DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE MANAGEMENT

Address:  38322 US HIGHWAY 80
St. Johns, AZ 85936

Salary: $16.4525 - $23.7982 

Grade: 18

Closing Date: Open until filled (Resumes will be reviewed on July 31, 2025)

The Squad Leader (SL) will supervise and lead the work activities of one ten-person forestry squad consisting of Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR) inmates. Duties will include managing workplace culture and teamwork; ensuring a safe and equitable workplace; and adhering to policies, regulations, and protocols. The SL will guide expectations, behaviors, interactions, and performance of the squad and will evaluate the performance of squad members. 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. The SL will implement the Incident Command System and coordinate activities with law enforcement, ADCRR, and DFFM staff. The SL will participate in safety and compliance inspections, respond to emergencies, and perform other tasks as directed by their Crew Supervisor. The SL is responsible for recruitment, training, and motivation of squad members.

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. 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, maintenance of chainsaw, felling trees and thinning brush; hiking in rough and steep terrain, and in inclement weather; vigorous digging, lifting, dragging, scattering and piling of brush; camping outdoors with few amenities. Safely and effectively apply herbicides to control unwanted vegetation, utilizing appropriate products, methods, and equipment for different site conditions. Ensure compliance with the State of Arizona and Federal regulations and safety standards while maintaining accurate records of herbicide use and environmental conditions.

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 other 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, maintain vehicles and equipment, and inventory equipment and supplies.

Other duties as assigned as related to the position.

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.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Familiar with how local weather patterns impact herbicide effectiveness and safe application.

Skills in:

• Leadership Organization and prioritization.
• Detail-oriented Timekeeping and expense (receipt) management.
• Chainsaw operation and maintenance.
• Communication skills both verbal and written.
• Proficient in safe herbicide handling, mixing, and disposal, with expertise in operating, calibrating, and maintaining application equipment.
• Strong decision-making Assess site conditions, select appropriate herbicides, and ensure compliance with guidelines.

Ability to:

• Train, 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, weekends and overnight camping.
• Apply herbicide products, application methods, and equipment, including preemergent and post-emergent chemicals, as well as Arizona-specific environmental regulations and safety standards.
• To perform demanding outdoor tasks while following safety and regulatory standards.

Previous experience managing people. Previous experience operating and maintaining a chainsaw. Herbicide Licenses.

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).

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

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

The State of Arizona provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package including:

• 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

By providing the option of a full-time or part-time remote work schedule, employees enjoy improved work/life balance, report higher job satisfaction, and are more productive. Remote work is a management option and not an employee entitlement or right. An agency may terminate a remote work agreement at its discretion.

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).

Please note, enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact David Barney at dbarney@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) 771-1419. Requests should be made as early as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.