Forestry Squad Leader - Douglas

DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

In partnership with local, county, state, and federal agencies, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) protects Arizona’s people by: providing coordination and resource response for the suppression and management of wildland fire; delivering education to aid in wildland fire prevention; providing integrated management strategies, technical assistance and information through various Department programs; collaborating in forest restoration projects; and ensuring fire and life safety through permitting, plan reviews and building inspections.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Selene Rojas  for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation, such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling . Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.

Job Location:

6911 N Bdi Blvd, Douglas, Arizona
Posting Details:
Salary $16.4525- $23.7982 per hour, Grade 18
Closing Date: 01/05/2026

The Squad Leader (SL) will supervise and lead the work activities of one ten-person forestry squad consisting of Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) inmates. Duties will include managing workplace culture and teamwork; ensuring a safe and equitable workplace; and adhering to policies, regulations, and protocols. The SL will guide expectations, behaviors, interactions, and performance of the squad and will evaluate the performance of squad members.

Work will include implementing forestry-related work, transporting squad members from the ADCRR facility to the worksite and back each day, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and inventorying equipment and supplies. It will also include documenting squad member time, incident records, training accomplishments, productivity metrics, and receipts. The SL will implement the Incident Command System and coordinate activities with law enforcement, ADCRR, and DFFM staff.

The SL will participate in safety and compliance inspections, respond to emergencies, and perform other tasks as directed by their Crew Supervisor. The SL is responsible for recruitment, training, and motivation of squad members.

• Supervise and lead the work activities of one ten-person forestry squad consisting of ADCRR inmates.
• Document squad member time, incident records, training accomplishments, productivity metrics, and receipts.
• Recruit, train, and motivate squad members.
• Provide training at the worksite and at the Arizona State Prison Complex where the squad members are housed.
• Manage the needs and concerns of squad members in a firm, fair, and consistent manner.
• Perform and supervise forestry-related work which includes carrying and using a 20-pound saw for an extended period, maintenance of chainsaw, felling trees and thinning brush; hiking in rough and steep terrain, and in inclement weather; vigorous digging, lifting, dragging, scattering and piling of brush; camping outdoors with few amenities.
• Safely and effectively apply herbicides to control unwanted vegetation, utilizing appropriate products, methods, and equipment for different site conditions.
• Ensure compliance with the State of Arizona and Federal regulations and safety standards while maintaining accurate records of herbicide use and environmental conditions.
• Implement the Incident Command System and coordinate activities with law enforcement, ADCRR, and DFFM staff.
• Participate in safety and compliance inspections, respond to emergencies, and perform other tasks as directed by the Crew Supervisor.
• Transport squad members to and from prison complex and worksite, drive long distances in a van with 10 passengers, maintain vehicles and equipment, and inventory equipment and supplies.

• Managing an inmate work crew.
• Timber harvesting and brush removal.
• Safety protocols in forestry, transportation, and machine use.
• Incident Command System.
• Inventory and procurement.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Understanding of how local weather patterns impact herbicide effectiveness and safe application.

• Leadership.
• Organization and prioritization.
• Detail-oriented.
• Timekeeping and expense (receipt) management.
• Chainsaw operation and maintenance.
• Communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Proficient in safe herbicide handling, mixing, and disposal, with expertise in operating, calibrating, and maintaining application equipment.
• Strong decision-making.
• Site assessment, herbicide selection, and compliance with guidelines.

• Train, supervise, lead, and motivate crew members.
• Complete physically challenging tasks.
• Hike in rough and steep terrain and inclement weather for an extended period of time.
• Achieve first aid and CPR certification.
• Operate a state business vehicle.
• Be fair and equitable.
• Work 10-12 hour shifts,…