Fire Seasonal Wildland Firefighter - Lewistown

Fire Seasonal Wildland Firefighter 1 - Lewistown )

Do you want a meaningful and rewarding summer job? Each year, DNRC seeks hundreds of dedicated individuals to help protect Montana wildlands from wildfire. These seasonal jobs last 3–6 months, beginning as early as May and ending late September (potentially April–October depending on fire activity). Training, safety clothing and protective gear are provided. Applicants must bring enthusiasm and the ability to perform courageous outdoor work safely, productively and responsibly.

• Plan and direct the suppression of fires as a leader of an initial attack crew.
• Serve as incident commander on wildland/urban interface and wildland fires as assigned.
• Keep crew time records; enforce safety and maintenance standards for vehicles, pump tools and equipment.
• Collect data for fire reports and assist in completion.
• Train and evaluate crew member performance and identify training needs.
• Direct communication between fire and dispatcher.
• Operate Type V and Type VI fire engines.
• Perform additional tasks such as chainsaw use, mechanical repair and carpentry.

• State application.
• Resume.
• Cover letter answering the following questions:
  • Describe your training and work experience in wildland/urban interface and wildland (forest and range) firefighting. List current Red Card qualifications, fire‑training courses completed, number and types of fires worked on, and roles.
  • Describe your outdoor work or recreation experience and how it pertains to wildland firefighting.
  • Describe your experience and ability to perform physically demanding work for long periods under hot and dirty conditions; explain how you stay physically fit.
  • Describe any experience working in/around or with helicopters or other aircraft.
  • Describe your ability and give an example of working with a diverse group of people.
  • As a seasonal firefighter you will perform tasks beyond fire‑related duties such as chainsaw use, mechanical repair, and carpentry. Discuss any skills and abilities you possess in these areas.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation may assess the following factors: application, resume, cover letter, interview, references and a physical fitness pack test. Applicants claiming employment preference must provide proper documentation (e.g., DD214, disabled veteran certification, purple‑heart medal, SRS certification). Candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. and submit required documents within three days of hire.

• Education:
  
  Graduation from high school or equivalent (review on a case‑by‑case basis if not yet graduated).
• Age: 18 years at time of hire.
• Valid driver’s license with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent 36 months.
• Must pass the Pack Test – carry a 45‑pound pack 3 miles in no more than 45 minutes within three weeks of employment.

Housing is not available at this location. The seasonal position will remain open until filled; additional screening will occur as needed. The Pack Test is the required physical fitness test per DNRC policy.

Hourly pay: $20.05 – $20.74. Telework eligibility:
Not telework eligible. Benefits:
Paid leave and holidays, retirement plan.

Number of openings:
2. Employee status:
Seasonal (less than 6 months).

Schedule:

Variable. Shift: Day job. Travel:
Yes, 50 % of the time. Primary location:
Lewistown.

Contact:
Stacey Gabrio – Email:
Stacey.

Gabrio, Phone: 406‑444‑3309.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.