Forest Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $32.33 Hourly
Location : Newcastle, WY
Job Type: Permanent Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01303
Department: Office of State Lands & Investments
Division: Office of State Lands & Investments
Opening Date: 05/13/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Job Classification: ENFC08
Description and Functions
Open Until Filled
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Bring your knowledge, skills, and career plans with you and become a part of the nearly 50-year-old Forestry Conservation Program of the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division (WSFD). The program is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC)- Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp(WHCC).
The Module Leader position assists in coordinating forestry activities and wildland fire response at the Forestry Conservation Program (Wyoming Smokebusters) under the supervision of the Forestry Conservation Program Manager. In this position, you'll oversee and supervise the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisors and coordinate their work project activities and supervision of inmate workers. The Module Leader will also lead the instruction of inmates in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and on the job in the safe use of chainsaws and other hand and power tools for wildland fire suppression and forestry work projects. Individuals in these positions work in accordance with specific procedures, rules, and policies.
Newcastle is located at 4,334 feet above sea level, with summer high temperatures around 84 degrees and lows around 58 degrees, and winter highs of 35 degrees and lows of 13 degrees. Newcastle is the county seat of Weston County, Wyoming, and is at the intersection of U.S. Route 16 and U.S. Route 85. The population was recorded as 3,374 at the 2020 census. The town boasts great walking trails. Public Education in the City of Newcastle is provided by Weston County School District #1.
No matter what direction you journey from Newcastle, you will embark on a drive through a time marked by spectacular views, gorgeous scenery, and plentiful wildlife. Newcastle's unique location represents the best of two worlds. Experience the pine tree-covered Black Hills to the northeast and the Shortgrass Prairie of the High Plains to the southwest, with Mount Rushmore, Devils Tower, and the other Black Hills attractions an easy drive.
The Black Hills National Forest and the Thunder Basin Grassland offer ample year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and mountain bikingDownhill and cross-country skiing and winter snowmobile trail rides await the winter sports enthusiast. There are pronghorn antelope, mule deer, whitetail deer, elk, sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, waterfowl, dove, small game, and turkey hunting in the spring and fall; bobcat, mountain lion, other furbearers, and small game hunting in the winter.
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
• 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:
Human Resource Contact: Ryan Scheer, , 307-777-8570
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

• Directs, controls, and coordinates the field based natural resource, community service, and fire suppression work projects for the Wyoming Smokebusters & Forestry Conservation Program (FCP).
• Reports to and works closely with the FCP Manager to ensure that all field operations, FCP staff, and inmates adhere to the FCP policies and procedures, and WSFD/WDOC Memorandum of Understanding.
• Directly supervises the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisor positions.
• Supervises up to 10 inmate workers as needed.
• Assists the FCP Manager with executive staff meetings, case plan reviews, safety committee meetings, and prison community partnership committee meetings as needed.
• Conducts monthly inmate evaluations, and documents and maintains files of written inmate observations and comments.
• Assists the FCP Manager in maintaining inmate training, fire experience, inventory records, and monthly time pay sheets including fire pay records.
• Makes recommendations on disciplinary and termination of the forestry inmate workers assigned to the Forestry Conservation Program manager.
• Trains forestry inmates and staff in wildland fire suppression, forest management operations, and safety of all equipment used.
• Maintains inventory of supplies for project work and fire suppression including chainsaw maintenance, parts, and repair, Personal Protective Equipment, and vehicles.
• Maintains fire experience and training records for the Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisors.
• Assists the FCP Manager in other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
PREFERENCES:
Preference may be given to candidates with NWCG Red Card qualifications as a single resource or higher.
Preference may be given to candidates with NWCG Red Card qualifications as a chainsaw operator (FAL2 or higher).
KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of forestry management methods, operational practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of fire suppression practices.
• Knowledge of business management.
• Skills in mentoring and coaching.
• Skills in effective oral and written communication.
• Ability to motivate others to accomplish tasks.
• Ability to professionally and effectively deal with conflict, controversial issues, and manage/supervise personnel with diverse backgrounds.
• Skills in equipment operation and maintenance.
• Skills and knowledge in chainsaw operations and maintenance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:
Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry, Fire Science, or Criminal Justice)
Experience:
1-3 year(s) of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry, Wildland Fire, or Corrections) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisor.
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 WDOC In-Service Training, and self-defense training.

OR
Education & Experience Substitution:
3-5 years of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry, Wildland Fire, or Corrections) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Correctional Forestry Crew Supervisor.
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 and self-defense training.

Necessary Special Requirements
PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Performs arduous physical activity for extended periods, and must maintain the required wildland fire NWCG 310-1 Arduous physical fitness certification (work capacity test) annually.
• Work activities are performed inside and outside, under heat, cold, and wet inclement weather conditions, and in dusty and smokey environments.
• May be required to stand for long periods on concrete, asphalt, and other hard surfaces.
• Ability to successfully complete a Self-Defensive Tactics course provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections

NOTES:

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• This position participates in the Law Enforcement (LE) Pension Plan within the Wyoming Retirement System.
  (see 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
060-Office of State Lands and Investments - Forestry Division
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
(ENFC08) Which of the following best describes your work experience? Experience definition: (This experience includes, but may not be limited to, the following: forestry management, wildland fire suppression, corrections, supervision, construction trades, Environmental science, agriculture, fire science, rangeland resources, and natural resources.)?

• No relevant experience, but willing to learn.
• Less than one (1) year of relevant experience.
• One (1) to less than 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 below.
05
(ENFC08) Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

06
(ENFC08) 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)?

• Yes
• No

07
(ENFC08) Do you have the ability to complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire?

• Yes
• No

08
(ENFC08) Do you have the ability to complete annual In-Service Training?

• Yes
• No

09
Do you have NWCG Red Card qualifications as a single resource or higher?

• Yes
• No

10
(AA) Where did you hear about this opportunity?

• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Zip Recruiter
• Wyoming Workforce services
• Other job sites (Wyoming at Work, Monster, etc.)
• Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)