Forestry Crew Specialist ; Wildland Firefighter

Overview

Job #FOR--1.21.2026-TW. This position is located within the Office of Forestry, in St. Helena Parish. Ready to make a difference in protecting Louisiana's forests? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as a Forestry Crew Specialist. Play a vital role in wildfire prevention and suppression, promote sound forest management, enforce timber laws, and support community forestry programs. Advance your career with leadership opportunities and CDL options.

This position offers eligibility for the Hazardous Duty Services Retirement Plan at all levels of the CPG.

Why Join Us?

• Work in breathtaking natural settings
• Enjoy competitive pay and great benefits
• Make a real impact on the environment
• Be part of a passionate, supportive team

LDAF cares about the well-being of its employees! We offer a fully employer-funded Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing valuable support and resources to help you and your household members thrive at work and  EAP is also free for all members of your household.

The incumbent will perform duties related to fire prevention and suppression of wildfires in the forest lands of Louisiana for the Office of Forestry within the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry. The Office of Forestry’s primary responsibilities include suppressing timberland wildfires; promoting sound forest management practices, disseminating information; facilitating educational programs, producing reforestation seedlings; enforcing timber-related laws; investigating timber theft; and assisting community urban forestry programs.

Supervision for this position is received from the Forestry Parish Supervisor.

• Responsible for making reports of forest fires, including gathering data such as location and number of acres involved.
• Assists the Forestry Crew Specialist Leader in the performance of forest management activities, including cruising, detecting, and controlling forest insects and diseases.
• Participates in Information & Education programs related to all forestry fields as required.
• Responsible for monitoring and/or performing the repair and maintenance of transport trucks, dozer tractors, various fire suppression equipment, and a variety of hand and power tools.
• Performs other duties as may be assigned.

• Moderate light lifting, 30 pounds, with occasional lifting of up to 50+ pounds
• Reaching above the shoulders and carrying the specialist equipment needed to perform duties
• Requires considerable walking over irregular ground and standing for long periods of time
• Occasional demands may be required for moderately strenuous activities in emergencies over long periods of time
• Climbing on and off transport and tractor

• Working indoors and outdoors
• Excessive smoke, heat, humidity, cold, wet, and extreme dry conditions
• Walking on irregular ground for long distances
• Working around neighborhood/residential and wild land hazards
• Will be required to wear appropriate safety protection/clothing

Appointment Type: Full-time, Probational

Career Progression: This position may be filled as a Forestry Crew Specialist 1 or 2, depending on the level of experience of the selected applicant(s).

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

Other Benefits: This position is eligible to receive on-call compensation ($1.00/hour) when the employee is required to be available for work status at times outside of the regular work schedule. Work schedules and on-call rotations are determined by the Ag/Forestry Regional Administrator. Additionally, the incumbent of this position will receive hazardous duty pay ($1.73/hour) for all hours worked in addition to their base salary.

Preference for wildland firefighting: Candidates who hold a current Louisiana Class A or B CDL are preferred. New hires have one year from hire date to obtain a Louisiana Class B or higher CDL with training provided by the Department. After CDL is obtained, employees must remain with LDAF for at least one additional year or reimburse CDL-related expenses.

No Civil Service test score is required to be considered for this…