ASSISTANT SUPERVISOR, FOREST FIRE EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE

Code: 02648 State Competitive Range: R20 (FY 2027) Work week 40: FLSA coveredOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $63,662.98 - $92,953.28/year FY 2027 schedule (last updated 2026-07-27)

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the direction of a Supervisor, Forest Fire Equipment Maintenance, or other supervisory official in the Bureau of Forest Fire Management, Department of Environmental Protection, may supervise and train staff responsible for performing work involving the construction, maintenance, transportation, operations and preventive maintenance of firefighting vehicles, heavy equipment, small equipment and stationary Forest Fire Specialized Equipment either at the shop, field or on-site of an emergency incident; assists in the administrative work involving facility operations; may be required to assist firefighting personnel in preparedness, suppression, prevention and other functions of the Forest Fire Service pursuant to N.J.S.A. 13:9; ensures compliance with applicable State and Federal codes and regulations; when required responds to emergencies around the clock and function as an emergency responder within the National Incident Management System (NIMS); does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises the maintenance of forest fire equipment; performs the mechanical work necessary to maintain equipment, including, plumbing, welding, and fabricating work for the construction of and maintenance of forest fire equipment used by the Division
• Supervises employees engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of forest fire equipment and vehicles
• Supervises and performs emergency on-site mechanical work during active forest fires when necessary
• Supervises the retrieval and transport of disabled fire suppression vehicles and/or heavy equipment
• Recommends improvements in operating procedures, work processes or administrative practices
• Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for employee evaluations and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees
• When required, purchases needed parts and/or supplies needed to keep equipment operational
• When required, provides training and instruction to maintenance specialists, equipment operators, fire observers, firewardens and other fire fighters in the proper use and care of all types of specialized fire suppression equipment either in the shop, field or on-site
• Prepares and revises work schedules
• As required, ensures code and law compliance (RTK, Hazardous Materials Handling, etc.) in accordance with State and/or Federal guidelines and regulations
• Conducts periodic field inspections of vehicles and other forest fire suppression equipment
• Supervises the operation and maintenance of two-way radio communications equipment
• Repairs computerized fuel, ignition and electronic management systems and environmental sensors, values and modules to ensure vehicles are performing economically and in accordance with state and federal clean air standards
• Participates in the Federal Excess Property Program to survey and acquire needed equipment
• Provides guidance and assistance to rural fire companies to equip vehicles for forest fire suppression and preparedness
• Assumes the role of Ground Support Unit Leader (NIMS) during large forest fires or other emergencies under supervision of the Incident Commander, when directed
• Transports firefighting equipment and apparatus during an emergency incident
• Establishes a remote site at the incident to facilitate equipment repair; under emergency fire conditions will serve in the logistics section of the Incident Management Team (IMT)
• Operates specialized firefighting equipment and vehicles, including wildland engines, tractor/plow units, chainsaws, water tenders, pumps, backfire torches, etc. required in the suppression of wildfires and/or other emergencies. May operate high volume pumps during wildfire suppression. Transports, sets up and assists in the operation of mobile incident command posts during emergency actions
• Participates in exercises and other training courses
• When required, assists in establishing remote air bases or helispots to prepare, repair and operate equipment to supports air attack operations
• Supports fire prevention and educational outreach activities, by preparing, loading and setting up displays and providing input to the staff in the safe demonstration of equipment to the public
• Prepares correspondence and reports in the course of official duty
• Maintains essential reports and files, to include, but not limited to right-to-know and hazardous materials inventory in accordance with State laws and regulations
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units

Requirements

<b>TRAINING:</b>

Successful completion of one (1) year of training in automotive technology at an accredited community college or vocational school

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in the maintenance and repair of gasoline and diesel engines, motorized vehicles and equipment, in a forest fire management organization or other recognized fire apparatus construction and maintenance shop.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the use, care and maintenance of automotive tools and equipment as well as fire suppression tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of auto mechanics, diesel engine and specialized fire equipment repair and/or operation.
• Knowledge of welding techniques.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques used in forest fire suppression, preparedness and prevention.
• Ability to interpret and apply appropriate rules and regulations, and follow procedures.
• Ability to supervise the work operations and functional programs of assigned staff.
• Ability to provide guidance and instruction to employees.
• Ability to assist organization of the logistics section during activation of the Incident Command System.
• Ability to assist firefighting personnel in forest fire suppression, preparedness, prevention, and other functions of the Forest Fire Service.
• Ability to perform maintenance and repair tasks in the shop, field, or incident location under very stressful and hazardous conditions.
• Ability to conduct the training and instruction of staff.
• Ability to draft correspondence.
• Ability to prepare reports of maintenance and repair activities.
• Ability to supervise the maintenance of records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Applicants who do not possess the required year of formal training may substitute one (1) additional year of experience as outlined above.

An Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification in one of the following specialties from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence may be substituted for the formal training: A-1 Engine Repair, A-6 Electrical/Electronic Systems, A-8 Engine Performance.

<b>LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:</b>

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.

Appointees must possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated.

The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles operated, rests with the Appointing Authority.

In accordance with Federal Regulation 82:40, appointees responsible for the repair of servicing of motor vehicle air conditioners will be required to obtain and maintain a valid Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician Certification, commensurate with the type of equipment services, issued by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency.

In accordance with the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulation 29 CFR 1910.178(l)(1), appointees responsible for the operation of industrial trucks (powered forklifts) will be required to obtain and maintain a current certification as a Powered Industrial Truck Operator issued by the New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Appointees may be required to successfully complete retraining.

In accordance with NJAC 13:20-45.16, applicants responsible for performing emissions repairs to gasoline-fueled vehicles must possess a current certification as an Emissions Repair Technician.

In accordance with NJAC 13:20-43.17, applicants responsible for performing emissions inspections to motor vehicles must possess a current certification as a Motor Vehicle Emissions Inspector.

Affected appointees are required to maintain valid certifications, and successfully complete the re-certification processes within the timeframes mandated by statute.

<b>SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:</b>

Appointees will be required to obtain and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification as a forest fire fighter and Ground Support Unit Leader (NIMS) issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

In accordance with NJSA 13:9-7.1 appointees will be required to obtain and maintain certification as a Wildland Fire Instructor as issued by the Department of Environmental Protection.

In accordance with N.J.S.A. 5:73-1.6(b), 8 &amp; (d), effective February 17, 2000, appointees will be required to obtain a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Division of Fire Safety.

Appointees will be required to meet, obtain and maintain forest fire fighting requirements in accordance with the Department of Environmental Protection position training guidelines on an annual basis. Failure to maintain requirements will result in progressive disciplinary action.