FORESTRY AIDE – OCEANO DUNES DISTRICT / OFF-HIGHWAY MOTOR VEHICLE RECREATION
“Priority consideration will be given to any person receiving State public assistance under the CalWORKs program. Applicants who receive State public assistance need to identify their status as a CalWORKs recipient in the comments area on the application. Applicants must submit a verification of their CalWORKs eligibility status, which may include the most recent Notice of Action showing TANF eligibility or a copy of your last aid check stub. If verification is not submitted with the application, the application will not be processed. (Applicants may obtain verification from the CalWORKs program).”
The Forestry Aide reporting location is at 928 Pacific Blvd., Oceano, CA 93445. This position will work under the direction of the Senior Environmental Scientist (Specialist).
The Forestry Aide provides assistance in forestry and natural resource management tasks such as vegetation monitoring, exotic plant control, prescribed fire, and wildlife monitoring. This position is responsible for ecological restoration activities, endangered species monitoring and monitoring of wildlife populations to assess changes in community composition from management activities. Position will also work alongside crews (California Conservation Corps, CalFire, contractors and volunteers). Position will work with the public as a State Park representative and with an interdisciplinary team. Weekend, holiday, early morning (before dawn), and evening shifts may be required and must be willing to adjust workdays as needed.
This position may work up to 1500 hours within 12 consecutive months. This position is designated as not telework eligible.
The selected candidate is required to submit to a background investigation process utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting prior to appointment.
This position requires a valid Class C driver’s license. You must answer the questions addressing your driver’s license on your application. Ensure you provide your driver’s license number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions on your application.
State housing is not available. For further information regarding this position, please contact Mr. Ronnie Glick at 805-773-7180, email: Ronnie.Glick@parks.ca.gov.
Per California Code of Regulations (CCR) 599.961, this is a sensitive position, and therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing. It should be noted that testing is not mandatory, but is allowed to be conducted only if and when there is a determination of reasonable suspicion as defined in CCR 599.962.
This recruitment is being advertised through February 23, 2026 and applications will be reviewed on the following cutoff dates:
December 15, 2025
December 31, 2025
January 15, 2026
January 31, 2026
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Work Environment: Work in all elements encountered in the park including uneven terrain, wind, blowing sand, excessive heat, cold temperatures, humidity, rain, around heavy equipment, and near active off-highway vehicle activity. Work environment may expose incumbent to noise, dust, fumes, extreme wind, hot and cold temperatures, and unpleasant odors. Operate street legal and off-highway vehicles in sand conditions.
Physical Abilities: Ability to walk across uneven terrain, loose sand in both uphill and downhill conditions to perform the duties of the job. This position is expected to hike one mile or more across dune topography and on unconsolidated sand. Stand for long periods of time, (in excess of 2 hours) to perform the duties associated with the job. Move about, stand, reach, stoop or bend. This position may perform heavy physical labor related to resource tasks including lifting up to 25 pounds.
Cognitive Abilities: Read, write, and communicate in a clear and concise manner. Develop practical solutions to problems and make sound decisions. Make sound decisions given available information and situational parameters. Work involves multiple tasks and deadlines.
Knowledge of: Basic principles of forestry and fire protection. Field data collection methods for vegetation and wildlife. Basic computer and handheld field data collection devices and associated software programs. California and Federal environmental laws, rules, regulations, and requirements. Geolocation and geo-referencing software applications, resource conservation program impacts and implementation strategies.
Ability to: Apply safe work practices. Follow written and oral instructions. Utilize good judgment and take appropriate action in emergency situations. Communicate effectively and follow directions. Properly use job-related equipment, supplies, and tools. Adjust to changing work assignments, major process changes, and emergencies. Apply basic principles of forestry and natural resource management. Identify tree and shrub species and a wide variety of native wildlife. Collect and error-check data to ensure accurate results of analyses. Analyze job-related data. Use a computer and job-related computer software programs. Apply basic principles of fire suppression and control. Apply laws, rules, and regulations applicable to scope of duties and responsibilities (e.g., Public Resources Code, Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, California Administrative Code) to ensure compliance for public safety and environmental protection. Operate radio equipment. Reason logically. Read and write at a level required for successful job performance. Collect environmental data. Analyze situations and take appropriate actions. Work with professionals from a variety of disciplines within and outside of State government. Safely operate departmental vehicles and other mobile equipment. Maintain detailed records and work logs. Effectively promote equal opportunity in employment and maintain a work environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Performance Expectations: Exhibit professional working manners and ability to deal tactfully and effectively in a working environment. Exhibit ability to work independently without close supervision. Display mature judgment, loyalty, poise, tact and discretion. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers, contractors, volunteers, other agencies etc. Teamwork, to complete duties and projects in a cohesive and professional manner. Maintain a favorable attendance record, Be reliable, punctual, and dependable. Wear seatbelts as per policy; require riders and passengers to do so. Plan and complete projects and assignments accurately and thoroughly.
