Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper

Smokejumper Duties

Serves as a smoke jumper, performing a variety of duties in the areas of parachute jumping and fire suppression. Receives intensive standardized training in parachute jumping and other fire suppression duties.

Makes parachute jumps from various aircraft under varying conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber. May be responsible for the direction of crew movements in non-jump fire situations.

Fire suppression training includes classroom and field instruction in construction and holding of fire line under varied conditions of topography and fuel, fire weather and fire behavior, first aid and safety, and use of hand and power tools.

Parachute training includes intensive physical training and conditioning, instruction and proficiency in use of parachutes and related equipment in mountainous terrain.

In accordance with rigid standards, must successfully complete a series of parachute proficiency jumps of increasing difficulty.

Suppresses wildland fire using a variety of hand and power tools such as Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod.

Moves dirt, chops brush and logs, fells trees and snags, applies water by hose or back pump, etc. to build fire line and control spreading wildland fire. Cares for and maintains tools, equipment, jump gear, and parachutes.

Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel, truck, bus, etc., and fire action may vary from individual efforts to serving as a member of specialized crews.

May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.

May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.