Senior Wildland Firefighter & Team Lead

Job Opportunities

Thank you for your interest in employment with Tolowa Dee‑ni’ Nation. We employ a broad range of qualified applicants with experience for positions at our different locations. Please submit a completed application with your resume to the Human Resources Department.

Preference in filling vacancies is given to qualified American Indian and Alaska Native candidates in accordance with the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 (Title 25, USC, Section 472). If you are claiming Indian Preference, you must submit your Tribal documentation with your application.

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• Associate's degree equivalent to four (4) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree equivalent to eight (8) years of experience

The Senior Firefighter (SFF) for the Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation Department of Public Safety serves as the lead firefighter. Performs and may direct other firefighters with hose lays, using appropriate nozzles for effective use of water, and handline construction. May drive over unimproved roads, start engine pump, adjust engine speed and valves as necessary. The SFF could be assigned to safely maneuver heavy apparatus, perform complex pumping operations, and maintain fleet.

These duties are performed on wildland fires, prescribed fire projects, and other preparedness activities such as drills and field training. This position requires a commitment to protecting Tribal lands and upholding the cultural values of the Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation.

All Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation employees must submit to a background check and abide by all Tribal, federal, and state laws. All employees must comply with Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation drug free workplace policy and will be subject to pre‑employment, random, for‑cause, and post‑accident drug and alcohol testing. Qualified American Indian Preference applies.

This is a full‑time position and subject to a seasonal layoff based on funding.

• Performs as the lead firefighter during wildland fire suppression operations.
• Provides on‑the‑job training to junior firefighters for tasks such as; radio communication, use of tools, hose and associated appliances.
• Assists with regular mechanical inspections and preventative maintenance on the engine fleet while ensuring all hand tools and power equipment are repaired and mission ready.
• Implements prescribed cultural burns and traditional fire applications to enhance ecological health and reduce hazardous fuel loads on Tribal lands.
• Specialized duties will include water handling experience, chainsaw operator, knowledge of use and maintenance of specialized equipment used during the response to wildland fire.
• Evaluates environmental hazards like weather changes and fuel types to maintain "Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones" (LCES).
• Implement suppression tactics and prescribe fire treatments that prioritize the preservation of sensitive cultural sites and natural resources.
• Knowledge of apparatus inventory of specialized wildland supplies, ensuring the engine is fully stocked for self‑sufficient 24‑hour operations.
• Assists with inspections, maintenance, and operational readiness of apparatus, pumps, tools, and personal protective equipment in accordance with departmental and NWCG standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Performs project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance.
• Operates a variety of motor vehicles to transport equipment, supplies and personnel and fill in as work leader.

All Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation employees are expected to consistently demonstrate the organization’s values: integrity, cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional values, continual learning and improving, compassion, teamwork and pride. Employees are expected to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

All Tolowa Dee‑ni' Nation employees are expected to have general knowledge of typical office…