SUPERVISOR FOREST FIRE EQUIPMENT

Code: 02658 State Competitive Range: S26 (FY 2027) Work week N4: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $83,582.01 - $122,831.91/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 the Chief, Bureau of Forest Fire Management, Department of Environmental Protection, or other supervisory official, takes the lead in planning, implementing, and providing technical supervision for Bureau equipment, research and development, construction, and maintenance program; submits a proposed budget to management; monitors expenditures, purchasing and bids; ensures compliance; supervise staff in the construction, maintenance, transportation, operation and/or preventative maintenance of firefighting vehicles, heavy equipment, small equipment and stationary Forest Fire Specialized Equipment either in the shop, field or on-site of an emergency incident; 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; when required, responds to emergencies around the clock and functions as an emergency responder within the National Incident Management System (NIMS); does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises the construction and maintenance work on forestry and fire fighting vehicular, mobile, engine driven, and related major mechanical and small hand equipment
• Supervises cooperative maintenance research projects, acquisitions, and maintenance of all equipment records, computations, cost studies, and work load analysis in the area of equipment design, construction and maintenance
• Ensures all vehicles and equipment are operational and safe
• Develops plans and specifications for forest fire suppression equipment construction and maintenance, conducts periodic field inspections of utilization and field installations to investigate problem areas and to develop corrective design measures
• Develops and reviews long and short range maintenance plans and inventories to advance the overall quality and effectiveness of the maintenance and/or forest fire suppression equipment programs
• Revises the list of resources, plans of organization, and list of cooperators on an annual basis
• Develops and revises comprehensive preventive maintenance plans annually from analyzed records and personal knowledge of operations
• Contacts vendors and research development groups in the maintenance field to keep apprised of equipment development
• Plans and develops safety and administrative training programs for all personnel involved in maintenance activities including the preparation of lesson plans, exhibits, posters, photographs or related visual aids
• Organizes assigned technical and supervisory work, analyses forest fire control equipment and maintenance problems, and develops effective work programs and procedures for the equipment and maintenance unit
• Supervises 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
• Provides assignments, instructions, technical directions and supervision to assigned unit employees
• Prepares and/or reviews and supervises the preparation of collective and individual reports, maintenance reports, bills, inventory, budget accounting and routing paper work
• Supervises the processing, investigation, and resolution of all accidents involving Bureau vehicles
• Organizes and directs the gathering and review of damage appraisal data with respect to mechanical, structural or other problem losses due to mechanical failure
• Jointly manages the Federal Excess Personal Property Program involving the development of written cooperative agreements with public and private agencies, and the monitoring of Federal excess equipment, and any transfer arrangements
• Establishes priorities necessary for the maintenance and physical improvement of Bureau maintenance shops and grounds. Surveys these areas to evaluate repair and improvement needs
• Provides technical expertise to law enforcement agencies in connection with equipment theft, destruction, or vandalism; acts as an expert witness in court actions
• Supervises the maintenance, installation, and replacement of radio communications systems in State Forestry Services vehicles; secures frequency checks
• Supervises the maintenance, storage, acquisition, and minor repair and replacement of all fire control equipment and weather instruments
• Prepares and activates plans of action necessary to reduce physical hazards in shop operations; provides aggressive and prompt investigation of personnel-caused equipment accidents, complaints, or other attendant problems
• Prepares detailed purchase applications for forest fire vehicles, equipment, and repair parts, and for buildings and grounds maintenance work to be scheduled
• Collects data for the forest fire equipment and buildings and grounds maintenance sections of the Bureau budget; prepares these portions of the budget for the Bureau Chief's review and approval
• Conducts and/or participates in agency and U.S. Forest Service reviews; inspects and evaluates maintenance personnel and the maintenance organization to ensure compliance with State and Federal regulations and standards
• Participates in reviews of annual problem fires or situations with key bureau personnel and attempts to establish all operational deficiencies in mechanical equipment
• Participates in meetings on insect and disease control projects, prescribed burning, fireline maintenance, and aviation programs concerning mobilization, maintenance and demobilization of equipment requirements
• Conducts technical studies and analyses to develop more effective fire management equipment and administrative functions
• 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 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
• Supervises the establishment of remote air bases or helispots to prepare, repair and operate equipment to support 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
• Supervises the maintenance of essential records and files
• 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
• <b><i>DURING A MAJOR FOREST FIRE: IN THE CAPACITY OF LOGISTICS CHIEF</i>:</b>
• During a major forest fire, assumes the key role of Logistics Chief, and under supervision of the Incident Commander is responsible for furnishing facilities and services called for in the plan of control for the fire, including communication, transportation, supply, and camp management
• Establishes, maintains, and operates fire camps, assigning and supervising personnel needed to operate the camps; obtains information from planning section on camp location, but may independently plan the camp locations needed for service of the line; when independent plan is made, review by Incident Commander, planning section, or operations section will precede the establishment of camps
• Furnishes personnel, tools, and specialized equipment as ordered; anticipates requirements in general terms; determines and obtains rations and bedding
• Obtains, services and operates a transportation fleet, including aircraft, to transport personnel, supplies, and specialized forest fire equipment such as bulldozers, graders, marsh master and wide tracks
• Establishes and fills position of communication officer
• Place orders and dispatch crews and equipment according to instructions; responsible for the line forces until delivered to the place and/or person called for in the instructions
• Determines the organization, equipment, and supply requirements of the logistics section
• Determines source, quantity, and type of resources available for assignment
• Consults with dispatching agency and the planning section to determine a priority of release for personnel and equipment. Arranges for prompt processing and transportation to destination
• Supervises the work of support staff and/or service branches
• Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of technical correspondence and/or informative reports on Bureau equipment, buildings and grounds maintenance work containing findings, conclusions and recommendations

Requirements

<b>TRAINING:</b>

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

Experience

Seven (7) years of experience in the field of forest fire prevention and/or control, three (3) years of which shall have included the operation, maintenance and repair of forest firefighting equipment, one (1) year of which shall have involved supervisory responsibilities.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of automotive and diesel mechanics, fleet maintenance, vehicular construction, equipment tolerance and/or operation.
• Knowledge of the methods used to collect in data collection and prepare of budget requests for equipment, buildings and/or grounds maintenance.
• Knowledge of the methods used to maintain an inventory control system for a widely dispersed motor vehicle operation.
• Knowledge of the methods used in inspect field mechanical equipment, to determine the need for repair, adjustment or replacement.
• Knowledge of the equipment used to combat forest fires.
• Knowledge of forest fire fighting techniques
• Knowledge of current operating policies, procedures, rules and regulations regarding purchasing equipment and/or supplies.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Ability to interpret laws, rules and regulations and apply them to specific situations.
• Ability to plan, develop, and teach formal and informal courses in the technical maintenance of forest fire equipment.
• Ability to organize and implement major forest fire equipment and logistics chief functional operations including fire camp operations, transportation, aircraft mobilization, communications, various forest fire fighting equipment, and first-aid programs.
• Ability to supervise and/or provide instructions to employees in the machine, sheet metal, blacksmith, welding, and electrical shops and to the staff responsible for the repairing, overhauling, rebuilding and operating motorized and mechanical highway or off-road equipment.
• Ability to provide assignments and instructions to professional and technical employees and supervise the performance of their work.
• Ability to prepare specifications and requisitions for the acquisition of vehicles, equipment, tools, machines, mechanical devices, and other equipment.
• Ability to conduct field visits for construction and repair projects and to evaluate the quality and amount of work completed.
• Ability to function as a technical hearing witness as may be required.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.
• Ability to understand and interpret schematic drawings, manufacturing plans and specifications, and service manuals for a wide range of vehicles and equipment.
• Ability to prepare detailed purchase applications for forest fire vehicles, equipment, and parts and for various types of buildings and grounds maintenance work performed by private contractors.
• Ability to collect technical data for use in the preparation of the annual budget request.
• Ability to organize assigned technical and supervisory work, analyze fire equipment and maintenance problems, and develop effective work procedures.
• Ability to consult with, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with local and Federal government officials, civic associations, fire companies, equipment vendors, professional groups, and others interested or concerned with forest fire control.
• Ability to prepare and/or supervise the preparation of technical correspondence and/or informative reports on Bureau equipment and buildings and grounds maintenance matters containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of essential 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.

Applicants will be required to successfully complete fire behavior and fire management courses equivalent to qualify as Logistics Chief under the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in forestry or closely related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the general forest fire prevention and/or control experience.

<b>LICENSES:</b>

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

<b>CDL LICENSE:</b>

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.

<b>SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS</b>:

Appointees will be required to obtain and maintain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) certification as a forest fire fighter and Logistics Section Chief (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.