Forestry Technician-Fuels Reduction

Forestry Technician (Fuels Reduction Crew)

Under close supervision of the Fire Captain, the Forestry Technician serves Departmental objectives related to fuels management, fire prevention, and resource protection through the application of a broad range of fuels and vegetation modification programs and techniques.

Conduct safe and efficient operation of power equipment and hand tools implementing fuels reduction and prescribed fire projects while wearing required personal protective equipment. The use of tools for fuel reduction may include one or more of the following, depending upon complexity of the task and training/certification: drip torch, power mower or trimmer, chainsaw, brush saw, weed wrench, Pulaski, Hazel Hoe, shovel, lopper, hand pruner, bow saw, crosscut saw, paint brush, and herbicide applicator/spray tank.

Utilize these tools to safely and efficiently perform various fuel modification tasks, including cutting, pruning, limbing, felling, scrapping, grubbing, piling, pulling, pushing, digging, burying, burning piles, igniting broadcast burns, and other fuel modification tasks as assigned. Follow direction given by a superior crew member. Safely and efficiently cut, remove, chip, pile, ignite, scrape the ground, vegetative material in the implementation of projects.

Operate utility and support vehicles in non-emergency responses. Assists in preventative maintenance program on all vehicles and equipment and tools. Safely and efficiently clean fuel modification tools by sharpening cutting edges, removing dirt, pitch, sap, debris, fueling, cleaning air filters, oiling and greasing moving parts, covering-with protective sheaths and stowing in assigned compartments. Clean work and rest areas of all trash and debris left by crew.

Perform assigned vehicle maintenance as directed by changing vehicle oil, checking and filling vehicles fluids, checking and maintain tire pressures, cleaning the inside of the vehicles and washing the exteriors, lubricating and organizing fuel medication tools and equipment.

Review with supervisor Fuels Reduction project or Prescribe Burn plan and the specific tasks to accomplish project goals and objectives. Under close supervision layout projects by assessing, finding and flagging projects boundaries, protection zones, identifying sensitive areas in project, surveying projects for protected species, mapping project areas and work completed areas. Assist documentation of project information and work completion with data entry into CalMAPPER.

Evaluate progress of fuels modification work and prescribe burn in terms of project plan and covered tasks and assessment areas.

Respond to emergency incidents as required per Department policy. Maintain proficiency, qualification, and experience standards in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and departmental policy.