FOREST FIRE DETECTION SPECIALIST, L21

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family are assigned responsibilities for performing routine observation work in a forest tower or aircraft in the location and suppression of forest fires.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintains surveillance of the area surrounding an observation tower; assists with fire detection from an airplane.
• Operates a telephone and two-way radio for fire reporting.
• Determines location of fires by means of azimuth, compass and maps.
• Prepares daily reports on fires, weather conditions and fire hazards.
• Performs routine maintenance work on buildings, towers, equipment, grounds and roads around the tower.
• Explains fire prevention principles and distributes fire prevention literature to tower visitors; presents fire prevention programs to schools or groups.
• Periodically contacts by radio or telephone other area towers to determine fire status; maintains contact during fires.
• Assists in the suppression of fires as the need arises.

LEVEL DESCRIPTOR:

Level I:                                                Code:  L21A                             Salary Band:  C

This job family consists of only one level and incumbent employees are responsible for performing all functions related to the position in observing an assigned area and reporting forest fires.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required include knowledge of minor equipment and building maintenance; of basic arithmetic; and of radio communications procedures. Ability is required to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to follow oral and written instructions; to perform strenuous physical activities; to use a compass and azimuth;  read and interpret maps; and to explain fire prevention principles to the public.

Education and Experience requirements at this level are none.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must present certification from an ophthalmologist or optometrist of having normal vision or vision correctable to normal.

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Applicants and employees must be capable of climbing to the top of a fire tower and be able to be a passenger in an observation aircraft at low altitudes with no adverse physical effects.