Helene Mitigation Assistant LeadForest Tech II (Temporary) (Buncombe County)

Agency

Office of State Human Resources

Division

Temporary Solutions

Job Classification Title

Forestry Technician II (S)

Position Number

Grade

NC08

About Us

To provide a solid Human Resource management foundation responsible oversight and creative solutions through a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to maximize the potential of our greatest asset OUR EMPLOYEES.

Description of Work

This is a temporary position and there are no leave or retirement benefits offered with this position. Temporary employees who work an annual average of 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). For more information on Health Benefits offered visit .

employment information.

Note: Permanent and time-limited NC State Government employees must separate from their permanent or time-limited position in order to work in a temporary position. All temporary employees are limited to one NC State Government temporary assignment at a time.

Individuals hired into a temporary State job must be fully qualified for the job. OSHR supports the Governors Job Ready initiative and seeks to expand a temporary skill set to enhance their qualifications for State government and private sector jobs. Exposure to an agencys culture process procedures and potential learning opportunities can provide valuable experience to those who may seek permanent employment with the state.

This temporary position is located in 14 Gaston Mountain Road Asheville NC - Buncombe County with the Dept of Agriculture & Consumer Services - Forestry Service (NCFS).

Job Order Hourly Rate of Pay: $28.00 (Based on education and/or years of relevant work experience reflected on the application).

The mission of the North Carolina Forest Service (NCFS) is to protect manage and promote forest resources for the citizens of North Carolina. The Helene Mitigation Assistant will assist the Crew Lead with focus primarily on invasive species management fuel mitigation prescribed burning and wildfire control in Helene impacted areas. Assists with the supervision of Helene mitigation crew of up to 10. Responsible for keeping track of crew work. Conducts daily inspection and maintenance of equipment and spray apparatus.
Properly completes daily work logs and reporting logs for equipment maintenance hours and ensuring time is submitted weekly. Assumes responsibility for crew safety navigation and training.

Work Schedule:

Standard work week will be Monday through Friday 0800 hours to 1700 hours but will change frequently and on short notice.
Wildfire and disaster/emergency response requires year-round readiness and may require extended working hours and days.
Work week is 40 hours with occasionally some weeks over 40 hours occasional weekend hours.
Require willingness to travel and stay overnight frequently
May be subject to afterhours callback during high fire danger and natural disasters.
Residency required within assigned work area and/or within 60 minutes of the Region 3 Office in Asheville NC or Morganton Forestry Center in Morganton NC.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

Effective July 1 2025 candidates now meet the minimum qualifications of a position if they have the minimum education and experience listed from the class specification. The Knowledge Skills and Abilities listed within this vacancy announcement will be used only as management preferences and will be used to screen for the most qualified pool of applicants.

Management Preferences:

• Experience working with or knowledge of wildland fire principles related to urban interface.
• CPR certified and training as first responder.
• Training in Firewise USA Ready Set GO or other specialized wildland urban interface training.
• Completion of Firefighter Training such as S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighting Training S-190 Intro to Wildland Fire Behavior L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service and/or the NC Forest Service Basic Wildland Fire Suppression for Fire Departments course.
• Ability to operate various types of equipment in a safe and efficient manner (e.g.: chainsaw ATV tractor and implements leaf blower radio hand tools drip torch backpack sprayers etc.).
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions from colleagues.
• Ability to evaluate inputs in a rapidly changing work environment and make decisions that affect field technicians and operational safety.
• Ability to perform physical work sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Ability to learn how to correctly identify invasive plants with minimal review and to differentiate invasive plants from native vegetation of similar appearance as well as mix handle and apply herbicides in accordance with label and supervisor instructions.
• Ability to perform physical work sometimes under adverse conditions or in inclement weather.
• Ability to navigate to remote sites with maps written directions and GPS.
• Experience supervising employees

Minimum Education and Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an equivalent combination of education and experience. If that language appears below then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Associates degree in forest management or an environmental or natural science curriculum from an appropriately accredited institution and three years of related experience in providing forestry services; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Necessary Special Qualification Possession of a valid North Carolina drivers license required within 90 days of hire.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination harassment or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy childbirth or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs observances and practices.

Recruiter:

Janice Scott Kearney

Recruiter Email: