Become a Forestry Assistant II

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

This is the first working level in the series. Incumbents assist Foresters and State Forest Rangers in performing the most complex technical assignments in resource management and assume lead responsibility over lower level technicians. They may also perform as specialists responsible for a specific segment of a program area. As part of the Department's emergency response team, during fire season incumbents will perform fire control or other emergency duties for which they have been trained at a level of responsibility comparable to the classification of Fire Captain and may occasionally perform such assignments at other times. Rotation in assignments at this level is planned experience for employee development.

Incumbents at this level will be encouraged to pursue formal academic course work and will be enrolled in "Continuing Education for Foresters" as necessary to enhance job performance and career advancement. In addition, persons entering State service at this level will, as necessary, receive in a timely manner and prior to working in emergency assignments, all training specific to the Forestry Technician and Forestry Assistant I levels. One of the requirements for permanent status in this class is successful completion of the required training.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$5,315 - $7,568 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
Three years of experience in California state service performing the duties of a Forestry Assistant I. (Candidates who are within six months of meeting experience requirements may take the examination but cannot be appointed until they have obtained the required experience.)
 
Or II
Five years of progressively responsible resource management experience. (Qualifying experience includes: reforestation, timber harvest operations, urban forestry, or other related forestry work; environmental protection work; fire control experience in the California Department of Forestry, of which a minimum of two years must have been at a level of responsibility equivalent to the class of Fire Apparatus Engineer.)
 
Or III
Education: Equivalent to graduation from college with a degree in forestry, natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related subject. (Registration as a senior will admit applicants to the examination, but they must produce evidence of graduation or its equivalent before they can be considered eligible for appointment.)

Knowledge and Abilities
 
Knowledge:
Good resource management principles and practices; basic conservation techniques; various Department of Forestry program functions, including stocking survey work; resource management grant evaluation techniques; basic fire control methods and equipment; map reading; cruising methods; silviculture; and dendrology.
 
And lastly, elementary forest practices and fire prevention and suppression methods; land management; forest disease and pest evaluation; ground check procedures; burn and land management plan preparation; forestry inventory procedures; timber sales preparation; and fire behavior.

Ability to:
Receive and understand instructions and to carry out assignments; interpret laws, rules, and regulations and apply them effectively; collect and evaluate data and prepare technical reports; work effectively, independently, or in a group setting; utilize good judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations; understand and employ good safety practices; learn to operate a variety of forestry fire suppression tools and equipment.

Accept increasing responsibility in the level of difficulty of tasks performed; learn how to operate State fire suppression vehicles and equipment and perform as an experienced member of a fire suppression crew. 

And lastly, compile and maintain detailed reports, perform cost analyses; accept lead responsibility for assigned projects; prioritize the work of lesser-experienced employees; supervise a fire crew in a fire station; during emergency operations, effectively and safely operate State fire suppression engines; work cooperatively with other governmental and private entities.
 
Special Personal Characteristics
Willingness to work long and irregular hours, to work in remote parts of the State, to work on Sundays and holidays, and during the summer season to remain on duty 24 hours a day, as required, restricted to duty assignments; adaptability, tact, and neat personal appearance.

Special Physical Requirements
Hearing, physical strength, dexterity and agility necessary to perform the duties of the position; and aptitude and liking for forestry work.

Additional Desirable Qualification
Possession of a valid California driver license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

No examinations at this time.

There are no available positions at this time, but new opportunities are posted regularly - check back soon!