Firefighter - Engine Crew; Seasonal

Apply for the Firefighter - Engine Crew (Seasonal) role with the State of South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety – Wildland Fire Division. The position is based in Lead, SD for the 2026 fire season.

The Engine Crew member will staff a Type 3 or Type 6 engine and assist in wildland firefighting operations, including suppression, presuppression activities, training, prescribed burns, and facility maintenance. Duties include operating engines, maintaining equipment, and supporting helistop construction and helitack operations as required.

• Must be 18 years of age or older on the hire date.
• Must pass the arduous Pack Test—3‑mile walk carrying a 45‑lb pack in 45 minutes or less.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to work holidays, weekends, and irregular or rotating shifts.
• Must complete a pre‑hire drug screening as a Public Safety Sensitive Position.
• Must have or be able to obtain S130/S190/L180 wilderness fire crew certification.
• Transportation to and from work and associated costs are the employee’s responsibility.
• Employee must supply wildland fire boots with a minimum 8‑inch high top and leather lace‑type with skid‑resistant soles.

Engine crew members must develop working knowledge of fire suppression tactics and terminology, assist with holding, mop‑up, ignitions, chainsaw operations, mobile and stationary engine operations, and helistop construction. Physical stamina, lifting up to 75 pounds, and ability to maintain equipment and operate 4x4 vehicles (automatic or manual) are required. Night and weekend work, as well as occasional out‑of‑state assignments up to 21 days, must be accepted.

The Lead District covers suppression on state and private forested lands in Lawrence, Butte, and Harding Counties. Seasonal work runs from mid‑May through Labor Day. Seasonal employees are paid only for hours worked. Optional seasonal housing can be requested. An additional $0.60 per hour is available for EMT or CDL certification.

Applicants may apply online or by mail/email.

• Online Application: -stateofsout
• Paper Application: Download the form from https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). email or mail to:

Email: cody.griffee.us

Mailing Address:
County of South Dakota Department of Public Safety
Wildland Fire Division
Attn:
Cody Griffee
622 Hearst Ave. STE. B
Lead, SD 57754

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity.

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