avenza

Job description

Announcement #

2026-171

Issue Date:

10-05-26

Closing Date:

10-16-26

Fuels Technician III

Fuels Management

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $18.23/Regular/Furlough

Position functions under the Department of Natural Resources and Fuels Management Program. The primary responsibilities include assisting the Fuels Manager in planning, directing, implementing, and monitoring of fuels management activities which protect, maintain, or restore the natural resources within the Yakama Reservation. The incumbent will perform Hazardous Fuels Reduction (HFR) treatment layout in the YN forested area. Incumbent will periodically administer and monitor HFR contract work thinning, hand and machine piling. Incumbent will conduct HFR pre and post treatment plot data collections.

Incumbent will assist the Fuels Manager and Planner in planning and implementing field activities which protect, maintain, and enhance the natural resources of the Yakama Nation. Incumbent is responsible for assisting in the coordination of activities with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Branch of Forestry and related tribal programs under the Division of Natural Resources. Activities include but are not limited to data collection, timber stand improvement (slashing/pre commercial thinning), GIS mapping, mechanical fuels treatment, and prescribed burning.

Examples of Work Performed:

Collect field data relating to fuels management projects, compiles various resource data, prepares data summaries, generates graphs, and prepares maps of project areas.

Monitor, conduct surveys, and perform treatment layout with technical field equipment GPS, IPAD, and Avenza to assist the GIS specialists with mapping to assure proper and consistent application of Fuels Management prescriptions.

Assists in preparation of training programs and conducts on the job training to familiarize Crewmembers with the technical application of resource survey/ data collection.

Participate in wildfire suppression and pre-suppression activities. Will attend various firefighter training courses.

Responsible for the operation of a tribal or federally owned/leased motor vehicle. Abide by Yakama Nation Rules and Regulations.

The incumbent will lead administrative work on contracts performing layout, implementation, and post monitoring of contracts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Fuels Management practices including mechanical fuels reduction, prescribed Burning, timber stand improvement, and other activities designed to protect, maintain, or enhance the natural resources of the Yakama Nation.

Knowledge of Forest Management practices on the Yakama Reservation including both even and uneven-aged management practices.

Knowledge of data collection and procedures.

Ability to interpret, analyze and summarize data.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors and co-workers.

Minimum Requirements:

Must have two years of Forestry or Fuels Technician II experience. Must have three years of wildland firefighting experience.

Must be able to pass the National Wildfire Coordinating Group national standard fitness test for arduous work level; be a FFT1 and qualified as a Single Resource boss or trainee. Must have taken and passed S-230 (Single resource) and S-290 (Advanced fire weather).

Must possess a valid Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain a Yakama Nation Driving permit.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug test.

Preferred Requirements:

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.