Forestry Technician (Wildland Fire Apprentice)

The United States Forest Service is hiring a Forestry Technician (Wildland Fire Apprentice) in Bridgeport, CA. This full-time role involves wildland fire suppression, management, and control, including duties like fire prevention, detection, and prescribed burning. Responsibilities include operating as a firefighter on various crews, chainsaw operation, and project work. Candidates must be U.S. citizens, pass background checks, and comply with drug testing requirements.
About the position

The Forestry Technician (Wildland Fire Apprentice) position is located within the USDA Forest Service Units for Intermountain Region 4. The primary purpose of this role is to engage in wildland fire suppression, management, and control as a firefighter. This may involve working on an engine, helitack module, or as part of a hand crew. The position encompasses a variety of wildland fire-related duties, including fire prevention, patrol, detection, and prescribed burning. The role is critical in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of fire management operations in diverse and challenging environments. As a Forestry Technician, you may be assigned to a fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. You will assist trained personnel in specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout operations, mobile and stationary engine attack, and the construction of helispots. Additionally, you will serve as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews, performing fire suppression and fuels management duties under adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain. Your responsibilities will also include operating as a fully qualified chainsaw operator and chainsaw repair technician, as well as performing project work such as road and trail maintenance and habitat manipulation. This position requires a commitment to safety and adherence to protocols, as you will be involved in physically demanding tasks that require teamwork and effective communication. The role may also involve living and working in remote locations, which can be volatile and unpredictable. Successful candidates will be expected to pass a Work Capacity Test and comply with various conditions of employment, including drug testing and background checks. This is a permanent, full-time position with opportunities for career development and advancement within the Forest Service.

Responsibilities
• May be assigned to a fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires.
,
• Assist trained personnel in specialized assignments such as backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack, and construction of helispots.
,
• Serve as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under adverse conditions.
,
• Perform the duties of a fully qualified chainsaw operator and chainsaw repair technician.
,
• Start pump engines, prime pumps, adjust engine speed and pump valves, lay hose, and use appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustments for effective water use.
,
• Perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance.

Requirements
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
,
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service or exempt.
,
• Subject to satisfactory adjudication of background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
,
• Successful completion of one-year probationary period, unless previously served.
,
• Must be 18 years of age.
,
• This is a drug testing designated position; subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
,
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test for certain Interagency Fire Program Management or Fire Program Management positions.
,
• Willing to live/work in remote locations (volatile/unpredictable).
,
• Under age 37 or requesting a waiver if older due to veteran preference eligibility.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience in wildland fire suppression or management.
,
• Knowledge of forestry operations and equipment.
,
• Ability to perform physical labor in adverse conditions.

Benefits
• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
,
• Eligibility for recruitment or relocation incentives.
,
• Potential for government housing and daycare facilities.