Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING

Position Number:  00083722

Description Activated On:  1/8/2026 3:41:11 PM


Position Purpose:
Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. 

This is a professional wildland fire response position within Clear Creek Forest District. The purpose of this position is performing in wildland fire work which includes conducting wildfire prevention, pre-suppression, suppression, investigation, and prescribed fires. The position will also assist with performing state forest maintenance projects.

Description of Duties:
Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Assist with the wildland fire program within the Clear Creek Forest District.

Obtain and maintain NWCG and Bureau of Forestry qualifications for Type 5 Incident Commander, Type 3 Burn Boss, and State Forest Fire Warden.

Wildfire Pre-suppression/Planning:
Assist with development of wildfire risk assessments and pre-response planning
Maintain in ready condition all vehicles, tools, equipment, and communication devices for wildfire response
Establish working relationships with cooperating agencies and communities.
Assist with the wildfire suppression plan for inclusion in the district wildfire resource plan
Assist in the delivery of wildfire trainings for both staff and the public, including but not limited to FI-110, L-180, RT-130, S-130, S-190, S-211.
Attend all required trainings for certifications and updates

Wildfire Suppression:
Assist with the response to all detected or reported wildfires
Act as initial attack incident commander when assigned
Response to reported wildfires; use and understand the Incident Command System; size up and determine method of initial attack and suppression tactics.
Conduct a fire size up to determine initial attack and suppression methods
Coordinate and direct needed suppression resources, including aircraft
Coordinate unified command with responding VFDs and other agencies when necessary

Wildfire prevention:
Assist with identifying and reducing wildfire fuel hazards
Assist with coordinating community prevention and mitigation programs
Present wildfire information and education programs
Assist with wildfire prevention programs

Prescribed Fire:
Assist with assessing potential prescribed burn sites
Gather information and desired objectives for prescribed burns, and assist with preparing prescribed burn plans
Assist with site preparation and hazard mitigation for approved burn plans.
Assist with implementing approved prescribed burn plans

State Forest Operations and Maintenance:
Coordinate with Forest Maintenance Crew, as directed, to complete maintenance projects
Maintain and operate equipment for maintenance tasks

Other similar duties as required.

Decision Making:
Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

Position requires independent thinking and decision making
Decision making required for planning and conducting wildfire suppression
Decisions that are outside scope of work, fireline qualifications, standard operating procedures, and/or bureau policy are referred to a supervisor

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:



Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1. 
  Class C Driver's License
 
2.  
N/A
 
3.  
N/A
 
4.  
N/A
 
5.  
N/A
 
6.  
N/A

Essential Functions
: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
 
 1. Frequently traverse steep, rough, uneven terrain and perform arduous outdoor activities in all weather conditions, sometimes carrying up to 50 lbs
 2. Professionally participate in all aspects of wildfire prevention, pre-suppression, suppression, post-suppression, and prescribed fire.
 3. Work extended hours and overtime shifts
 4. Professional and skilled use of wildfire suppression tools and equipment
 5. Safely operate and maintain a motor vehicle, Off-Highway-Vehicles, and specialized fire equipment.
 6. Effectively use computers, radios, GPS, and other IT devices
 7. Effectively communicate verbally and in writing
 8. Learn and apply Commonwealth and Bureau of Forestry rules, policies, and procedures, and observe safety and health requirements.
 9. Establish and maintain working relationships with district staff, other Forestry and outside agency staff, fire wardens, and VFDs.
 10. Direct and lead district employees on wildland and prescribed fires, as qualified and assigned.