Description
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
Requirements
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 4–8 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
