Fire Engine Operator

Job

Agency:
Department of Public Safety

Location:

Hot Springs, SD

Salary: $23.66/hr

Pay Grade: F

Closing Date: 08/25/2026

The Wildland Firefighter, Fire Engine Operator (FEO) is a first-line lead worker to a wildland fire engine module in suppressing wildfires. They ensure appropriate work and safety practices are implemented at wildland fires and other emergencies, and to ensure successful completion of fire prevention and remediation projects according to project plans. The FEO performs or directs others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, appropriate nozzle use, effective use of water and additives.

Inspects, checks, services and adjusts the pump, hose lays, tank and reels for equipment readiness. The FEO reports to a Wildland Firefighter Engine Captain. Provides direction to firefighters; does not supervise.

• Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure appropriate responses in fires and other emergencies, and to ensure the safety of crew members in conjunction with the Engine Captain.
• Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure non-fire assignments such as hazardous fuels mitigation and reduction, building and grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance and readiness, etc., are accomplished according to plans and directions.
• Assists the Engine Captain with general and daily administrative tasks to maintain crew readiness.
• Performs other work as assigned.

• Must be able to achieve Firefighter Type 1 according to National Wildfire Coordinating Group PMS-310-1.
• The duties of this position require that the incumbent meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
• Incumbents must have a valid driver license.

• NWCG Firefighter Type 1, ICT5;

• power tools and equipment typically used in fire and emergency situations such as chain saws, pumps, axes, shovels, picks, etc.;
• equipment maintenance and safety practices;
• perform vehicle inspections and perform minor preventive maintenance;
• weather, fuels, and fire behavior; and
• fire ground hydraulics and water handling equipment.

• provide work direction and assignment to others;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• maintain required physical fitness standards;
• continuously assess the weather conditions and fire behavior, communication via digital radio and other methods, and mitigation of hazards during fire incidents;
• lead the implementation of tactical objectives set by the engine captain to suppress the fire safely and efficiently;
• operate or direct others in operating a specialized wildland fire engine, which includes starting pump engines, priming the pumps, etc.;
• act as an engine captain if qualified and when required; and
• function as a lookout who is expected to relay fire behavior, fire weather, changing conditions. A lookout has no direct supervision and is trusted to make decisions independently.

Working Conditions:

Works in a typical office environment and in the field in all types of weather and on all types of terrain, and is exposed to hazards and strenuous work activity while fighting fires.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC:
If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'