Forestry Technician (Intermediate - Fire Suppression/Prevention) Seasonal

Job Summary:

Contributes to the Natural Resources Departments responsibility to provide wildland fire protection, suppression and fuel management on Tribal and non-Tribal forest lands. Incumbent will act as an intermediate level firefighter working primarily with the Tribes Type-2 IA hand crew but may also assist as a crew member on a type-3 or type-6 engine.

Essential Functions:

  • Serves as a crewmember on an engine, or hand crew assigned to suppress a full range of wildland and prescribed fires, including protecting reservation, state, public and private lands.
  • Performs assignments as a wildland firefighter in developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology. This consists of fire line construction, use of pumps and engines, hose lays using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustments in the effective use of water and additives, working in and around aircraft such as helicopters, safety rules, and basic fire behavior.
  • Performs prescribed burning duties in order to reduce fuel hazards and disease.
  • Performs a variety of technical and skilled tasks under a forest management plan.
  • Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function to which assigned.
  • Participates in crew, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and fire equipment proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and critiques.
  • Ensures crew welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.
  • Moves dirt, chops brush, and fells small trees to build fire-line using various hand tools to control spreading of fire and/or to prepare lines prior to controlled burning.
  • Chops, carries, and piles logging slash.
  • Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump.
  • Patrols fire-line to locate and extinguish embers, flare-ups, and hot spots that may threaten developed fire lines.
  • Strictly adheres to safety practices to include OSHA regulations and compliance with Interagency Incident Business Management Handbook, BIA Wildland Fire and Aviation Program Management and Operations Guide, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Employee Handbook and Natural Resources Department Mobilization Plan.
  • Performs maintenance on chain saws, and other necessary firefighting tools.
  • Cleans, maintains, reconditions, and stores fire engines and other firefighting equipment.
  • Performs a variety of other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Education, Experience, and Licenses:

  • Requires a High School diploma or GED.
  • Must have completed a minimum of two (2) seasons working wildland fire suppression as National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certified Firefighter Type-2 (FFT2) or better.
  • Preferred experience driving a Class 3 work truck (E.g. Ford F-350 and Dodge Ram 5500).         

Driving Requirements:

  • Must maintain a valid Oregon driver's license or obtain one upon hire, qualify for the Tribe's vehicle insurance, and provide proof of personal vehicle insurance.
  • Must maintain an Oregon All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Education Card or obtain upon hire.
  • Preferred experience driving a Class 3 work truck (E.g. Ford F-350 and Dodge Ram 5500).

Qualifications, Registrations, and Certifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have and maintain a minimum NWCG certification of Fire Fighter Type-1 (FFT1) or better.
  • Must have certificates of completion for S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100 & 700, Firefighter Type-1 (S-131) and ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents (ICS-200) classes.
  • Preferred NWCG certifications Faller Type-3 (FAL3), Incident Commander Type-5, CPR/First Aide, EMT, or ability to obtain upon hire.
  • Must pass the Department of Interior, Medical Standards certification program and may be subject to medical examination.
  • Must be able to pass the National Wildfire Coordinating Group annual arduous fitness test.
  • Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must have the ability to work at times with minimal supervision.
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to Native American culture required.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements:

  • Continually requires the ability to work under strenuous or adverse conditions for extended periods, while maintaining mental alertness to maintain work rate, quality, and safety.
  • Continually requires the ability to express or receive detailed information or important instructions through oral communication accurately, loudly or quickly.
  • Continually requires moving about on foot for long distances to accomplish tasks.
  • Frequently requires raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position to position.
  • Frequently requires stooping which entails the use of the lower extremities and back muscles.
  • Frequently requires bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
  • Frequently requires repetitive movement of wrists, hands and/or fingers.
  • Requires standing and/or sitting for sustained periods of time, raising objects from a lower to a higher position and/or moving objects horizontally.
  • Occasionally requires lifting of up to 100 pounds.
  • This position is frequently subject to outside environmental conditions specifically those associated with summer weather patterns but is occasionally subject to inside environmental conditions which may provide protection from weather conditions.
  • Supports a safe work environment by performing all duties in accordance with Tribal safety policies and procedures, and Emergency Management Plan.
  • Due to the nature of the interactions with other employees and the public we serve, employees may be required to provide documentation of, or receive, certain health vaccinations.
  • May be called upon to serve as a Disaster Reservist during emergencies.
  • Local travel is frequently required. Travel outside of the state may also be required.

Background Check:

Candidates for this position will be subject to criminal and character background checks and may be subject to fingerprinting.




All positions are located in the greater Grand Ronde area unless specifically noted otherwise.

If you have questions or need more info, please call: 1-800-422-0232 x-2109

Application materials must be received in Human Resources by 5pm on the closing date.

INTERNAL APPLICANTS ARE DEFINED AS:

  • Grand Ronde Tribal members
  • Spouse of a Grand Ronde Tribal member
  • Parent or legal guardian of Grand Ronde Tribal member children.
  • Current Regular Employee, past their six-month introductory period, receiving at least a "meets expectations" on most recent performance evaluation and not under disciplinary action or performance improvement within the previous six months.

For individuals that meet the minimum qualifications: 

AN INTERVIEW WILL BE GIVEN IN THE FOLLOWING RANKING ORDER:

  1. Grand Ronde Tribal members.
    a. (Qualified Grand Ronde Tribal members who show they meet the minimum qualifications of the position during the course of the interview process will be given first consideration for hire and the recruitment process will end)
  2. Tribal member spouses, parents and/or legal guardians of Grand Ronde Tribal member children and current regular employees.