Forestry Technician (Wildland Firefighter)

Working Schedule

• Many Forestry Technicians work full-time, with significant overtime needed during wildfire emergencies. Some only do seasonal work, and schedules may vary by season.  

Typical Duties

• Assess forested areas for potential fire hazards, litter, or pollution
• Post warning signs around the perimeter of dangerous areas
• Examine trees and soil for signs of disease or pests
• Plant seedlings and count trees. Mark or cut selected trees
• Apply protective insecticides, fungicides, or herbicides (may need a license to perform these tasks)
• Identify diseased or invasive trees and vegetation 
• “Perform inventory cruising (Plot work such as: planting, stocking surveys, PCT, CT, and Timber inventory), vegetation control, stream buffer marking, tree planting inspections, and general duties as required for contract administration” — A&H Forestry job posting
• Use GIS/GPS to navigate forest locations and perform fieldwork
• Help to arrange contracts and perform work within contract specifications
• Assist foresters working on silvicultural projects 
• Conduct patrols around wilderness boundaries on foot or using vehicles
• Coordinate recreation activities for trail hikers and forest visitors
• Respond to emergencies; work with other firefighters and first responders
• Assist injured or lost visitors; render first aid, as needed
• Construct firelines to slow or stop the spread of wildfires
• Chop down excessive brush to reduce potential fuel for fires
• Look for and put out fire flare-ups

Mid- and higher-level duties may include operating fire engines, analyzing weather and fire data, conducting prescribed burns, training and supervising others, and coordinating onsite firefighting activities. GameWarden.org lists the following Forestry Technician roles:

• Hand crew -  does the “grunt work” of fireline construction and fire suppression
• Engine crew - work on a wildland fire engine
• Hotshots - specialized teams working in rough terrain
• Smokejumpers - parachute-qualified firefighters who fight hard-to-reach fires
• Helitack - Helicopter-based firefighters
• Dispatchers - work in logistics to determine resource requirements
• Lookouts - work in remote towers or as airborne spotters

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform cleaning and maintenance of vehicles, including ATVs and winter equipment such as snowmobiles 
• Prepare written reports about emergency incidents
• Participate in fire and rescue drills
• Keep track of visitor numbers for use in reports
• Support law enforcement efforts and collaborate with officials as needed. Issues minor citations for violations
• Gather and report data about avalanches
• Inspect trails for safety and maintenance issues
• Educate visitors and the general public about recreation opportunities, rules and guidelines, safety topics, weather conditions, resource management, etc. 

“I really do enjoy my job—the excitement of what will happen on any given day,” says Forestry Technician Sonya Lucatero. “You just don't really know what you're going to encounter in the woods and how plans will shift. You never have the same day twice.”

Soft Skills

• Accountability
• Adaptive 
• Deductive reasoning
• Detail-oriented
• Focus
• Goal-oriented
• Hand-eye coordination
• Initiative
• Observant
• Organized
• Patient
• Preparedness 
• Problem-solving
• Safety-focused
• Sound judgment and decision-making
• Strength, stamina, and agility
• Strong communication skills 
• Teamwork
• Time management 

Some positions, such as smokejumper, have lengthy and specific medical requirements! 

Technical Skills

• Ability to carry and load up heavy objects
• Ability to operate and maintain vehicles
• Ability to safely use cutting tools 
• Familiarity with biology, wildlife, geography, and math
• First aid and CPR
• Knowledge of applicable policies, regulations, and laws
• Knowledge of soil and soil amendments 
• Knowledge of tree/limb braces, stakes, cables, and ties
• Knowledge of tree pesticides, fertilizers, protective tars, and related chemicals
• Outdoor survival skills 
• Proper wear of personal protective equipment including helmets, gloves, and eye protection, as well as ropes, harnesses, lanyards, 
• Understanding of fire safety principles and knowledge of hazards to watch out for, such as combustible materials
• Familiarity with firefighting tactics, equipment, and gear

• Federal, state, or local government agencies, such as:

1. Bureau of Indian Affairs
2. Bureau of Land Management
3. Forest Service (as Wildland Firefighters)
4. National Park Service
5. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Forestry Technicians are constantly exposed to outdoor elements, such as hot or cold weather, wind, rain, humidity, mud, snow, etc. There are countless hazards that workers must guard against, including tripping hazards, dehydration, heat stroke, frostbite, allergens, poisonous plants, fungi, insect bites, wildlife, fires, and smoke. They have to be prepared for almost anything! 

To the extent possible, Forestry Technicians should plan out their daily tasks ahead of time but must stay flexible, anticipate problems, and have a response plan. This requires ongoing training to keep skills sharp. They must be vigilant and ready to effectively handle whatever comes their way. During wildfire emergencies, they may be tagged to work very long hours until the situation is under control. 

Conservation effects and sustainable management have been hot trends in the world of forestry for some time now. Sustainability efforts focus on maintaining ecosystem health, biodiversity, and the long-term viability of forests, which are invaluable for sequestering carbon dioxide. 

Unfortunately, forests are at risk from wildfires which are happening more frequently and with greater intensity. Methods to combat the fires and mitigate damage include Wildland-Urban Interface management, controlled or prescribed burns, more collaborative fire management approaches, and the advancement of technological tools and solutions like remote sensing, satellite monitoring, and predictive modeling.

Forestry Technicians are typically physically active people who prefer working outdoors versus staying in an office all day. They may have grown up in rural areas, or loved camping, taking long hikes in the woods, or going hunting and fishing. Strong verbal communication skills and teamwork are essential, which may have been developed from extracurricular activities in school.