Wildland Firefighter

The Oak Creek Fire Protection District is hiring Wildland Firefighters for next fire season. There may be several position available, experienced and inexperienced individuals are encouraged to apply.  Starting date will tentatively be May 19th 2025-weather permitting (earlier employment may be available depending on wildfire severity and prescribed fire opportunities.) 

Job Title: Wildland Firefighter

Reports to: Wildland Engine Captain(s)/Division Captains  

Application Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

NOTE: THIS IS A SEASONAL POSITION

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The Oak Creek Fire Protection District is in the Northern Rockies just South of Steamboat Springs, Co. Including the communities of Oak Creek and the neighboring community of Stagecoach. The district of Oak Creek covers approximately 278 sq. miles.  The wildland fire crew is responsible for responding to wildland fires within the district, as well as providing mutual aid support to Routt County, the State of Colorado and to National level incidents.

WHY JOIN US:

Do you want to be part of a progressive wildland program that believes its employees are its most valuable resource?

The Oak Creek Wildland Division is seeking hardworking leaders that want to be part of shaping the future of wildland firefighting. We believe in a holistic approach to wildland firefighting that focus on education, mitigation, response, and recovery as equally valuable components to the wildland fire threat. As part of a small but growing all hazard 911 organization you can expect to always be busy and challenged with solving problems and supporting the communities we serve. We believe in a “life-work” balance, our firefighters are our most valuable resource, supporting employee growth and ambitions both personally and within the fire service is a top priority.

Salary Range

$20.00 - $28.00 Hourly

$1600 - $2240 Bi-weekly

$24,000 - $33,600 6 months

30% differential pay when out on a qualified fire assignment.

Position Duties

The Wildland Firefighter is a firefighting resource – typically on a fire engine, but can be assigned to a squad, or hand crew – to provide a range of firefighting and related services. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Oak Creek Wildland Firefighter - Engine in support of wildfire fire suppression and mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire and hazardous fuel reduction). Works independently or as a skilled member on a wildland brush engine or as a fuels management team member engaged in fuels management, including broadcast burning, hand piling, pile burning, other brush disposal techniques, and herbicide application. 

Examples Of Duties

·Uses a variety of hand and power tools, including chainsaws, firing equipment, and/or portable pumps. Gathers data and records information on fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.

· Responsible for observing the rules of fire safety and fire behavior while on the fire line.

· Serves as a member of fire engine assigned to suppress the full range of wildland fires independently performing recurring fire suppression duties.

· Perform assignments as a wildland firefighter in developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.

·May work in and around aircraft such as helicopters and must be able to observe all safety regulations.

·Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, etc. Chops brush, fells small trees, and moves dirt to construct fire line using various hand tools such as axes, shovels, Pulaskis, McLeods, and may use power tools including chainsaws and portable pumps to control the spreading of wildland fire and/or to prepare control lines prior to burning.

·Patrols fire lines to locate and extinguish embers, flareups, and hotspot fires that may threaten developed fire lines.

·Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment.

·May assist trained personnel in more specialized assignments, such as backfire/burnout, mobile/stationary engine attack, construction of helispots, helitack operations, and performing hover hookups.

·Participate 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.

·Participate in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participate in safety sessions and fire critiques.

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

Experience & Training Requirements

Graduation from high school or successful certification of equivalency (GED)

License or Certificate

Required at time of application:

·A valid driver’s license

·NWCG S-130 Basic Wildland Firefighter

·NWCG S-190 Introduction to Fire Behavior

Required upon appointment:

·FEMA ICS100 Incident Command System

·FEMA ICS200 Incident Command System

·FEMA ICS700 Incident Command System

·FEMA ICS800 Incident Command System

Required within one year of appointment:

·NWCG FAL 3 Basic Faller (OCFPD Provides Training and Taskbooks)

Job Related and Essential Qualifications 

Knowledge of:

·Policies and procedures of the Oak Creek Fire Protection District.

· Basic tree, brush, and vegetation identification.

· Basic mathematics.

· Hand and power tools

Ability to: 

· Learn a variety of fuels reduction and firefighting duties, methods, tools, and equipment.

· Analyze situations quickly and reach logical conclusions in emergencies.

· Plan, organize and prioritize daily activities.

· Read and comprehend laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

· Read and follow street maps.

· Understand and follow oral and written directions.

· Maintain records and prepare reports.

· Understand basic arithmetic elements using whole numbers, decimals, percentages, and fractions.

· Exercise good judgment and safe work practices.

· Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.

· Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental personnel, other agencies, the public, and others contacted in the course of work.

Special Requirements

· Work hours will normally involve 40-hour work weeks, but are variable and may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.  Incumbents may work irregular hours, weekends, holidays, or evenings.

