Forestry Crew Member

It's a great time to join the City of Boulder! Application Deadline: January 30, 2025 Compensation Details: Full Pay Range 23.11 - 33.53 Generally, the hiring range is from the minimum up to 80% of the range.This is a full-time hourly position. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Benefit Eligibility Group: Temporary Type 2 Locate the Benefit Eligibility Group value on the Employee Benefit Eligibility document to identify the benefits offered for this job. Job Description Summary: The Forestry Crew Member role emphasizes improving forest ecosystem health, enhancing wildlife habitat and mitigating wildland fire hazard through long-term forest thinning projects focused on cutting and removing trees in order to restore ecosystem function and resilience. Crew members will have the opportunity to learn various aspects of forest restoration and become a proficient chainsaw and heavy machinery operator. The job demands focus and attention to detail, as well as a team-oriented mindset, as each individual is accountable for the safety and well-being of the group. This position also provides the opportunity to certify as a wildland firefighter and crew members will be expected to respond to local wildland fire incidents around Boulder, including the option to respond nationally if needed. Job Description: ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Forest Restoration/Thinning Operations * Operating a chainsaw to safely fell trees. Potential to progress as a sawyer and assist on a wildland fire response team. * Dragging and piling branches and/or operating and loading a woodchipper * Loading woody material into a trailer using a tractor and hydraulic winch/skidder * Hauling trailers, operating a 4x4 vehicles on and off road * Equipment maintenance and repair Invasive Species Management * Prescriptive removal of invasive vegetation, including chemical, mechanical and biological treatment strategies Prescribed and Wildland Fire Response * Assisting with prescribed fire or responding to wildland fire in and around Boulder. May have the opportunity to respond nationally to fire assignments. * Wildland Fire training courses- learn a wide variety of associated skills and earn certifications Associated Forestry/Vegetation Management/Restoration Tasks * Creating snags for wildlife habitat, assisting with data collection, mapping, facilitating volunteer projects, restoring damaged or degraded areas Assisting other work groups with varied natural resource management projects MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS * Ability to perform a wide range of strenuous physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment, including but not limited to the ability to stand, walk, and kneel. * Ability to use a variety of long handled, manual, and power tools; and to operate equipment while working in and around moving traffic. * Ability to lift up to 50 pounds on a daily basis and 75 pounds on an occasional basis. * Ability to successfully complete Wildland Fire Red Card training and work capacity test for wildland firefighters (pack test at arduous level- three-mile hike with 45-pound pack in 45 minutes). * Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and non-verbally. Ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with the public and coworkers, with excellent customer service skills. * Ability and willingness to work as part of a team. Understanding the interests and concerns of others and able and willing to share and receive information. Ability to follow established procedure and direction for the benefit and safety of the team. * Ability to identify what needs to be done and doing it before being asked or before the situation requires it. Completes work in a timely and consistent manner. * Ability to evaluate conditions in assigned area and make judgments related to safety. * Ability to stay engaged and motivated for the task at hand while setting a consistent pace of work while operating chainsaws and heavy machinery for up to 10 hours at a time. Tasks are repetitive and physical in nature in varied weather conditions. * Valid Driver's License and ability to maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record. * Have a maintain acceptable background information, including criminal conviction history. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS * College coursework in forestry, natural resource management, environmental studies, restoration ecology, or related field * Experience working in a team or crew environment. * Experience using chainsaws, tractors, skidders, or other related equipment * Advanced chainsaw experience and/or certification (FAL2, FAL3) * Experience working in prescribed fire or wildfire situations * Experience leading or coordinating volunteer projects * Medical response experience (CPR/AED/WFR/Paramedic) * Invasive species management experience, particularly with herbicide application * Native plant species identification background * Disturbed land restoration knowledge and experience REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE No education or experience is required for this role. SUPERVISION Supervision received: Forestry Operations Supervisor Supervision exercised: N/A WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS Physical Demands and Mental Effort: Ability to perform a wide range of physical and manual tasks in an outdoor environment. Physical ability to stand, bend, walk, and kneel. Ability to carry up to 50 pounds while hiking on rough terrain. Ability to work under stress with changing work priorities and conditions. Willingness to interact with the public in potentially challenging situations. Work Environment: Works in an outdoor environment year-round. Potential exposure to dangerous wildlife (e.g., rattlesnakes, mountain lions, stinging insects), potentially toxic chemicals (herbicides), dangerous plants (poison ivy) and dangerous weather conditions (e.g., heat, cold, lightning). Machines and equipment used: vehicles including four-wheel drive vehicles and pulling a trailer, tractors, power tools such as chainsaws and weed whips, and a range of relevant and appropriate tools and equipment. Additional Job Description: Last updated: December 2024 The City of Boulder is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected statute. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please send a request to .

Created: 2025-01-07