Effective February 2016
Forest Crew Member

Position Title: Forest Crew Member (15 positions)
Department: Resource Management & Protection
Employment Status: Non-Exempt Payrate: $15.00/hour
Opening Date: May 7, 2024 Closing Date: May 20,2024
Job Summary
Primary job is to cut trees daily to restore, mitigate, protect, develop, and maintain the health and resiliency of
the Tribe’s forestlands and natural resources.
This position description may not include all of the listed duties, nor do all of the listed examples include all tasks which
may be found or assigned to this position.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reduces tree densities and the buildup of hazardous fuels, as well as improve growth of understory
vegetation. Creates fuel break lines to reduce forest fires.

Implements watershed restoration projects to increase groundwater yield.
Cuts trees and conducts follow up treatments according to the contract funding specifications and

silvicultural guidelines.
Follows marking, spacing, and cutting guidelines provided by Squad Bosses, Crew Supervisors and

Supervisory Foresters to achieve desired densities and forest structure after treatment. Crew Members
must be able to work as a team to achieve these objectives and to provide a safe working environment
for coworkers.

Uses variety of hand tools and power tools including chainsaws, sharpeners, axes, and possibly chippers
during performance of duties.

Keeps equipment and supplies in a safe and well-controlled area.
Observes safety rules to ensure and maintain a safe work environment.
May assist with laying out project units, flagging boundaries and mapping units as needed.
Drives to and from work site each day; ensures all equipment needed for the day such as tools, personal

protective equipment (PPE), gas and oil are loaded prior to leaving. Checks to ensure tools, PPE, vehicles
and equipment are in proper working order; reports defects and broken parts found on equipment.
Cleans saw at end of each day.

Finishes each project in a timely manner.
May assist with prescribed burning projects and wildland firefighting efforts, if incumbent has

appropriate Red Card qualifications and as cutting schedules allow.
May provide disaster response and relief services for incidents, such as wildfires, floods, hurricanes,

earthquakes, or search & recovery.
May assist with reforestation efforts.
Performs other duties as needed.

MESCALERO APACHE TRIBE
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Effective February 2016
Forest Crew Member

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED preferred.
Knowledge of chainsaw use and applicable safety guidelines.
Must be in good physical condition.
Federal Red Card certification for wildland firefighting is preferred, but not required.
Must be 18 years of age or older.
Knowledge of reservation lands is preferred.
Preference given to applicants that have a valid NM Driver’s License. If applicants do not have a valid

license or do not meet Tribal insurance requirements regarding moving violations, then they will not be
permitted to drive a Tribal vehicle and will not be eligible to move up to Squad Boss or higher.

Must be willing to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Tribal member preference and Native American Indian preference shall apply to all positions. However, if we do not
have enough Tribal applicants, we will consider and hire non-Indians to meet funding contract obligations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of occupational hazards and applicable safety practices.
Knowledge of proper safety techniques
Skill in operating tools, equipment such as hand tools, power tools, chain saw, and dozer.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain professional relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural

backgrounds and with co-workers at all levels.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
Ability to accomplish tasks within strict deadlines.
Ability to operate and maintain equipment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand; walk; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stoop, kneel, crouch,
or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to sit; climb or balance; and smell. The
employee must lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
Work Environment:
Work is generally performed outdoors. Exposure to natural weather conditions and various dusts and mists
may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on uneven surfaces or unstable
ground. Must be able to hike into project areas. Situations where 8-inch top work boots, safety goggles, gloves,
protective face shields, or hardhats are needed will occur. Travel within the reservation area is required.