About the job
General Job information
Fighting wildland fire is extremely demanding both physically and emotionally. Wildland firefighting consists of long and stressful days of arduous work. Crewmembers are expected to participate in all aspects of fire suppression while we are on a fire assignment. These include initial attack, extended attack, fire line construction, hose lay operations, firing operations, and mop-up. When not on a fire assignment the crew participates in daily physical training, fire training, and other project work.
Additionally, the time commitment can be enormous, but the rewards are equally gratifying. Working upwards of 1000 to 1500 hours during the summer can be both satisfying and lucrative. It is important that applicants be able to commit to working these long hours for the duration of the Wildland fire season which typically lasts from late spring to early fall.
If you are interested in obtaining a position you need to be a team player, self-motivated, self-disciplined, and a hard worker.
Overview
Forestry Technician III / Squad Boss - complete wildland firefighting activities included in preparedness, response, and mitigation/recovery of wildland fires and other natural and manmade disasters.
Distinguishing Features
Position at this level assists with the completion of the tasks outlined within the series concept. The work at this level is planned and facilitates the training needs of a Forestry Technician III. Will direct a squad of 4-10 seasonal crewmembers at the discretion of the forestry supervisor or other supervisor, toward the accomplishment of tasks associated with forestry activities. This is a full time, seasonal position, not to exceed 18 pay periods in a 12-month period.Job DutiesDuties include preparing for, responding to, and recovering from wildland fires by;Serves as an experienced firefighter (FFT1) and squad leader on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.
Determine fire size-up, resource needs, and direct firefighting crews.
Using hand tools or power equipment by cutting, scraping, digging, and chopping or burning out to remove flammable materials.
Participate in mop-up duties by scraping, digging, chopping, and applying water to remove heat. Operate and monitor firefighting vehicles in support of wildfire suppression.
Conduct fire cause investigation, evidence collection, and witness identification.
Collect and tabulate fireline suppression metrics throughout incidents.
Direct and complete pre-suppression/readiness duties such as road brushing, live-fire training, water hole location, and develop knowledge of firefighting equipment, protection district; roads, topography, and landowners.
Participate in post-fire activities by identifying hazard trees, operating chainsaws, and brush removal equipment such as chippers, grinders, and masticators.
Direct or complete weather observations. Determine initial fire cause by protecting the origin, evidence collection, and witness identification, and determines the need for wildland fire investigators. Responsible for Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) suppression activities.
Operate vehicles including cars, trucks, cache vans, ATVs, and crew vehicles. Operate fire engines, Type 5 (400 gallons) and larger (12,500-26,000 GVW). Complete safety inspections, submitting requests for maintenance, and maintain general upkeep to ensure all firefighting equipment is fire ready to support fire suppression activities.
Assist in public outreach activities such as home shows, civic groups, fairs, and parades. Conducts fire patrol activities within the assigned geographic areas including contacts with recreationists and the public. Ensures proper posting of fire prevention signs and communicates general public education of fire prevention statutes and rules. Use portable and mobile radios.
Complete landscape and fire effects repair activities such as mowing, weeding, pruning, spreading bark or rock using hand tools and power equipment. Complete building maintenance activities such as; minor repairs, roofing, painting, concrete work, and custodial duties.
Responsible for vehicle maintenance activities such as fire readiness, daily safety inspections, fluid checks, wash and wax, fire engine inventories. Complete equipment maintenance by cleaning saws, pumps, and mowers; cleaning, inspecting, and sharpening hand tools such as Pulaski, shovel, and hazel hoe; cleaning and inspection of firefighting equipment such as hose and appliances. Complete vehicle inspection checklist.
Participate in the coaching of experience-based ongoing fire training for engine/hand crew. Complete fire report forms from gathered info, preliminary investigation reports, vehicle logs, and shift tickets. Purchase needed materials for approved projects.
Maintain positive relationships with landowners, cooperators, and the public.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
SkillsPerform physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, radio, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Observe, receive, and otherwise obtain information from all relevant sources.
Monitor and review information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Use hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Ability to navigate using maps, GPS, and compass
Excellent decision-making skills in high-pressure situations
Leadership qualities to manage crews and coordinate firefighting operations
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes. (not including computers or vehicles).
Minimum QualificationsMinimum of four (4) years of documented Wildland firefighting experience with at least, two (2) years experience at the Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), or higher, certification.
Knowledge of wildland fire suppression tactics and fire behavior recognition.
Certified at the following NWCG positions:
Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
ICS 200 and ICS 800
-AND-Successfully completed the following NWCG courses:
Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290)
Crew Boss (Single Resource) (S-230)
Wildland Powersaws (S-212)
In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification; All supporting documentation must accompany certifications including course completion certificates, task book pages and incident evaluations if applicable.
Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level.
Requires a valid driver’s license at the time of hire, successful passage of pre-employment drug screening, and criminal background check.
Must be at least 18 years of age at time of employment.
Preferred QualificationsValid US Passport for possible international travel
M-410 Facilitative Instructor Instructor or Fire Instructor I certification
NWCG S-212 saw certification, carded at the FAL2 level or above.
ICS 300 and 400
S-219
Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
Experience driving manual transmission.
Other NWCG course completions that support the FFT1 or single resource position
Other Specialized Experience:Examples of specialized experience are: Patrolling areas of controlled fires to mop-up by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material and/or Serving on a specialty crew (hotshot, helitack, engines, etc.) to suppress the full range of difficult and complex fires and/or Operating specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
This position may be underfilled if applicant does not meet minimum qualification. Underfilled hourly compensation and/or benefit package will be modified until minimum qualifications are met. PLEASE READ CAREFULY- Application Checklist:
Completed electronic application including supplemental questions.
Resume. Please make sure that your attached resume clearly meets the qualifications outlined above including dates of employment and comprehensive duties lists.
Certifications and Documentation. Please read all supplemental questions carefully and attach all applicable documentation requested.
Cover Letter. Short 1 page letter stating your relevant skills or qualifications, why you would be a good candidate for hire and your developmental goals for the season if hired.
Important Notes:The top candidates will be notified and requested to continue onto the following components:Online or in-person interview.
Conditional candidates will need to conduct and pass pre-employment physicals prior to employment start date. Background/pre employment physicals will be conducted. Offers of employment contingent on passing a drug screening.
Criminal backgrounds will be reviewed on a case by case basis.
Employee hire will be subject to successful completion of the work capacity test administered on first day of work. This consists of the individual walking 3 miles on level ground with a 45# weight vest/pack in 45 min or less. This is a pass/fail component.
Work Start date is: Flexible based on candidate's needs. Can be between Monday March 2 - April 15, 2026. Seasonal duration tentatively March 30 - October 1