State of Idaho is hiring: Seasonal Forestry Positions - Ponderosa in Deary

Seasonal Forestry Positions – Ponderosa (Deary)

The Idaho Department of Lands is looking for seasonal forestry workers to support the department's mission of sustainably managing Idaho's Endowment Lands. These positions are integral to timber sales and reforestation efforts, generating revenue for Idaho’s public schools and other beneficiaries. Various roles are available, ranging from Resource Aide I to Resource Technician.

Positions last 3 to 8 months, starting as early as April 2026 and ending as late as November 2026, depending on the role and state needs. For more information, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/ and for area contact information, visit https://www.idl.idaho.gov/about-us/supervisory-areas/.

Physical Requirements

• Meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
• Must be able to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours daily.
• Failure to meet the required physical qualifications will disqualify you for employment.

Resource Aide I

The Resource Aide I is an entry‑level position in resource management. Duties include preparing timber sales and forest management projects, assisting in prescribed burning operations, and operating light vehicles, chainsaws, and ATV/UTVs.

Pay

Starting rate is $16.39 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties

• Assist with timber management and forest management projects.
• Cruising and marking, GPS boundaries.
• Conduct stocking surveys and take thinning plots.
• Cone collection and planting plots.
• Data entry, equipment maintenance, prescribed burning.
• Facility maintenance and road inventory.

Minimum Qualifications

• No previous experience required.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours daily.
• Knowledge of radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must be able to keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a manual transmission vehicle.
• Some knowledge of computer processing and data recording.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Aide II

The Resource Aide II is a trained resource manager who prepares timber sales and forest management projects. May lead a small crew and assist in prescribed burning operations and wildfire suppression.

Pay

Starting rate is $17.48 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties

• Assist with timber management and forest management projects.
• Cruising and marking, GPS boundaries.
• Conduct stocking surveys and take thinning plots.
• Cone collection and planting plots.
• Data entry, equipment maintenance, prescribed burning.
• Facility maintenance and road inventory.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) months experience in a resource‑related field and/or a minimum one (1) year of college or comparable education.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours daily.
• Knowledge of radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a manual transmission vehicle.
• Proficiency in computer processing and data recording.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Foreman

The Resource Foreman supervises and trains Resource Aides I and II in preparation of resource management projects. Responsible for coordinating activities, monitoring performance, and maintaining documentation.

Pay

Starting rate is $18.57 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties

• Supervise and train personnel; maintain records.
• Monitor and evaluate performance, organize and coordinate personnel to complete projects.
• Gather and compile data; work independently on specialized projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two (2) seasons of previous experience in a resource‑related field or one (1) season plus two (2) years of college education.
• Ability to read, write and communicate effectively.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours daily.
• Knowledge of radio, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment.
• Must keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a manual transmission vehicle.
• Proficiency in computer processing, GIS/GPS interface and data recording.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

Resource Technician

The Resource Technician prepares and administers limited‑scope resource management projects independently, including direct sales, forest management projects, pre‑commercial thinning, surveys, and planting.

Pay

Starting rate is $19.66 per hour, depending on experience.

Example of Job Duties

• Supervise and train personnel.
• Prepare and administer limited‑scope resource management projects such as direct sales and forest management projects.
• Assist in administration of contracts using Idaho Forest Practices Act.
• Monitor and evaluate projects; work independently on specialized projects.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of four (4) seasons of previous experience in a resource‑related field or a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field or two seasons plus two years of college education.
• Strong knowledge of forest practices, GIS/GPS applications, aerial photos, maps, surveying equipment, timber marking and cruising equipment, data recording, and computer processing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to perform strenuous work for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to walk over rough and steep terrain for eight to twelve hours daily.
• Must keep accurate and legible notes and project records.
• A valid driver’s license; may be required to operate a manual transmission vehicle.
• Minimum age 18 years.
• May be required to pass a Work Capacity Test for wildland firefighting qualifications.

EEO/ADA/Veteran Statement

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals based on veteran or disability status, and on race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or other status protected under applicable laws. Access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request. If you require an accommodation, please contact (208) 334‑2263 (TTY/TTD: 711) or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov. Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws.

Seniority Level

Entry level

Employment Type

Other

Job Function

Other

Industries: Government Administration