Flexible Timber Faller Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $29.76 Hourly
Location : Newcastle, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01667
Department: Office of State Lands & Investments
Division: Office of State Lands & Investments
Opening Date: 06/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Classification: ENFC07
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Become an integral part of the nearly 50-year-old Wyoming Smokebusters wildland fire handcrew and Forestry Conservation Program (FCP), within the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division. This role is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp.
As a Smokebuster Crew Supervisor, you will supervise, lead, train, and oversee pre-release, minimum security inmate crews on wildland fires and various forestry and conservation projects. Your duties will include: ensuring safety, accountability, transportation, delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and evaluating inmate crewmembers during wildland fire suppression and daily work activities. Projects will include fuels reduction, timber stand improvements, community service, and disaster relief or prevention. Additionally, you will instruct inmate crewmembers in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and train them in the use of chainsaws, hand and power tools, and fire suppression techniques.
Newcastle is at 4,334 feet above sea level with pleasant summer temperatures around 84°F and winter highs around 35°F. The county seat of Weston County, Newcastle offers scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities. Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 16 and U.S. Route 85, Newcastle is close to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. The area provides year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and winter sports.
Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• and MUCH MORE! Click here for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensationcalculator.wyo.gov
Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / ryan.scheer2@wyo.gov
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Manage and supervise a crew of up to 10 pre-release, minimum security inmates on wildland fires, and forestry and community projects..
• Ensure accountability and security of your inmate crew, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Maintain production, efficiency, and workflow of the crew.
• Serve as a working supervisor, instructing, coaching, and working alongside the crew.
• Hold your assigned inmate crewmembers accountable to policies, procedures, and practices, utilizing the progressive discipline model.
• Perform physically demanding tasks and maintain NWCG 310-1 physical fitness certification.
• Maintain documentation on inmates, records on work accomplishments, vehicle use, timesheets, and crewmember evaluations.
• Operate and maintain forestry equipment and vehicles, including chainsaws, wood splitters, and heavy equipment.
• Instruct courses on wildland firefighting, safety, and equipment operation.
• Perform as a Squad Boss (FFT1) and Intermediate Faller (FAL2) on the Wyoming Smokebusters Type 2 Wildland Fire Handcrew.
• Operate larger capacity trucks, such as Type 6 wildland fire engines.

Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to candidates who have experience or training in any of the following:

• Wildland Fire Suppression (NWCG Red Card)
• Corrections
• Supervision
• Logging/Forestry

KNOWLEDGE:

• Ability to motivate and work cohesively with inmates and the team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective in instructing crewmembers in various situations
• Basic knowledge of fire suppression, corrections, supervision, forest management, and business management practices
• Proficient in equipment operation and maintenance
• Ability to maintain industrial tools and equipment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education & Experience Substitution:
3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Natural Resources, Wildland Fire, or Corrections)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire
Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire
Must complete annual In-Service Training
OR
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry)
Experience:
0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire
Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire
Must complete annual In-Service Training
Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Perform arduous physical activity for extended periods and maintain NWCG 310-1 Arduous physical fitness certification annually.
• Work both indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
• May travel up to 25%.
• Stand for long periods on hard surfaces.
• Successfully completed a Self-Defense Tactics course provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Successful completion of all modules of the Wyoming Department of Corrections Pre-Service Training is required.
• This position participates in the Law Enforcement (LE) Pension Plan within the Wyoming Retirement System (details: https://retirement.wyo.gov/members/pension-handbooks/).
• This position also qualifies for Hazard Pay when assigned to uncontrolled wildfires, and paid time off after 14 consecutive days on wildland fire assignments.

