Become a Forestry Aide

  • Entry Level
  • Supervisory
  • Full Time
  • Seasonal
  • Benefits Eligible

This classification provides a means of temporary employment whereby individuals with an interest in forestry, fire prevention, natural resource management, or other related work may receive on-the-job instruction and perform work that will provide practical experience. This classification also provides an opportunity for students to become interested in and aware of career opportunities within State service. No full-time permanent appointments will be made in this classification.

Typical Tasks

In the fields of forestry, fire prevention, or natural resource management, provides subprofessional assistance. Examples of work tasks include but are not limited to, one or more of the following: timber marking, cruising, pest control, forest engineering, establishing and measuring sample plots, remote sensing, geographic information systems processing and analysis, resource surveys, nursery operations, seed processing and storage, State Demonstration Forest operations, forestry assistance, urban forestry programs, and/or directing work crews. May perform or assist in such assignments as fire prevention patrol and inspections, Emergency Command Center/Operations Center call taker, incident base support, and other emergency related assignments (e.g., fire suppression and control).

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$3,653- $4,517 Base Salary (paid every month)

In addition to the above pay items, employees are eligible for medical benefits (health, dental, vision) and may be eligible for other pay differentials.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Minimum Qualifications
 
Either I
Education: Completion of at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units from a recognized accredited college or university in forestry, fire science, natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related subject.
 
Or II
Experience: Three months of experience with public or private entities performing subprofessional work in forestry, fire prevention, fire suppression and control, natural resource management, or other related work.

Abilities
 
Ability to:
Apply safe work practices; follow written and oral instructions; cooperate with others; utilize good judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations; safely operate departmental vehicles and other mobile equipment; communicate effectively; utilize maps and a compass; properly utilize job-related equipment, supplies, and tools; adjust to changing work assignments, major process changes, and emergencies; apply basic principles of forestry and fire protection; identify tree and shrub species; collect and error-check data to ensure accurate results of analyses; analyze job-related data; utilize a computer and job-related software programs; properly handle hazardous and toxic materials under the guidelines of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and supervisors; perform maintenance procedures; apply basic principles of fire suppression and control; apply laws, rules, and regulations applicable to scope of duties and responsibilities (e.g., Public Resources Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, California Administrative Code) to ensure compliance for public safety and environmental protection; and operate radio equipment.

Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to live and work in remote parts of the state; work on weekends and holidays; work in inclement weather; work well in a crew or team setting or independently with minimal supervision; and remain on duty 24 hours a day as required. Willingness and ability to maintain sufficient physical condition to perform tasks in support of the Department's mission, including regular physically strenuous fieldwork. Willingness as a learner to do routine and detailed work, accept increasing responsibility, and demonstrate adaptability and tact. Good interpersonal skills, willingness to conform to departmental grooming standards, and an aptitude for forestry work. For areas where structural firefighting is an integral part of the duties, normal hearing (uncorrected), normal use of both hands and feet, and good physical condition are required.

The CAL FIRE Examination Unit is not accepting exam applications at this time. Please check back periodically to see when the next exam bulletin is released.