SUPERVISING FOREST FIREWARDEN

Code: 02664 State Competitive Range: S29 (FY 2027) Work week NL: FLSA exemptOvertime table (4A:3, Appx. A)

Salary: $95,955.4 - $141,386.2/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 direction of the Chief, Bureau of Forest Fire Management, Department of Environmental Protection, plans and supervises staff and field operations of the Forest Fire Management Program including implementation of the statewide fire suppression program, presuppression program, and forest fire prevention program to provide effective protection of life and state owned and private property from wildfire; a) in the Field Operations Unit, directly supervises three (3) field divisions of the bureau to ensure implementation of prevention, pre-suppression, and fire suppression plans; b) in the Plans, Prevention, and Enforcement Unit, prepares and supervises the implementation of long and short range presuppression and suppression plans and cooperates with law enforcement agencies in securing compliance with forest fire regulations; or c) in the Maintenance and Equipment Unit, develops engineering specifications for and supervises the construction and maintenance work on forestry and fire fighting vehicular, mechanical, and small hand equipment; assumes command of the bureau during the State Firewarden's absence; does other related duties. 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.

Examples of work

Supervises three (3) field divisions of the Forest Fire Service and ensures the implementation of prevention, presuppression, and fire suppression plans. Supervises, reviews, and develops systematic damage reporting criteria and benefit-cost ratios for the various values at risk; conducts reviews of special fire problems and provides for the establishment and dissemination of procedural information. Supervises planning and implementation of state aerial attack and aerial detection programs; reviews the standards for fire observation by ground and tower units; reviews contracts and agreements pertaining to air operations. Conducts continuous inspections of field operations and prepares reports presenting constructive criticisms and recommendations for improvement. Controls and develops permits pertaining to open burning regulations and assists with the compilation of scientific data pertinent to fire risk; provides and disseminates daily fire danger rating measurements and meteorological reports. Supervises standby alerts in accordance with provisions of the New Jersey Bureau of Forest Fire Management Alert Plan and interprets risk and hazard information to fire staff and actively participating parties. Approves special patrol activities in high hazard and risk areas and supervises the organization and direction of suppression forces actively engaged in fire control activities. Communicates and cooperates with various public and private agencies in the pursuit of improved overall performance regarding fire service goals and objectives. Prepares and supervises the implementation of long and short range presuppression and fire suppression plans utilizing studies, resource inventories, organization plans, attack plans, and cooperative agreements. Supervises the assistance to local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in apprehension actions and court settlement actions; cooperates with law enforcement agencies in securing compliance with forest fire regulations. Makes recommendations to courts regarding the severity of penalties with values lost and threatened in accordance with fair market value. Administers the National Fire Danger Rating System. Plans and supervises the distribution and maintenance of radio equipment and makes recommendations for the communications network improvement; reviews contracts and agreements for radio maintenance and frequency allocation ensuring that contract provisions and FCC rules and regulations are followed. Initiates and assists in the implementation and training of proper investigative procedures in connection with high fire frequency or violations of state forest fire laws and supervises enforcement procedures and related training. Plans, reviews, and supervises the implementation of statewide protective burning programs and coordinates with state/private owners in the application of prescribed fire for the purpose of hazard reduction and fuel modification. Supervises the spectrum of work and activity required to reduce hazards in high risk areas; prepares plans for prescribed fire, control of highway and railroad hazards, and fuel reduction. Prepares reports and supervises the cataloging, filing, and maintenance of all research records, correspondence, and training programs essential to continuity between related functions. Takes the lead in the specification and planning stage of building construction, firelines, airfields, and property maintenance. Prepares and/or reviews and supervises the preparation of reports, and performance of administrative tasks. Organizes and directs the gathering and review of damage appraisal data with respect to mechanical, structural, or other problems or losses due to mechanical failure. Supervises the periodic testing, inspection, and equipment studies required to evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of forest fire equipment. Supervises the Federal Emergency Equipment Interchange Program involving the development of written cooperative agreements with public and private agencies, and the monitoring of federal excess equipment use 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; develops and revises comprehensive preventive maintenance plans; keeps apprised of new equipment development. Develops plans and engineering specifications for equipment construction and maintenance; makes periodic field inspections of utilization and field installations to investigate problem areas and to develop corrective design measures; integrates equipment research findings into design and construction operations. Oversees the construction and maintenance work on forestry and fire fighting vehicular, mobile, engine driven, and related major mechanical and small hand equipment and the maintenance, storage, acquisition, and minor repair and replacement of all fire control equipment and weather instruments. Supervises the investigation of all accidents involving bureau vehicles; prepares and activates plans to reduce physical hazards in shop operations; provides aggressive and prompt investigation of human-caused equipment accidents, complaints, or other complementary problems. Prepares detailed purchase applications for forest fire vehicles, equipment, repair parts, and for buildings and grounds maintenance work to be scheduled with private contractors. Conducts and/or participates in agency and US Forest Service reviews; inspects and evaluates forest fire equipment maintenance personnel and organization as a whole to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and standards. Plans and supervises the distribution and maintenance of small hand tools, mobile, and other related equipment. Administers and supervises accomplishments through workload analysis, program planning, budgeting, and work plans. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Plans and develops safety, administrative, and other training programs for all personnel; supervises and/or participates in individual and group training activities including the preparation of lesson plans, exhibits, posters, photographs, or related visual aids. Collects data and prepares portions of the budget for the Bureau Chief's review and approval. Maintains proficiency as a supervisor in wildfire suppression in accordance with standards established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group at the Class I level; serves as a member on the wildfire overhead suppression team for the Middle Atlantic Forest Fire Compact; may be required, at the direction of the State Forest Firewarden, to assume command of a major fire or area of the state during an emergency. Prepares and supervises the preparation of clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports, studies, surveys, and correspondence containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations of labor and monetary costs involving fighting forest fires. Supervises the administration of training and certifications to new recruits and verifies their eligibility to volunteer their services to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. Supervises the coordination efforts with public and private agencies to establish a plan designed to respond to emergency incidents. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of records and files. Attends training courses established by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group to keep abreast of the most current techniques required in fire suppression and relays new techniques to and trains subordinates. Maintains proficiency in forest fire suppression at the level mandated by national standards under the Incident Command System. 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.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's degree in Forestry, Forest Management, Forest Science, Natural Resources Management, Forest Resources, or Fire Science. AND

