Wildfire Seasonal Job Descriptions

Firefighter I

Perform and assist in wildland fire suppression operations and hazard management projects. Operate and maintain firefighting equipment, construct fireline, and assist with ignition operations. May be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire, and burnout operations; utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment and techniques while actively managing wildfires. May assist in preparation of timber sales and forest management projects by using some knowledge of forest measurement technology, dendrology, pathology and entomology. May perform other duties as assigned. May be required to operate light vehicles, chain saws, portable pumps and ATV/UTVs. May supervise up to five Firefighter II’s and assist with training. A valid driver’s license may be required for some jobs.

Minimum Qualifications

Have a minimum of two seasons as a Firefighter 2 or equivalent experience AND National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) qualified as a FFTI and/or ICT5. Perform strenuous work for extended periods of time. Must be able to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps. Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording. Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day. Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 14 – 21 days at a time (required in some locations). Must be 18 years of age or older.

Firefighter I Physical Requirements

The duties of these positions require that the incumbent meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level. To meet the arduous level the incumbent must be able to walk 3 miles within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds. Failure to meet the required physical qualifications will disqualify you for employment.

Resource Boss

Will supervise and train Firefighter I and Firefighter II personnel in preparation for wildland fire suppression/presuppression, timber management, and hazard management projects. Coordinate activities, monitor, and evaluate the performance of Firefighters. Maintain accurate documentation and records while performing the supervisory role. Assists in all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, mop-up and rehabilitation. Along with supervision could assist in training of personnel in all fire skills including engine operation. Those with ICT4 Red Card Qualifications may act in the capacity of the Incident Commander for Type 4 fires. May perform other duties as assigned. A valid driver’s license may be required for some jobs.

Specialty Area

Helicopter Manager/Helitack Foreman

Responsible for crew (up to 10 crewmembers), helicopter contractual oversight, equipment and crew reporting, schedule of resources. Conduct helicopter inspections, pilot briefings, complete payment documents and provide helicopter contract administration assistance.

Specialty Area: Crew Foreman

Leads District Fire Crews, performs administrative duties, maintains fire equipment and provides input for reports. Coordinate activities, monitor, and evaluate the performance of Firefighters. Serves as a Prescribed Fire Monitor, collecting and evaluation weather, fuels, topography and fire behavior data for prescribed and wildland fires. Serves as Ignition Specialist, Field Observer, Squad Boss or as a holding or ignition crew member.

Minimum Qualifications
Must have a minimum of two (2) seasons previous experience in a resource related field OR one season previous experience and 2 years of college education in a resource related field OR equivalent experience AND National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) qualified in one or more Single Resource Boss positions and/or ICT4 or greater. Perform strenuous work for extended periods of time. Must be able to use a radio, use resource management equipment, and read maps. Some knowledge of computer processing and use, GIS/GPS interface, and data recording. Must be able to perform strenuous and arduous work outside for up to 16 hours per day. Must be willing to work in isolated locations for 14 – 21 days at a time (required in some locations). Must be 18 years of age or older.

Resource Boss Physical Requirements 

The duties of these positions require that the incumbent meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level. To meet the arduous level the incumbent must be able to walk 3 miles within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds. Failure to meet the required physical qualifications will disqualify you for employment.

Dispatcher

Provide coordinated dispatch and tracking of resources in support of fire preparedness, fire suppression and prescribed fire activities. Coordinate the availability and use of personnel and equipment between incident commanders, field units, districts, and agencies. Coordinate the setting of priorities for suppression in multiple fire situations considering safety, resource values and costs for suppression. Receives incident reports and initiates proper response. Provides a communication link to all firefighters and other field-going personnel. Compiles, organizes and reviews records. Processes, interprets, and relays weather information. Works with a number of fire-related computer applications such as ROSS and WildCAD.

Specialty Area

Lead Dispatcher 

Provides leadership and direction to entry-level Initial Attack dispatchers and is responsible for dispatch operations in assigned zone.

Minimum Qualifications
No previous wildland fire suppression experience required. Must be able to read, write, and communicate effectively. Must be able to learn to use multi-channel radios, multi-line phones, computers, keep accurate records, and read maps. Must be capable of successfully completing training to qualify as a National Interagency Incident Management System (NIIMS) Initial Attach Dispatcher (IADP). Must be able to perform sedentary work in a high-stress environment for up to 16 hours per day with varying shifts and on-call periods. Must be willing to work for up to 14 days at a time (required in some locations). A valid driver’s license may be required for some jobs. Must be 18 years of age or older

Fire Cache 

Perform and assist in assigned daily tasks that revolve around physical labor, data entry, and operating machinery to refurbish wildland firefighting equipment in a team-oriented environment.  Basic operating functions at the fire cache in support of fire are:  Receiving, shipping, returns, and Refurbishment.  Job duties include but are not limited to washing hoses, frame tanks, boxing up supplies, counting and sorting, loading and offloading trucks, pressure testing water handling equipment, and performing other duties as assigned.  The work is performed inside or outside in areas that may be hot, damp, cold, drafty, or poorly lighted. 

Another seasonal job is specifically for driving (cache driver).  This could entail driving across multiple state lines, up to 10 hours continuously, and multiple days on the road.  Due to work/rest guidelines and policies, you cannot be hired as a laborer and a driver at the same time. 

Working 6 days a week and on your feet for most of the day.  The hours are typically from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. or later.  We can take early applications beginning in April and look to hire in June.  The deadline for applications is the first weekend in October. 

Minimum qualifications:
Possess a valid driver’s license. Required to lift and carry items that weigh up to 40 pounds (18 kilograms) on a recurring basis. Must be 18 years of age or older. Must be able to stand on hard surfaces for extended periods. Must be able to bend, stoop, and work in tiring and sometimes uncomfortable positions. 

Desired experience: forklift operation, operating in a warehouse environment, and driving box trucks up to 24’.