Forestry Squad Leader

Job Summary

The Squad Leader will supervise and lead the work activities of one ten‑person forestry squad consisting of Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) inmates. 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.

• Supervise and lead the work activities of the ten‑person forestry squad of ADCRR inmates.
• Document squad member time, incident records, training accomplishments, productivity metrics, and receipts. Recruit, train, and motivate squad members.
• Train and prepare squad members to pass an arduous pack test (3‑mile hike with a 45‑pound pack over level terrain within 45 minutes). Training will occur at the worksite as well as the Arizona State Prison Complex.
• Manage the needs and concerns of squad members in a firm, fair, and consistent manner.
• Perform and supervise forestry‑related work, including carrying and using a 20‑pound saw, felling trees and thinning brush, carrying a 40‑pound backpack of gear, hiking in rough and steep terrain and inclement weather, vigorous digging, lifting, dragging, scattering, and piling of brush, camping outdoors with limited amenities, and applying herbicide with supervision.
• 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 on‑call tasks as directed by the Crew Supervisor.
• Transport squad members to and from the prison complex and the worksite, driving long distances in a van with 10 passengers, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and inventorying equipment and supplies.
• Drive on State business.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of: Managing an inmate work crew; timber harvesting and brush removal; safety protocols in forestry, transportation, and machine use;
  Incident Command System; inventory and procurement.
• Skills: Leadership; organization and prioritization; timekeeping and expense (receipt) management; chainsaw operation.
• Abilities: 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; become first aid and CPR certified; drive on State business; be fair and equitable; work 10‑12 hour shifts and weekends.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience managing people.

• Employment is contingent on passing a background investigation.
• Valid Arizona Driver’s License. Employees who drive on state business must possess a current, class‑appropriate driver’s license, complete required training, and maintain an acceptable driving record.
• Newly hired State employees must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E‑Verify).

• Affordable medical, dental, life, and short‑term disability insurance plans.
• Top‑ranked retirement and long‑term disability plans.
• 10 paid holidays per year.
• Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly‑placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).
• Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi‑weekly for the first 3 years.
• Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi‑weekly.
• Deferred compensation plan.
• Wellness plans.
• Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment.

• Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Participation is mandatory for employees who meet eligibility and membership criteria.
• Enrollment eligibility becomes effective after 27 weeks of employment.
• The current contribution rate is 12%.