Experience

Six (6) years of experience in forest fire prevention and control work; two (2) years of which shall have involved responsibility for program planning, implementation, and supervision relative to forest fire prevention, presuppression, and suppression. NOTE: Additional college credits in the above fields, up to the level of a Bachelor's degree, may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience. (Thirty (30) credits is equivalent to one (1) year of experience).

License

Appointees must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey. Appointees may also be required to possess a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and applicable endorsements for the class and type of vehicle being operated. NOTE: The responsibility for ensuring that employees possess the required motor vehicle license, commensurate with the class and type of vehicles they operate, rests with the Appointing Authority. Appointee may be required to obtain a commercial pilot's license.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of modern forest fire prevention, presuppression, and suppression methods and their application to specific cases. Knowledge of forest fire causes and their effect on achieving program goals and objectives. Knowledge of the methods used to prepare environmental impact statements as they affect a statewide fire management program. Knowledge of geology, topography, forest types, and forest fire behavior in various fuel types and their effects on natural resource yields. Knowledge of the tools, equipment, and instruments utilized in a modern forest fire management organization. Knowledge of basic radio procedures, rules, regulations, and capabilities to plan and supervise the bureau's radio communications program. Knowledge of the principles, methods, and procedures used to evaluate program activities. Knowledge of the methods useful in enlisting the cooperation of paid and voluntary fire fighters and residents of wooded areas. Knowledge of fire apparatus and testing equipment. Knowledge of the Incident Command System as applied to all risk emergency responses. Ability to read, interpret, apply, and administer the laws of New Jersey and the rules, regulations, and policies of the Forest Fire Service. Ability to read, interpret, and apply appropriate statutes, laws, and the administrative code pertaining to the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Act (Title 13). Ability to plan and supervise a program for the acquisition, maintenance, operation, and repair or replacement of equipment used in a forest fire management program. Ability to plan and supervise a program of building and structure (fire tower) maintenance and construction or reconstruction as necessary to serve the forest fire management program needs. Ability to assist in statistical analysis and the development of fuel models applicable to the various forest types in New Jersey. Ability to prepare cost benefit analyses for various approaches to forest protection from fire. Ability to provide professional advice and guidance in all matters concerning forest fire management. Ability to supervise the operation of motorized fire suppression equipment. Ability to plan, organize, delegate, and control forest fire management activities throughout the state and to evaluate progress towards achieving program continuity and success. Ability to explain the effects of forest fires on the various ecological communities. Ability to organize assigned technical and supervisory work. Ability to prepare reports justifying the adoption of work methods utilized to maintain progress in prevention, presuppression, or suppression endeavors. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with local government, civic associations, fire companies, civil defense, interstate compacts, and others interested or concerned with forest fire control. Ability to prepare reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to supervise suppression activities. Ability to act as a representative of the State Firewarden. Ability to operate audio/visual and fire simulation equipment in the development of training programs. Ability to supervise the preparation of studies and the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files. Ability 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, and 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 the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. T his job specification is applicable to the following title code: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

SCNL29N/AS29- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 3/07/00

CERTIFICATION

In accordance with NJAC 5:73-1.6(b), c & (d), effective February 17, 2000, applicants for this position must possess a valid Incident Management Level 1 certification issued by the New Jersey Division of Fire Safety, Department of Community Affairs. SPECIAL NOTE: Appointees will be required to complete an internal forest fire training course administered by the Department of Environmental Protection involving the administration of laws covering the protection of forests from wildfire. Appointees must maintain qualifications as forest fire fighter and/or show proof of Red Card Certification as a General Headquarters (GHQ) Fire Manager under the National Interagency Fire Qualification Systems (NIFQS) standards as established by the National Wildlife Coordinating Group. Failure to maintain qualifications will result in progressive disciplinary action.