Job Posting: Forestry Aide - Demonstration State Forests (DSF)

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection

JC-529137
-
Forestry Aide - Demonstration State Forests (DSF)
FORESTRY AIDE

$3,744.00 - $4,630.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 10/16/2026

Job Description and Duties

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is recruiting to fill any vacant Forestry Aide positions at the following Demonstration State Forests:

  • Jackson Demonstration State Forest, Mendocino County
  • LaTour Demonstration State Forest, Shasta County
  • Boggs Mountain Demonstration State Forest, Lake County
  • Emigrant Gap Demonstration State Forest, Placer County
  • Mountain Home Demonstration State Forest, Tulare County
The following forest is not currently hiring. If you only select this forest on your work location form, you will not be considered for any other vacancies and may not be included in the process:
  • Soquel Demonstration State Forest, Santa Cruz County

All appointments are temporary and will not become permanent. Students looking for summer jobs, graduate students, or individuals who meet the minimum qualifications listed below are encouraged to apply.

Typical Tasks

In the fields of forestry, fire prevention, or natural resource management, the Forestry Aide position provides subprofessional assistance and usually works under the supervision of a Registered Professional Forester. Examples of work tasks include, but are not limited to: general timber harvest plan (THP) field preparation work, timber marking, cruising, flagging watercourses, pest control, forest engineering, recreation management, campground maintenance, establishing and measuring sample plots, resource surveys, seed processing, and nursery operations. Forestry Aides may also perform facilities, grounds or equipment operations, maintenance, and minor repairs. 

It is anticipated that Forestry Aide appointments may last from 3 to 9 months. The Forestry Aide classification is a seasonal class where only temporary appointments are made. In accordance with the California State Constitution, no person may serve in one or more position in state service under a temporary appointment longer than 9 months in 12 consecutive months. Therefore, all time served in temporary appointments for any state agency during the 12-consecutive month period will count towards this 9-month maximum.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

The incumbent typically is required to perform psychologically stressful and/or physically demanding duties consistent with firefighting, disaster response, and emergency medical response, including working in isolated areas, walking or running on uneven, rough terrain, and remaining on duty 24 hours or longer without a break while performing these duties.

Maintains the Arduous Fitness Standard in accordance with department policy.

May be subject to working nights, weekends, or holidays to complete duties.

Statement of Qualifications

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to elicit information regarding each applicant’s interest and experience in relation to this position. Please review the linked document for details and a sample of format requirements: SOQ - Forestry Aide DSF

Instructions: The SOQ must include a header with Name (Last, First), CalCareers ID#, JC-# and Classification on the top left side of every page. The document must be titled “Statement of Qualifications”. Page numbers are required and must follow the example formatting: “Page X of X” in footer at the bottom of each page. The SOQ shall not exceed 3 pages in length, single-spaced, in Arial size 12 font with normal (one inch) margins. Responses must be numbered and must be in the same order as listed.

Be sure your final submission follows all listed instructions and addresses each part of every prompt. Applicants that do not follow instructions or do not provide relevant, sufficient responses will be considered no longer interested and will not move forward in the process. Resumes, cover letters/other letters, or other materials will not be accepted for consideration as responses to the SOQ requirement. Please address the following prompts:

  1. Describe how your background, experience, education, and/or training qualify you to perform the duties of this position based on the Typical Tasks listed on the CalHR - Forestry Aide (1060) Class Specifications.
  2. Please describe why you are interested in working as a Demonstration State Forest (DSF) Forestry Aide and how obtaining this position will contribute to the advancement of your long-term career goals. How does your unique interest set you apart from other applicants, and what makes you the best candidate for the position? 
  3. The CAL FIRE Demonstration State Forest program website offers information pertaining to the function and benefits of the program. In your own words, please describe the purpose of the DSF program, how the program benefits the California public, and how this helps to accomplish the mission of the department.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-529137
Position #(s):
542-000-1060-910
Working Title:
Forestry Aide - Demonstration State Forests (DSF)
Classification:
FORESTRY AIDE
$3,744.00 - $4,630.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
In Office
Job Type:
Non-Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is California's fire department and resource management agency. The organization is comprised of nearly 12,000 permanent and seasonal employees. The mission of the Department is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property and resources of California.
When you join CAL FIRE, you join a family of employees that function as a team. You will build trust and friendship with your co-workers as together you respond to emergencies and challenging situations. CAL FIRE provides employees with a variety of career choices and opportunities. We hope that you will consider a rewarding and challenging career with CAL FIRE!
Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.

