Smokebusters Crew Supervisor 2026-01667

Smoke buster Crew Supervisor

Become an integral part of the nearly 50-year-old Wyoming Smoke busters wildland fire handcrew and Forestry Conservation Program (FCP), within the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division. This role is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp.

As a Smoke buster Crew Supervisor, you will supervise, lead, train, and oversee pre-release, minimum security inmate crews on wildland fires and various forestry and conservation projects. Your duties will include: ensuring safety, accountability, transportation, delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and evaluating inmate crew members during wildland fire suppression and daily work activities. Projects will include fuels reduction, timber stand improvements, community service, and disaster relief or prevention.

Additionally, you will instruct inmate crew members in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and train them in the use of chainsaws, hand and power tools, and fire suppression techniques.

Newcastle is at 4,334 feet above sea level with pleasant summer temperatures around 84°F and winter highs around 35°F. The county seat of Weston County, Newcastle offers scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities. Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 16 and U.S. Route 85, Newcastle is close to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. The area provides year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and winter sports.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• and MUCH MORE!  for detailed information, or you can watch this short video to learn about our benefit package!

Want to see the full value of your compensation beyond salary? Explore our Total Compensation Calculator: compensation calculator.wyo.gov

Human Resource Contact:
Ryan Scheer /  / ryan.scheer2

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.

• Manage and supervise a crew of up to 10 pre-release, minimum security inmates on wildland fires, and forestry and community projects.
• Ensure accountability and security of your inmate crew, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Maintain production, efficiency, and workflow of the crew.
• Serve as a working supervisor, instructing, coaching, and working alongside the crew.
• Hold your assigned inmate crew members accountable to policies, procedures, and practices, utilizing the progressive discipline model.
• Perform physically demanding tasks and maintain NWCG 310-1 physical fitness certification.
• Maintain documentation on inmates, records on work accomplishments, vehicle use, timesheets, and crew member evaluations.
• Operate and maintain forestry equipment and vehicles, including chainsaws, wood splitters, and heavy equipment.
• Instruct courses on wildland firefighting, safety, and equipment operation.
• Perform as a Squad Boss (FFT1) and Intermediate Faller (FAL2) on the Wyoming Smoke busters Type 2 Wildland Fire Handcrew.
• Operate larger capacity trucks, such as Type 6 wildland fire engines.

Preference may be given to candidates who have experience or training in any of the following:

• Wildland Fire Suppression (NWCG Red Card)
• Corrections
• Supervision
• Logging/Forestry

Knowledge:

• Ability to motivate and work cohesively with inmates and the team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective in instructing crew members in various situations
• Basic knowledge of fire suppression, corrections, supervision, forest management, and business management practices
• Proficient in equipment operation and maintenance
• Ability to maintain industrial tools and equipment

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience Substitution: 3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Natural Resources, Wildland…