Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association Seeks Wildland Firefighters to Help Protect a Million Acres of Forestland
Thursday April 7, 2022Orofino, ID - The Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) has key wildland firefighting positions they are trying to fill before the fire season arrives. The entry level positions offer $15 per hour and hazard pay.
“Like so many wildfire agencies the C-PTPA is feeling the pressure of limited resources and the need for quality wildland firefighters and leaders,” said C-PTPA Chief Fire Warden Kane Steinbruecker. “Our fire district is hit hard by lightning storms each summer, so it is vital we are prepared to protect the timber and our communities.”
“I am hoping to see quality people from both Idaho and other states apply to join our firefighting team,” he added. “It is tough but rewarding work where you can make a difference for Idaho’s forests and the people who live here.”
C-PTPA protects nearly a million acres of private, state and federal land and by contract with the Idaho Department of Lands, the Association essentially performs as a fire protection district within the state. The district falls within an area frequently hit by lightning storms, with 76 fires last year within the district and just under 10,000 acres burned.
Leadership positions to be filled include fire warden and assistant fire warden positions. Several entry level firefighting positions also need filled.
Boehls Camp
This area is approximately 34 airmiles northeast of Orofino, Idaho and the confluence of Breakfast Creek and the Little Fork of the Clearwater on the Dworshak Reservoir.
Boehls Area Fire Warden-
• Directs fire suppression and hazard management in the Boehls Camp area
• Supervises a team of seasonal and full-time fire suppression and support staff
• Starting Wage: $20.70 - $27.27 per hour
• Benefits include health, vision and dental insurance, PERSI retirement, optional PERSI Choice 401k, life and disability insurance, paid sick and annual leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Must have the minimum ICS fire-line qualifications of Type 4 Incident Commander (ICT4) and Task Force Leader (TFLD)
Boehls Area Deputy Fire Warden
• Supervises a team of seasonal and full-time fire suppression and support staff
• Starting Wage: $18.68 - $24.54 per hour
• Benefits include health, vision and dental insurance, PERSI retirement, optional PERSI Choice 401k, life and disability insurance, paid sick and annual leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Must have the minimum ICS fire-line qualifications of Type 4 Incident Commander (ICT4) and Engine Boss (ENGB).
All Camp Areas – Boehls, Elk River, Headquarters, and Orofino
Each camp offers different amenities.
Firefighter Type 2 (entry level fire crew)
• Wildland fire suppression on engines and/or hand crews
• Starting wage: $15 an hour, time and a half overtime over 40 hours a week
• Hazard pay when working an active fire
• Length of position is up to 5 months a year
• Must be at least 18 years old, possess a driver’s license, pass an arduous level work capacity test
• Must pass company provided basic wildland fire training
More details about positions, requirements and applications can be found at https://www.cptpa.com.
Established in 1905, the Clearwater-Potlatch Timber Protective Association (C-PTPA) is one of Idaho’s two remaining private, nonprofit timber protective associations. The mission of C-PTPA is to provide a high level of fire protection for our members. Through detections and quick, safe initial attack, the C-PTPA has protected Idaho’s timber for more than 100 years. The area protected by the C-PTPA includes land in Clearwater, Latah and Shoshone Counties.