Forestry Technician

Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.
Moves dirt, chops brush, fells small trees, etc., to build fireline using hand tools such as axe, Pulaski, shovel and McLeod, and power saws, to control spreading wildland fire. Lays or directs hose in the use of water.
Fells trees or snags using power saws. May be required to rappel. Sets backfires as directed. Patrols areas of controlled fires to "mop-up" by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material.
Operates specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torch. Observes, records, and preserves evidence of cause of fires.
May be assigned to other resource management activities such as fuels, recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.
Serves as a skilled crewmember on an engine. As an assistant on a wildland fire engine, works as a trainee engine operator driving the engine, operating the pump, and making hose lays under the direction of the engine foreman.
May drive and operate the fire engine or apparatus. Responsible for positioning the fire engine or apparatus for safe and efficient operation. Services and makes minor repairs to engine.
Inspects, checks and services accessories such as pump, water lines, tank, reels, or pump power plant; and keeps in fire readiness. Inspects, cleans, and stows hose. Makes emergency repairs and adjustments of pumps while in use.
Receives training and performs simple engine operation duties. Performs line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations.
Moves dirt, chops brush, small trees, etc. to construct fire line. Is responsible for observing the rules of wildland firefighting safety. Applies practices and techniques to minimize resource damage.
Independently or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack.
Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns. Monitors, controls the fire, and collects data on fire weather and fire behavior. Performs project work such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects.
Depending on experience level, may be assigned to structure fire protection. Loads helicopter cargo and completes manifest of crews and equipment. Rappels from hovering helicopter near ground level. Builds fireline and lays or directs hose.
Patrols areas of controlled fires to 'mop-up'. Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment.
Independently or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout, construction of helispots, specialized helitack operations, and hover hookups.
Performs fuel management and prescribed burn activities.
Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities.
Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.
Cleans, maintains, reconditions, and stores firefighting tools and equipment. Inventories fire supplies and equipment.
May be assigned to fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. Reports smoke and fire to a dispatcher giving location, estimated size and other pertinent information. Reports weather and fire behavior information .