DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  2105 N. Citrus Rd.
Goodyear, AZ 85395

Salary: $16.4525 - $23.7982 hourly 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until filled. Next review of resumes: November 6, 2024.

The Squad Leader will supervise and lead the work activities of one ten-person forestry squad consisting of Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) inmates. Work will include implementing forestry-related work, transporting squad members from the ADCRR facility to the worksite and back each day, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and inventorying equipment and supplies. It will also include documenting squad member time, incident records, training accomplishments, productivity metrics, and receipts.

• Supervise and lead the work activities of one ten-person forestry squad consisting of Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) inmates.

• Document squad member time, incident records, training accomplishments, productivity metrics, and receipts. Recruit, train, and motivate squad members.

• Training will be performed at the worksite as well as the Arizona State Prison Complex where squad members are housed. Train and prepare squad members to successfully pass an arduous pack test which consists of a 3-mile hike with a 45-pound pack over level terrain within 45 minutes.

• Manage the needs and concerns of squad members in a firm, fair, and consistent manner.

• Perform and supervise forestry-related work which includes carrying and using a 20 pound saw for an extended period of time, felling trees and thinning brush; carrying a 40 pound backpack filled with gear and supplies; hiking in rough and steep terrain, and in inclement weather; vigorous digging, lifting, dragging, scattering and piling of brush; camping outdoors with few amenities; applying herbicide with supervision.

• Implement the Incident Command System and coordinate activities with law enforcement, ADCRR, and DFFM staff.

• Participate in safety and compliance inspections, respond to emergencies, and perform on-call tasks as directed by the Crew Supervisor.

• Transport squad members to and from prison complex and worksite, driving long distances in a van with 10 passengers, maintaining vehicles and equipment, and inventory equipment and supplies.

• Drive on State business.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Managing an inmate work crew.
• Timber harvesting and brush removal.
• Safety protocols in forestry, transportation, and machine use.
• Incident Command System.
• Inventory and procurement.

Skills in:

• Leadership.
• Organization and prioritization.
• Timekeeping and expense (receipt) management.
• Chainsaw operation.

Ability to:

• Supervise, lead and motivate crew members.
• Complete physically challenging tasks.
• Hike in rough and steep terrain and inclement weather for an extended period of time.
• Become first aid and CPR certified.
• To drive on State business.
• To be fair and equitable.
• To be able to work 10 - 12 hour shifts and weekends.

Previous experience managing people.

Employment is contingent on the selected applicant passing a background investigation.

A valid Arizona Driver's License.

Any employee operating a motor vehicle on State business must possess and retain a current, valid class-appropriate driver’s license, complete all required training, and successfully pass all necessary driver’s license record checks. The license must be current, unexpired, and neither revoked nor suspended. Employees who drive on state business are subject to driver’s license record checks, must maintain acceptable driving records, and must complete all required driver training. An employee who operates a personally owned vehicle on state business shall maintain the statutorily required liability insurance (see Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R2-10-207.11).

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

The Arizona Department of Administration offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:
Affordable medical, dental, life, and short-term disability insurance plans
Top-ranked retirement and long-term disability plans
10 paid holidays per year
Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program, learn more at hr.az.gov/family-leave-expansion).
Vacation time accrued at 4.00 hours bi-weekly for the first 3 years
Sick time accrued at 3.70 hours bi-weekly
Deferred compensation plan
Wellness plans
Tuition reimbursement eligible after one year of employment

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).

Participation is a mandatory condition of employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria as defined in statute.

Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

The current contribution rate is 12.29%

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Morgan Lee at mlee@dffm.az.gov for assistance.

The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Persons with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation such as a sign language interpreter or an alternative format by calling (602) 771-1457. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.