Become a Forestry Technician

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

This is the normal entry training level to the series. Under close supervision, incumbents learn to perform routine technical resource management assignments of average difficulty. Incumbents will perform basic fire control assignments during fire season and occasionally at other times. Incumbents entering State service at this level will receive in a timely manner during the probationary period, and prior to working in emergency assignments training in the Department's "Basic Fire Fighter" training as is required for Fire Fighter II. One of the requirements for permanent status in this class is successful completion of the training course. Incumbents may receive additional training, as required, to perform their assigned functions, in such areas as introduction to surveying, map reading, cruising, dendrology, and basic program areas.

This classification is eligible for the following pay:

$4,047- $5,736 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: Equivalent to 15 semester units of college in forestry, natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related subject.
 
Or II
Experience: Six months of experience in practical resource management, conservation, or fieldwork in a State of California resources agency department or in a forest management/timber harvesting operation. (Qualifying experience includes reforestation, timber harvest operations, urban forestry, or other related forestry/nursery work; or environmental resource protection work, including Resource Protection Trainee/Fire Prevention Assistant, or related fire control experience in the Resources Agency or as a corps member in a California Conservation Corps/California Department of Forestry fire center.)
 
Or: One year of urban resource community organizing work such as tree planting, community gardening, park development, and civic landscape beautification programs.
 
And: Education equivalent to completion of the 12th grade.

Knowledge and Abilities
 
Knowledge:
Good resource management principles and practices and basic conservation techniques.
 
Ability to:
Receive and understand instructions and 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; and learn to operate a variety of forestry fire suppression tools and equipment.

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.

 

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.

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