Deputy Forester - Fire Emergency

Overview

FIRE DEPARTMENT

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT OPEN COMPETITIVE - FIRE EMERGENCY

EXAM NUMBER 30331A-FR

APPLICATION FILING PERIOD Applications will be accepted beginning Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. (PT) through Wednesday, February 4, 2026, before 5:00 p.m. (PT)

REBULLETIN INFORMATION THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS A REBULLETIN TO EXTEND THE FILING PERIOD.

The LA County Board of Supervisors has unanimously ratified a Proclamation of Local Emergency in response to the windstorms and wildfires that have devastated communities across the County. We are looking for qualified and passionate individuals to assist the County in mobilizing resources and support needed to help our residents recover and rebuild. If you are looking for a new career that will directly benefit the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

The County of Los Angeles Fire Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Deputy Forester vacancies related to this unprecedented natural disaster.

Under the emergency order, applicants who meet the requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment. Before the end of your initial work period, you will be assessed on your work performance. This assessment will be weighted 100%.

Those who successfully pass the assessment will be considered for permanent appointment to Deputy Forester position.

DEFINITION
:
Has administrative and supervisory responsibility for the operation and maintenance of a large reforestation nursery or is in charge of major forestry programs.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS
:
Positions allocable to this class report to the Assistant Chief, Forestry and are either responsible for the operation of one of the County's five reforestation nurseries or have primary responsibility for one of the major forestry programs such as Vegetation Management, Conservation Education, Fuel Modification, Defensible Space, Fire Plan, Environmental Review, Pesticide Coordination, Soil Stabilization, or Landscape Design. Incumbents in this class serve as logistics chiefs or in unit leader support positions during emergency activities.

Incumbents must apply supervisory and management skills with forestry and natural resource management principles to plan and coordinate field projects, forest tree nursery operations, or specialized tasks in support of vegetation management, fuel modification, defensible space, environmental impact reports, and the County's Oak Tree Ordinance.

• Supervises and conducts field work (e.g. Inspections, manual labor, landscaping) by directing field crews (Forestry Technicians, Forestry Assistants, volunteers, and vendors), engaging in manual seed collecting, field reforestation (i.e. removing invasive plant species and planting native species), native plant propagation in nurseries, determining the type, number and placement of trees to be planted, managing tree nurseries, by using a chainsaw to thin forest, and applying herbicides, insecticides, and other chemicals for weed abatement, and by operating Class B commercial vehicles and towing chippers/trailers in order to complete forestry related projects.
• Supervises and conducts enforcement of the most complex inspections under the direction of the Assistant Forestry Section Chief by inspecting properties (e.g. defensible space inspections, oak tree ordinance inspections), by communicating compliance findings with property owners, in order to monitor compliance of laws and regulations.
• Serves as departmental representative at community events (e.g. county fairs, job fairs, school presentations), departmental committees, task force meetings, and city council meetings by communicating policy, coordinating, scheduling, and giving presentations or informal talks regarding forestry activities; conducting field demonstrations in order to educate the community and stakeholders.
• Develops and oversees implementation of projects
  , by evaluating resource needs, prioritizing goals and objectives, coordinating with public and private stakeholders, conducting site preparation, managing department resources,…