Forestry Technician (Wildland Firefighter)

Oras ng trabaho

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

Mga Karaniwang Tungkulin

• 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

Karagdagang Pananagutan

• 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

• Pananagutan
• Adaptive 
• Deduktibong pangangatwiran
• Mabusisi pagdating sa detalye
• Focus
• Nakatuon sa layunin
• Koordinasyon ng kamay at mata
• Inisyatiba
• mapagmasid
• Organisado
• pasyente
• Preparedness 
• Pagtugon sa suliranin
• Nakatuon sa kaligtasan
• Tamang paghuhusga at paggawa ng desisyon
• Strength, stamina, and agility
• Malakas na kasanayan sa komunikasyon 
• Pagtutulungan ng magkakasama
• Pamamahala ng oras 

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

Teknikal na kasanayan

• Ability to carry and load up heavy objects
• Kakayahang magpatakbo at magpanatili ng mga sasakyan
• Ability to safely use cutting tools 
• Familiarity with biology, wildlife, geography, and math
• Pangunang lunas at CPR
• Knowledge of applicable policies, regulations, and laws
• Kaalaman sa mga pagbabago sa lupa at lupa 
• Kaalaman sa mga brace, stake, cable, at tali ng puno/biya
• Kaalaman sa mga pestisidyo ng puno, mga pataba, mga proteksiyon na alkitran, at mga kaugnay na kemikal
• Outdoor survival skills 
• Wastong pagsusuot ng personal protective equipment kabilang ang mga helmet, guwantes, at proteksyon sa mata, pati na rin ang mga lubid, harness, lanyard, 
• Understanding of fire safety principles and knowledge of hazards to watch out for, such as combustible materials
• Pamilyar sa mga taktika sa paglaban sa sunog, kagamitan, at gamit

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

1. Bureau of Indian Affairs
2. Kawanihan ng Pamamahala ng Lupa
3. Forest Service (as Wildland Firefighters)
4. Serbisyo ng Pambansang Parke
5. Serbisyo ng Isda at Wildlife ng US

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.