Forestry Technician (Recreation)

Job Duties

Accomplishes operation plans, improvements, and maintenance tasks associated with forest recreation sites used for various recreational activities. Inspects assigned areas to determine compliance with wilderness regulations or specifications.

Explains or enforces use regulations according to local, state, or federal policies and laws. Contributes information or provides assistance to operation and work plans for recreation sites and the avalanche center program.

Performs or oversees regular maintenance at trailheads and dispersed wilderness/recreation sites, including site cleanup and naturalizing.

Acts as liaison with community organizations and interest groups to stimulate interest and use of recreation facilities.

Coordinates outfitter use and prepares reports on conditions of outfitter activities and equipment. Maintains visitor use records and prepares visitor use information for data processing.

Resolves a full range of irregular or problem situations encountered when performing assignments pertaining to forest wilderness programs, such as non-compliance of permits, avalanche control support and monitoring assistance.

Participates as a team member or solo on climb patrols on the unit that includes mountaineering routes of technical terrain where ability to travel on snow, glaciers, steep rock, and mountainous terrain is a frequent activity.

The incumbent is responsible for using roped-travel techniques and safely conducting mountain travel with teammates or solo using protective equipment.

Climbing patrols are conducted mountain familiarization, contacting independent and guided climbers, monitoring and evaluating outfitter guide performance and compliance with Special Use Permit.

Climbing patrols are conducted to obtain route information to be published and communicated to the public, to monitor public use of climbing routes, cross-country areas for the purpose of resource protection and wilderness management.

Serves as a Snow Ranger for an Avalanche Center, with remote patrol duties. Checks for conditions hazardous to the public from avalanche, ice falls, crevasses, and undermined snow.

Determines present avalanche hazards and forecasts future hazards based on snow pit tests, field observations, and snow stability.

Issues avalanche hazard advisories using field data, as well as mountain weather resources, such as weather maps, satellite imagery, and real time weather data.

Uses judgment to produce public avalanche and safety advisories and disseminates this information via website, telephone, physical postings, or other social media.

Communicates daily with local Forest Service Avalanche Center personnel to appraise weather conditions based on judgment and evaluation of relevant factors.

Serves as a Forest Protection Officer (FPO). Issues notices of field violations when violations of regulations are encountered. Conducts investigations, collects evidence and prepares case reports on violations and misuse.

Assists agency law enforcement personnel with violation information. Documents destruction to or impacts on recreation sites. Analyzes ways to educate users.

Assists in rescues and performs rope rescues on steep snow and ice terrain often under adverse weather conditions. Responsible for technical rescue equipment maintenance, selection, and replacement.

Equipment includes mountain axes, ice tools, ice screws, rock nuts, rock pitons, helmets, slings and cords, ascenders, pulleys, harnesses, snow pickets and flukes, and numerous dynamic and static ropes.

Acts as first responder to medical emergencies. Renders medical aid from minor to life-threatening injuries at the Wilderness First Response or Emergency Medical Technician level.

Government Careers

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