· Duties involve hiking, lifting, bending, and carrying heavy loads in mountainous terrain on steep slopes varying between 30 to 90%. Must be able to regularly lift 65 lbs. or 1/3 of their total weight unassisted. Ability to frequently stoop, bend, kneel, and climb. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Ability to work at considerable heights.  May work in extreme weather conditions, from the low teens of winter to summer high desert temperatures over 100 degrees. Must display the ability to show good judgment and safe work practices during shift lengths of 16 to 24 hrs. for a 14-21 day period. Ability to participate and lead in a daily physical training program consisting of 30 to 45 min. of cardiovascular challenge and 15 to 20 min. of strength training exercises. Ability to tolerate exposure to extreme weather conditions, heat, fumes, smoke, pressurized water, and chemicals.

· All licenses and certifications are required to be kept current and maintained for continued employment. 

· Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to being considered for employment.

· Applicants will be required to pass a thorough medical examination which may include, but not be limited to, a physical agility test prior to appointment and for continuing employment.

· May work in and around aircraft such as helicopters.

Paid Time Off, Longevity, Holiday and Sick Leave:

· 6 hours per month of Sick Leave.

· Longevity pay after 3 years (.05%) per year for a total of 10 years or $10,000).

· 10 holiday days paid per year.

Insurance:

Oak Creek Fire Protection has medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance. Wildland Firefighter families/dependents can be added to the policy. The cost will be deducted from the employee’s payroll (pre-tax).

Insurance coverage does not start until 30 days after the hiring date.

Details of insurance coverage are available upon request.

Employment At-Will

It is Oak Creek Fire Protection District’s policy that employees are employed at the will of OCFPD and the employee (“at-will” employment). Thus, either employees or OCFPD may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law, with or without cause or notice.

Selection Process

All candidates will be scored on their minimum qualifications, desired qualifications, additional qualifications, and skills. Additional points will be given to veterans. All candidates will also be interviewed and scored.  Candidates will be ranked according to their score.  The district will use this ranking to help in the hiring process.

The Oak Creek Fire Protection District does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.

Send a cover letter and resume to:  join@oakcreekfire.org

If you are interested in any of these positions please feel free to call 970-761-8141 or email your resume to join@oakcreekfire.org

Wildland Engine Captain

The Oak Creek Fire Protection District is hiring a Wildland Captain for the next fire season (2025).
There is (1) position available. The start date will be determined based on the candidate's availability and the district's needs.

Job Title: Wildland Engine Captain (Engine Boss)

Reports to: District Chief/Wildland Division Captains

Application Closing Date: OPEN UNTIL FILLED

NOTE: THIS IS A PERMANENT POSITION (winter furlough period to be determined based on experience and qualifications)

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:

The Oak Creek Fire Protection District is in the Northern Rockies just South of
Steamboat Springs, Co. Including the communities of Oak Creek and the neighboring
community of Stagecoach. The district of Oak Creek covers approximately 278 sq.
miles. The wildland fire crew is responsible for responding to wildland fires within the district, as well as providing mutual aid support to Routt County, the State of Colorado, and to National level incidents.

WHY JOIN US:
Do you want to be part of a progressive wildland program that believes its employees are its most valuable resource?
The Oak Creek Wildland Division is seeking hardworking leaders who want to be part of shaping the future of wildland firefighting. We believe in a holistic approach to wildland firefighting that focuses on education, mitigation, response, and recovery as equally valuable components to the wildland fire threat. As part of a small but growing all-hazard 911 organization, you can expect to always be busy and challenged with solving problems and supporting the communities we serve. We believe in a “life-work” balance, our firefighters are our most valuable resource, and supporting employee growth and ambitions both personally and within the fire service is a top priority.

Salary Range:
$30.00 - $49.00 Hourly
$2,400 - $3,920 Bi-weekly
$52,800 - $82,320 Yearly
30% differential pay when out on a qualified fire assignment.

Position Duties:
The Wildland Captain is the work leader of a firefighting resource – typically a fire
engine, but can be assigned to a squad, or hand crew – to provide a range of firefighting and related services. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an Oak Creek Single Resource Wildland Captain - Engine in support of wildfire fire suppression and mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire and hazardous fuel reduction). The position leads training classes and basic qualifications. As needed and qualified, this position provides all-hazard incident response and assists with other WFMS or DFPC programs.  The Engine Captain must have previous wildland firefighting experience and prior supervisory experience is highly preferred.

