Deputy Forester - Fire Emergency

Overview

The Los Angeles County Fire Department seeks qualified candidates for Deputy Forester vacancies related to a major natural disaster response. Under an emergency order, applicants meeting requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days with a possibility of permanent County employment. Those who pass the assessment at the end of the initial period may be considered for permanent appointment.

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 County is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Deputy Forester vacancies related to the windstorms and wildfires affecting Los Angeles County. If you are seeking a new career that benefits the population of LA County, this may be the opportunity for you.

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 the Deputy Forester position.

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

Positions report to the Assistant Chief, Forestry and are responsible for the operation of one of the County's reforestation nurseries or 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 serve as logistics chiefs or in unit leader support positions during emergency activities. Supervisory and management skills are applied to plan and coordinate field projects, nursery operations, or specialized tasks supporting vegetation management, defensible space, environmental impact reports, and the County Oak Tree Ordinance.

• Supervises and conducts field work (e.g., inspections, manual labor, landscaping) by directing field crews, engaging in manual seed collecting, field reforestation, native plant propagation in nurseries, determining tree placement, managing tree nurseries, operating equipment, and applying herbicides and other chemicals for weed abatement.
• Supervises and conducts enforcement of complex inspections by inspecting properties (defensible space inspections, oak tree ordinance inspections) and communicating findings to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Represents the department at community events (e.g., county fairs, job fairs, school presentations), committees, task force meetings, and city council meetings; communicates policy and educates stakeholders.
• Develops and oversees project implementation by evaluating resource needs, coordinating with stakeholders, site preparation, resource management, reporting status, and data collection for GIS maps to protect life, property, and the environment.
• Evaluates regulatory compliance by reviewing inspection information, coordinating corrective actions, and generating status reports.
• Responds to 24-hour emergency incident needs by performing support roles in logistics (e.g., supply unit, ground support, facilities unit).
• Supervises subordinate staff (e.g., Forestry Assistants, Forestry Technicians, clerical staff) by performing supervisory tasks, advising, training, coaching, delegating, and ensuring appropriate staffing levels to maintain quality service.

Training and Experience
:
One year of experience at the level of Forestry Assistant with the County of Los Angeles. Experience at the level of Forestry Assistant is defined as performing nursery or field reforestation work and supervising juvenile and adult work crews in forestry projects.

License
: A…