Supplemental Information
Wyoming State Forestry Division-Forestry Conservation Program Website -
Wyoming State Forestry Division Website -
Click to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
URL:
The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.
Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job - it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life.
Employees enjoy:

• Comprehensive health coverage - medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
• Voluntary Benefits - including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accounts
• Multiple retirement options - including the Wyoming Retirement System and a 457B account, helping you plan for long-term financial security
• Generous paid leave and flexible schedules - vacation, sick leave, paid FMLA and 11 paid holidays each year
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility - for those with qualifying student loans
• Training and professional development - to support your career growth and advancement
• Employee Assistance Program - Includes paid short-term counseling, legal, financial and work-life benefits and select employee discounts
• Wellness Program - Earn paid time off and incentives by focusing on your personal health

Know your full value.
Your paycheck is only part of the picture. The State of Wyoming offers a Total Compensation Calculator that shows the full value of your salary plus benefits, so you can clearly see what your complete compensation package looks like.
Explore your total compensation:
WORKING FOR THE GREATEST STATE IN THE NATION - Wyoming offers a lifestyle you can't find anywhere else - wide-open spaces, clean air, friendly communities, year-round recreation, and no state income tax.
Click here for detailed information or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!.
01
(AA) Which of the following best describes your highest completed level of education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)

• High School Diploma/GED/or Equivalent
• Some college Coursework, No Degree Received
• Associate's Degree
• Associate's Degree and additional coursework
• Bachelor's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree and additional coursework
• Master's Degree
• Master's Degree and additional coursework
• Doctorate Degree
• Doctorate Degree and additional coursework
• None of the Above

02
(AA) Which of the following Quarter/Semester credit hours best describes your completed college education to date or within the next three (3 months)? (Transcripts may be required.)

• 45+ Quarter hours/30+ Semester hours
• 90+ Quarter hours/60+ Semester hours
• 136+ Quarter hours/91+ Semester hours
• 180+ Quarter hours/120+ Semester hours
• 225+ Quarter hours/150+Semester hours
• N/A

03
(ENFC07) Which of the following best describes your relevant work experience? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: wildland fire suppression, forestry, corrections, supervision, etc.)?

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to two (2) years of relevant experience.
• Two (2) to less than three (3) years of relevant experience.
• Three (3) or more years of relevant experience.

04
(AA) Describe your relevant experience in the box below.
05
(ENFC07) Do you hold a current NWCG Incident Qualification System Red Card?

• Yes
• No

06
Please list your current qualifications on your red card in the box below.
07
(ENFC07) Do you hold a current NWCG Chainsaw Qualification?

• Yes
• No

08
Please list your current chainsaw qualification or chainsaw experience in the box below.
09
(ENFC07) Do you have the ability to achieve and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1 (Red Card, and Arduous Pack Test), within one (1) year of the date of hire?

• Yes
• No

10
(ENFC07) Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

11
(ENFC07) Please be advised that you must complete Wyoming Department of Corrections Pre-Service Academy (non-uniform) within one (1) year of the date of hire. I have read and understand the above statement.

• Yes
• No

12
(A) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Goverment jobs www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wyoming
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce Center
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Newspaper/Newsletter Advertisement
• Career Fair
• Human Resources Division
• Friend or Acquaintance (Not State Employee)
• Current State Employee
• Other

13
(A) If you selected "Current State Employee" please provide the employee's first and last name, and include the department they work for, if known. This employee may be eligible for a Referral bonus.
14
(A1) If you selected Other, please tell us where you heard about this opportunity.
15
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE DISCLOSURE: PER WYOMING STATUTE, current employees of the State of Wyoming are not eligible for veterans' preference. If you are not a current employee of the State of Wyoming, to be eligible to receive veterans' preference you MUST have been a resident of the State of Wyoming for a period of one (1) year or more at any time prior to submitting this application. I have read and understand the veterans' preference disclosure.

• Yes
• No
• I am not a veteran

16
(AA) VETERANS' PREFERENCE: If you are a war veteran as defined in section 101, Title 38, United States Code or are the surviving spouse of a war veteran who receives survivor benefits from the federal government based on the veteran's military service, and wish to claim veterans' preference, please attach the appropriate documentation substantiating your claim. Indicate below your appropriate veterans' pre