Tree Faller (Seasonal)

US National Park Service; California; On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

US National Park Service seeks a Tree Feller to safely fell trees in field settings within our national parks. The role requires operating different chainsaws, applying proper rigging, and performing pre-trip vehicle inspections, with the ability to work under supervision.

The typical season runs April through November, subject to weather, project needs and funding. Anticipated entry on duty is April 2027, with open eligibility for the first 180 applicants or until 10/26/2026.

Qualifications

• Ability to perform tree felling with minimal supervision.
• Operate different types and sizes of chainsaws.
• Fell trees in non-developed areas.
• Assess tree species, defects, wood characteristics and hazards.
• Apply appropriate tools to fell trees in desired direction.
• Use ropes and cables for rigging and removal; operate heavy equipment.
• Drive vehicles up to 26,000 pounds and tow trailers; perform pre-trip inspections.

Skills

Tree feller

Chainsaw operation

Tree felling

Rigging with ropes

Heavy equipment ops

Vehicle inspection

Towing trailers

Tools

Chainsaws

Skid steer loaders

Brush chippers

Stump grinder

Portable winches

Job description

The typical season is April through November but can be variable during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, or funding.

Anticipated Entry on Duty: April 2027.

Open to the first 180 applicants or until 10/26/2026 whichever comes first.

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-10/26/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.

To qualify for this position, you must have sufficient knowledge and ability in the following job-related factors:

1. Have the ability to do the work of Tree Faller without more than normal supervision. (SCREEN OUT)
2. This includes work such as: Operate different types and sizes of chainsaws in felling trees.
3. Fell trees of various sizes in non-developed areas.
4. Determine the appropriate method/process to fell trees, taking into consideration tree species, defects, wood characteristics and environmental hazards that may alter desired felling results.
5. Determine and apply the appropriate specialized tools to fell trees in desired direction.
6. Use ropes and cables to perform tree rigging and removal. Operate skid steer loaders, brush chippers, stump grinder and portable winches.
7. Able to drive vehicles up to 26,000 pounds in all types of weather conditions. Able to tow trailers, requiring maneuvering and backing in areas of limited space. Perform pre-trip inspections of vehicles and equipment prior to use.

If your knowledge and ability in the SCREEN OUT factor above is not sufficient, you will receive no further consideration. In preparing your application, describe in detail the experience and training which you have had that specifically prepared you for this job and to perform the duties described for this job. Experience should be clearly described and documented in your resume. Your resume must support your response to the assessment questionnaire, and if it does not, your application will be marked as not eligible. The qualifications reviewer will not assume performance of such duties by Job Titles alone. Address your knowledge, skills and/or abilities in the areas shown in the job-related factors.

You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements to be considered qualified for this position.

Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.