Forestry Technician I

Job Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, performs fire protection duties including fire prevention and suppression, but not exclusively with mechanized equipment; performs operator maintenance necessary to maintain fire suppression equipment in a state of readiness; provides forestry services, such as firebreak plowing to landowners; assists with reforestation programs; and assists in other forestry operations. Responds to forest fire calls as required by the readiness plan.

Performs forest fire suppression duties utilizing bulldozer tractor, handline tools, and water handling equipment. Assists with fire prevention efforts. Investigates fires to determine cause and gathers pertinent information to complete fire reports.

Performs operator preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment and maintains equipment in a state of readiness; exercises equipment in accordance with SCFC policy and procedures. Performs maintenance and construction duties at Forestry Commission facilities. Performs forestry services, such as firebreak plowing, waterbar construction and prescribed burning assistance.

Assists foresters and Sector FMO's with forest management activities such as timber marking, tree planting, survival checks, forest insect and disease work, and acreage measurements. Maintains an awareness of the cost-sharing assistance and services provided by the SCFC. Participates in training annually.

Prepares monthly administrative reports to include time sheets, equipment reports, services reports and fire-related documentation. Participates in activities in support of the agency's mission and goals and performs related other duties as required.

Minimum and Additional Requirements

State & SCFC :A high school diploma and experience in forest fire protection duties, forestry management, operation of heavy mechanized equipment, or relevant work experience. Must pass the agency's initial physical fitness test that requires a two (2) mile walk carrying a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or meet the agency's physical fitness program requirements.

Must obtain firefighter registration with the Office of State Fire Marshal. Criminal background check and drug test are required. Position requires a Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Must have Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) prior to employment.

Must complete CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory training within 15 working days of hire then obtain a Commercial Driver's License within 90 working days. Must be a resident of South Carolina. Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb and carry objects up to 50 lbs.

Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions. Works a rotating schedule, 40 hours / 5-day work week, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. schedule. Job requires on-call duty and weekend work.

Overnight travel required to include extensive periods of time (up to 16 days) on large fire incidents in/out of the state. This position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace-CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Additional Comments

Knowledge of practices and principles of forest fire control. Ability to operate mechanized firefighting equipment. Ability to gather information on forest fires and to prepare reports.

All new hires in positions requiring a CDL will be subject to a pre-employment drug/alcohol screening. This drug/alcohol screening will be required. Employment will be contingent upon satisfactory results of the drug screen, as well as other factors.