Wildland Firefighter Medford

Job Description

Must be 18 years of age to apply

Position: Wildland Firefighter/ Forest Technician
Department: White City, OR Base

Reports To: Supervisor (Crew Foreman)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Be physically and mentally prepared to safely perform general forestry projects, Wildland fire suppression and other emergency services as an integral part of a team that will endure long hours in adverse conditions. Work can be performed anywhere in the United States.

• Alertness
• Teamwork
• Effectiveness
• Initiative
• Positive Attitude
• Diligence
• Dependability
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Endurance

• Technical Skills – Proper and safe use of hand tools, chainsaw and flammables.
• Problem Solving – Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues. Able to discern when to seek assistance for efficient and effective resolutions.
• Customer Service - Respond to requests and assist with an attitude to serve rather than be served.
• Communication - Listen with the intent to provide constructive feedback. Speak in a manner that promotes respect and dignity in positive as well as negative situations.

• Promote and uphold Grayback Forestry’s Mission Statement, Company Vision and Core Values at all times.
• Maintain a safe, productive and positive work environment. Maintain and clean all equipment issued.
• Comply with all state and federal regulations.
• Use of power tools - pumps and chain saws; hand tools - Mcleods, Pulaskis, shovels, hazel hoes, and drip torches.
• Cut, clear and pile brush and trees in a forest environment. Tree planting, staking and tubing.
• Extinguish flames and embers to suppress forest fires using hand tools. Construct fire lines and ignite slash for controlled burns. Set up of water tanks, pumps, hoses to fight wildfire and prescribe burns.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

To become an entry level wildland firefighter (FF-2), a basic firefighting course that meets the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (PMS 310-1) standards is required. Basic training is a 5‑day course that consists of a fitness capacity test, classroom training and a field examination day (40 hours minimum). This class is comprised of the S-130, S-190, L-180, and Field Evaluation. There are two additional required online self‑study courses that everyone needs to complete order to become eligible to be a wildland firefighter.

The IS-700 and I-100 courses are required by FEMA for all emergency response workers, including wildland firefighters. This Basic Firefighting Course can be obtained from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.) or free of charge from Grayback Forestry but unpaid. Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate as a firefighter 2 that will be recognized by other private companies, State and Federal agencies, allowing you to be eligible to work for any of them.

California agencies may have additional requirements. In addition, individuals must pass an Agency required “Pack Test”, which consists of completing a three‑mile, controlled course walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds on your back. Grayback will administer and document pass or fail free of charge or you can take the test from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.)

• Walking/Climbing – Surfaces can be any of the following: forest turf and duff, rocks, gravel, or pavement. Terrain may be flat to steep.
• Carry – 10‑50 pounds continuously, 50‑100 pounds occasionally. Wear personal backpack while working.
• Pushing/Pulling – 20‑30 pounds of force, pushing hand tools into dirt and pulling away topsoil several inches below surface and pulling to scrape to mineral soil continuously.
• Bending/Twisting – From waist and knees to assume position when digging fire line.
• Lifting/Reaching/Handling/Grasping – when digging fire line or utilizing other equipment.

Working…