The incumbent is required to wear respiratory protection equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The use of such equipment may place a physiological burden on the incumbent that varies with the type of equipment used, the job and workplace conditions in which the equipment is used, and the medical status of the incumbent. As such, California Occupational Safety and Health Administration (CalOSHA) requires that the incumbent be annually medically cleared to be fit-tested for respiratory protection equipment. This clearance process consists of a comprehensive medical evaluation including a review of the incumbent’s medical history, a complete physical examination, and vision, hearing, spirometry, and exercise treadmill tests.

The individual must have sufficient strength, stamina, dexterity and agility to perform repetitive gripping, lifting, balancing, bending, stooping, squatting, running, walking, climbing, jumping and twisting. Employee must be capable of pushing and pulling with both upper and lower extremities, bilaterally.

Minimum Qualifications

The Minimum Qualifications of the Forestry Aide classification are as follows:

Either I: Education: Completion of at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units from a recognized school or university in forestry or fire science, natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related subject.

Or II: Experience: Three months of experience with public or private entities performing subprofessional work in forestry, fire prevention, fire suppression and control, natural resource management, or other related work.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 10/16/2026

Who May Apply

This is a non-testing Classification, therefore, anyone meeting the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification may apply for this position. Individuals in specific programs, such as the Welfare to Work Program, are encouraged to apply and will be given priority according to the applicable Laws and Rules. Please note on your application your current participation in these programs.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: Forestry Aide DSF Hiring
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of Forestry & Fire Protection
CAL FIRE Northern Region Hiring
Attn: Forestry Aide DSF Hiring
135 Ridgway Avenue
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is required and must be included.
  • Other - Authorization to Release Information Form (PO-299).  This form may be found at: PO-299
  • Other - Forestry Aide - Demonstration State Forest (DSF) Work Location Form (WLF): Forestry Aide DSF - WLF
  • Other - Copy of the front and back of your valid driver’s license of the appropriate class issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Other - If you are meeting minimum qualifications using education, please provide a copy of your college transcripts indicating completion of at least 12 semester units or 18 quarter units from a recognized accredited college or university in forestry or fire science, natural resource management, conservation, or a closely related subject for verification.
  • Statement of Qualifications - A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required to elicit information regarding each applicant’s interest and experience in relation to this position. Please see the instructions and follow the example to submit an SOQ responding to each of the given prompts: SOQ - Forestry Aide DSF 
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

A valid Driver's License would be beneficial in this position but is not required.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

This classification is eligible to receive the Fire Mission Pay Differential (59). Employees in this classification are subject to the appropriate pay increase during peak staffing effective upon the transition to peak staffing in the employee’s Unit and shall be discontinued during base staffing. Incident assigment is contingent upon operational need and supervisor approval.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Department Website: www.fire.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Northern Region Hiring
(707) 576-2275

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Reasonable Accommodation Coordinator
(916) 767-8359
ReasonableAccommodations@fire.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Demonstration State Forest Information

For more information on the Demonstration State Forests, please view the following link:

Demonstration State Forests | CAL FIRE

For specific information regarding an individual Demonstration State Forest, please contact:

Boggs Mountain (707) 928-4378
Jackson (707) 964-5674
LaTour (530) 225-2505
Mountain Home (559) 539-2855
Soquel (831) 475-8643
Emigrant Gap (530) 889-0111

For general assistance and questions, contact Forester III Justin Britton by phone at (916) 224-7337 or by email at Justin.Britton@fire.ca.gov.

Additional Information

You must submit a completed application package that includes: State Application (STD. 678), resume, Authorization to Release Information (PO-299), Forestry Aide (DSF) Work Location Form (WLF), a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ), and any other relevant documents that substantiates you meet the minimum qualifications of the position (such as college transcript(s), copy of degree(s), etc.). Failure to submit a complete package that follows all instructions will result in a waiver; candidates will be considered no longer interested and will not move forward in the recruitment process. The minimum qualifications (MQs) can be found in the Forestry Aide Classification Specifications.

To obtain an Examination / Employment Application Form STD 678, go to the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website at: http://jobs.ca.gov/pdf/std678.pdf

Due to postal service delays, electronic submission of application packages through your CalCareers account is recommended. 

If you submit an electronic application package and need to amend any documents submitted, please only submit the corrected document(s) by mail, and not the entire application package, by the final filing date. Documents postmarked after the final filing date will not be accepted.

As stated on the application, your original signature certifies that the information entered on your application is true and complete to the best of your knowledge under penalty of perjury. For this reason, application packages will be accepted only by mail, dropped off in person, and electronically through your CalCareers account, and not by FAX or email. No applications or application documents will be accepted by email.

Failure to complete and sign any portion of the required application package or submit any of the required documents shall result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Candidates may be selected by resume review. 

 Start dates will vary depending on availability and individual forest openings. 


Applicants are highly encouraged to complete a Recruitment Questionnaire, located at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLYSH8V

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job