Forest Crew Member (7 Positions)

Effective February 2016 Forest Crew Member Position Title: Forest Crew Member (7 positions) Department: Resource Management & Protection Employment Status: Non-Exempt Payrate: $15.00/hour Opening Date: October 3, 2024 Closing Date: Open until filled Job Summary Primary job is to cut trees daily to restore, mitigate, protect, develop, and maintain the health and resiliency of the Tribe’s forestlands and natural resources. This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which may be found or assigned to this position. Duties and Responsibilities  Reduces tree densities and the buildup of hazardous fuels, as well as improve growth of understory vegetation. Creates fuel break lines to reduce forest fires.  Implements watershed restoration projects to increase groundwater yield.  Cuts trees and conducts follow up treatments according to the contract funding specifications and silvicultural guidelines.  Follows marking, spacing, and cutting guidelines provided by Squad Bosses, Crew Supervisors and Supervisory Foresters to achieve desired densities and forest structure after treatment. Crew Members must be able to work as a team to achieve these objectives and to provide a safe working environment for coworkers.  Uses variety of hand tools and power tools including chainsaws, sharpeners, axes, and possibly chippers during performance of duties.  Keeps equipment and supplies in a safe and well-controlled area.  Observes safety rules to ensure and maintain a safe work environment.  May assist with laying out project units, flagging boundaries and mapping units as needed.  Drives to and from work site each day; ensures all equipment needed for the day such as tools, personal protective equipment (PPE), gas and oil are loaded prior to leaving. Checks to ensure tools, PPE, vehicles and equipment are in proper working order; reports defects and broken parts found on equipment. Cleans saw at end of each day.  Finishes each project in a timely manner.  May assist with prescribed burning projects and wildland firefighting efforts, if incumbent has appropriate Red Card qualifications and as cutting schedules allow.  May provide disaster response and relief services for incidents, such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, or search & recovery.  May assist with reforestation efforts.  Performs other duties as needed. MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Effective February 2016 Forest Crew Member Minimum Qualifications  High School Diploma or GED preferred.  Knowledge of chainsaw use and applicable safety guidelines.  Must be in good physical condition.  Federal Red Card certification for wildland firefighting is preferred, but not required.  Must be 18 years of age or older.  Knowledge of reservation lands is preferred.  Preference given to applicants that have a valid NM Driver’s License. If applicants do not have a valid license or do not meet Tribal insurance requirements regarding moving violations, then they will not be permitted to drive a Tribal vehicle and will not be eligible to move up to Squad Boss or higher.  Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.  Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation. Tribal member preference and Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions. However, if we do not have enough Tribal applicants, we will consider and hire non-Indians to meet funding contract obligations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety practices.  Knowledge of proper safety techniques  Skill in operating tools, equipment such as hand tools, power tools, chain saw, and dozer.  Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.  Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.  Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.  Ability to accomplish tasks within strict deadlines.  Ability to operate and maintain equipment.  Ability to maintain confidentiality. Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to sit; climb or balance; and smell. The employee must lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Work Environment: Work is generally performed outdoors. Exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable ground. Must be able to hike into project areas. Situations where 8-inch top work boots, safety goggles, gloves, protective face shields, or hardhats are needed will occur. Travel within the reservation area is required.