Under direct supervision, performs wildland fire protection duties including fire prevention and suppression, primarily using complex heavy mechanized equipment and other tools. Performs operator maintenance necessary to maintain fire suppression equipment in a state of readiness. Provides forestry services, assists with reforestation programs, and assists in other forestry operations.
This classification is used for employees performing frontline wildland fire suppression duties, forest management, and other duties.
Responds to calls to prevent and/or suppress wildland fires. Performs wildland fire prevention work. Performs wildland fire control planning and directs fire suppression activities. Determines cause/origin of wildland fires. Ensures that preventive maintenance goals are conducted. Protects the state’s natural resources. Performs various forestry services including firebreaks, prescribed burns, and water bar construction. Assists professional foresters in the preparation and implementation of forest management plans, reforestation, or other landowner services. Works with fire departments, the US Forest Service, civic groups, and other local, state, and federal agencies to promote sound forestry and fire management practices. Participates in activities in support of agency's mission and goals, and performs other related duties as required.
Knowledge of the primary and surrounding areas of responsibility and operation of wildland fire control equipment. Ability to act effectively in emergency or stressful situations. Knowledge of practices and principles of forest fire control. Ability to operate complex heavy mechanized wildland firefighting equipment. Ability to gather information on forest fires and to prepare reports. Knowledge of South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) forest management programs, policies, and procedures.
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 or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Job requires on-call duty and weekend work. Overnight travel required to include extensive periods of time on large fire incidents in and out of the state.
A high school diploma or equivalent and experience in forest fire protection duties, forestry management, operation of heavy mechanized equipment or relevant work experience.