Wilderness Fuels Module Crew Member

Job Summary

Wilderness Fuels Module Crew Members support fuels management and forest restoration work in designated wilderness areas. This role involves working as part of a field-based crew to prepare landscapes for future prescribed or managed fire activities through non-mechanized fuels reduction methods. Crew members perform physically demanding outdoor work contribute to safe and effective implementation of silvicultural prescriptions and help mentor youth crews while operating in rugged backcountry environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to safely buck limb and manage live and dead trees using non-mechanized tools such as crosscut saws and axes

• Construct fireline and perform fuels reduction activities in undeveloped wilderness areas

• Fall low-complexity small-diameter trees using non-mechanized equipment

• Rearrange fuels through piling or lopping and scattering to support future prescribed fire operations

• Assist with mentoring youth crew members during designated portions of the season

• Identify tree species defects and environmental hazards while executing fuels prescriptions

• Flag hazard trees and report unnecessary risks for future mechanized removal

• Collaborate with project partners to implement silvicultural and fuels management prescriptions

• Follow safety protocols and contribute to a positive team-oriented field environment

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of combined field experience in forestry natural resource management or related fields (e.g. biological research land conservation wildland fire or survey work)

• Training and/or experience in bucking trees using mechanized and/or non-mechanized methods with the ability to provide relevant certifications

• Experience with and interest in using non-mechanized tools (crosscut saws axes) for fuels reduction

• Experience maintaining non-mechanized tools

• Ability to perform strenuous physical labor in rugged terrain and variable weather conditions

• Proficiency in backcountry travel and comfort working in remote settings

• Ability to live in a campsite environment for extended work periods

• Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with diverse groups

• Reliable punctual and able to support a strong work ethic within the crew

• Interest in or familiarity with wilderness land management principles

• Valid drivers license with a clean driving record and ability to operate a 4WD vehicle

• Ability to meet health and safety requirements for field-based work

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced training and/or experience in tree falling using mechanized or non-mechanized equipment

• Experience with crosscut saw use and maintenance

• Ability and willingness to train others in safe tool use and maintenance

• Familiarity with mixed conifer forests and tree species identification or willingness to learn

• Experience using compasses topographic maps and handheld GPS units or tablets

• Current wilderness medical certification (e.g. WFA WFR WEMT)

• Training in Leave No Trace or other backcountry ethics

• Certification in S-212 (Federal Wildland Chainsaws)

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

• Full-time field-based position with work performed primarily outdoors

• Requires hiking 48 miles per day over rough terrain while carrying tools water and field packs

• Exposure to variable weather conditions including heat cold and changing seasonal conditions

• Physically demanding work involving repetitive motion cutting and fuels rearrangement

• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required

• Extended periods working and living in remote wilderness settings