Wildland Firefighter

Job Duties

Serves as a skilled crew member on a hand crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.

Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire.

Performs basic fireline activities such as line construction, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations.

Moves dirt, chops brush and small trees, etc. to construct fire line. Is responsible for observing the rules of wildland firefighting safety. Applies practices and techniques to minimize resource damage.

Under direct supervision or with one or two other crew members may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout.

Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior.

Also performs project work such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects. Depending on experience level, may be assigned to structure fire defense.

Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities.

Participates in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities.

Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques.

Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.

Cleans, maintains, reconditions, and stores firefighting tools and equipment. Inventories fire supplies and equipment.

May be assigned to fire lookout to provide detection and reporting of wildfires. Reports smoke and fire to a dispatcher giving location, estimated size and other pertinent information.

Reports weather and fire behavior information keeping the dispatcher and/or other officials informed of current conditions.

May perform project work such as fuel inventory, preparing associated reports, and hazard fuel reduction projects.

May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance.

May assist higher level workers in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources.