Seasonal Forestry Positions - Ponderosa

Description

Idaho Department of Lands
Seasonal Forestry Positions- Ponderosa (Deary)

Join the Idaho Department of Lands Timber Team! Forestry seasonal positions support IDL’s mission of sustainably managing Idaho’s Endowment Lands. These positions are integral to timber sales and reforestation efforts, which generate revenue for Idaho’s public schools and other beneficiaries. Numerous openings are available!

Positions last 3 to 8 months, starting as early as April 2026 and ending as late as November 2026, depending on the role and state needs. To learn more about these exciting opportunities, please visit our website: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/

For area contact information, please visit our website: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-us/supervisory-areas/

Physical Requirements:

• The duties of these positions require that the applicant meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level. To learn more click here: https://www.idl.idaho.gov/fire-management/fire-training-for-loggers-and-industrial-foresters/work-capacity-test/
• Must have the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours on a daily basis.
• Failure to meet the required physical qualifications will disqualify you for employment

Resource Aide I

The Resource Aide I is an entry-level position in resource management. Performs and assists in resource management projects and activities such as preparation of timber sales and forest management projects by using some knowledge of forest measurement technology, dendrology, pathology, and entomology. May assist in prescribed burning operations and the suppression of wildland fires. May be required to operate light vehicles, chainsaws, and ATV/UTVs.

Pay: Starting rate is $16.39 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Assist with Timber Management and Forest Management projects
• Cruising and marking, GPS boundaries
• Conduct stocking surveys, take thinning plots
• Cone collection, planting, planting plots
• Data entry, equipment maintenance, prescribed burning
• Facility maintenance, and road inventory.

Minimum Qualifications:

• No previous experience required.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours on a daily basis.
• Ability to learn use of radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must be able to keep accurate and legible notes, and project records.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to learn how to operate a manual transmission vehicle may be required.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and use, and data recording.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Aide II

The Resource Aide II is an individual trained in resource management. Performs and assists in resource management projects and activities such as preparation of timber sales and forest management projects by using knowledge of forest measurement technology, dendrology, pathology, and entomology. May perform as a leader of a small crew in the absence of a crew foreman and assist with training. May assist in prescribed burning operations and the suppression of wildland fires. May be required to operate light vehicles, chainsaws, and ATV/UTVs.

Pay: Starting rate is $17.48 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Assist with Timber Management and Forest Management projects
• Cruising and marking, GPS boundaries
• Conduct stocking surveys, take thinning plots
• Cone collection, planting, planting plots
• Data entry, equipment maintenance, prescribed burning
• Facility maintenance, and road inventory.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Have a minimum of three (3) months experience in a resource related field and/or a minimum one (1) year of college or comparable education in a resource related field.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours on a daily basis.
• Ability to learn use of radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must be able to keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to learn how to operate a manual transmission vehicle may be required.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Foreman

A Resource Foreman is an individual trained in resource management. Supervises and trains Resource Aide I and Resource Aide II personnel in the preparation of resource management projects by using knowledge of forest measurement technology, dendrology, pathology, and entomology. Coordinates activities, monitors and evaluates the performance of personnel. Maintains accurate documentation and records while performing the lead role. May assist in prescribed burning operations and the suppression of wildland fires. May be required to operate light vehicles, chainsaws, and ATV/UTVs.

Pay: Starting rate is $18.57 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Supervise and train personnel, maintain records
• Monitor and evaluate performance, organize and coordinate personnel to complete resource management projects
• Gather and compile data, and work independently on specialized projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of two (2) seasons previous experience in a resource related field OR one (1) season previous experience and two (2) years of college education in a resource related field.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours on a daily basis.
• Ability to use radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must be able to keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to learn how to operate a manual transmission vehicle may be required.
• Good knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Technician

The Resource Technician is an individual trained in resource management. Prepares and administers limited-scope resource management projects such as Direct Sales, and forest management projects independently by using a wide range of forestry, technology, and communications skills. May supervise and assist in the training of temporary personnel. May assist in prescribed burning operations and the suppression of wildland fires. May be required to operate light vehicles, chainsaws, and ATV/UTVs.

Pay: Starting rate is $19.66 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties:

• Supervise and train personnel
• Prepare and administer limited-scope resource management projects such as Direct Sales, Forest Management Projects, Pre-Commercial Thinning, surveys, planting
• Assist in the administration of contracts using Idaho Forest Practices Act
• Monitor and evaluate projects, and work independently on specialized projects.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a minimum of four (4) seasons previous experience in a resource related field OR possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in a resource related field OR two (2) seasons previous experience AND two (2) years of college education in a resource related field.
• Must have good knowledge of forest practices, GIS/GPS applications, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment, data recording, and computer processing.
• Ability to read and write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must have the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours on a daily basis.
• Must be able to keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license with the ability to learn how to operate a manual transmission vehicle may be required.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.