Examples of Duties:
• Supervision of assigned staff including professional development, coaching
and mentorship, work assignments and follow-up reviews to ensure
completion
• Administration of performance evaluations and discipline actions
• Functional supervision for the District including training in proper work
methods and techniques, coordination of leave requests, and scheduling to
include communication with the Chief and staff.
• Supervises and participates in daily physical training and ensures the
physical readiness of subordinates.
• Participates, supervises, and oversees activities during natural resource
management projects and wildland fire operations.
• Oversees and manages the use of equipment ensuring proper technique,
use, and maintenance.
• Supervises wildland firefighters in developing a working knowledge of fire
suppression and fuels management techniques, practices, and terminology.
• Oversee operations and personnel on projects pertaining to fire
suppression fuels management, varying wildland fire situations.
• Creation of training plans and matrices are developed, appropriate, and
followed in wildland fire and natural resources.
• Gathers data and records information on fuel types, weather conditions, fire
behavior, and status of work accomplished.
• Assists with burn and project prescription development and oversees
implementation.
• Responsible for observing the principles of risk management during
emergency operations, project implementation, and day-to-day functions.
• Supervise and direct hand crews, engine crews, and heavy equipment in
searching out and extinguishing burning materials using various hand tools
and power tools, patrolling wirelines to locate and extinguish embers,
flareups, and spot fires that may threaten developed control lines, and in
cleaning, reconditioning, and storing fire and project tools and equipment.
• Supervise and lead trained personnel in more specialized assignments,
such as backfire/burnout operations, mobile/stationary engine attacks,
construction of helispots, and aviation operations.
Experience & Training Requirements
• High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
• Five (5) years of professional wildland firefighting experience or fuels
management
• three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory role in any
environment; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
 

License or Certificate:
Required at time of application:
• Possession of a valid CPR certification.
• FEMA ICS100 Introduction to ICS
• FEMA ICS200 Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response
• FEMA IS700 An Intro to the Incident Management System
• FEMA IS800 National Response Framework
• NWCG L-180 Human Factors
• NWCG L-280 Followership to Leadership
• NWCG S-211 Portable Pumps and Water Use
• NWCG S-212 Power Saws
• NWCG S-230 Single Resource Leader
• NWCG S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
• Red card qualification as an: Engine Boss.
• Red card qualification as a NWCG Faller III

Desired:
• Red card qualification as the following: NWCG Crew Boss, Heavy
Equipment Boss, Feller Boss, or Helicopter Manager; NWCG Incident
Commander Type IV; NWCG S-219 Firing Operations or NWCG S-234 may
substitute for S-219 requirement
• NWCG S-260 Incident Business Management
• NWCG S-270 Basic Air Operations
• NWCG M-410 Facilitative Instructor or equivalent
• RXB3 or RXB2
• Task Force Leader
• NREMT or Colorado State EMT Licensure
Required at time of appointment:
• A valid Colorado driver’s license
Required at the times specified below
• Red card qualification as a NWCG Prescribed Fire Burn Boss III is required
within one year of appointment.
• Red card qualification in any second NWCG Single Resource Leader (Crew
Boss, Heavy Equipment Boss, Helicopter Manager, Feller Boss), is required
within two years of appointment.
• Red card qualification as an NWCG Faller II is required within one year of
appointment.
• Red card qualification as a NWCG Strike Team Leader or Task Force
Leader is required within five years of appointment.

Job Related and Essential Qualifications
 

Knowledge of:
• Policies and procedures of the Oak Creek Fire Protection District.
• Geography of the district, including major streets and landmarks.
• Basic tree, brush, and vegetation identification.
• Fuels reduction and wildland firefighting methods, tools, and equipment.
• Pesticide application
• Prescribed fire operations
• Arboriculture and plant science
• Supervisory principles and practices as they relate to establishing goals,
objectives, and work standards.
• Basic mathematics.
• Principles and practices of basic budget development and
implementation
• Principles and practices of fire behavior, fire control techniques and fuels
reduction.
• Fire line terminology.
• Natural resource management fundamentals.
• Fuels management prescription development and implementation.
• Incident Qualification Systems.
• ROSS/IROC processes.
• NWCG training requirements.
• Dispatch procedures.
• Incident Management Team operations/procedures.
• ICS/NIMS
• Geographic Information Systems.
• Equipment inspection and maintenance.
Ability to:
• Perform a variety of fuels and natural resource management projects.
• Perform wildland firefighting assignments.
• Provide supervisory direction
• Plan, organize, and prioritize daily activities
• Maintain records and prepare reports
• Recognize and train staff in work methods and procedures that promote a
safe working environment for employees and others.
• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of others, directly or through
subordinate supervisors.
• Utilize basic computer programs.
• Perform basic administrative functions.
• Construct fire line.
• Use and field program VHF radio (both handheld and mobile) equipment
during project and emergency response.
• Learn a variety of fuels reduction and firefighting duties, methods, tools, and
equipment.
• Analyze situations quickly and reach logical conclusions in emergencies.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize daily activities.
• Read and comprehend laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Read and follow street maps.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Understand basic arithmetic elements using whole numbers, decimals,
percentages, and fractions.
• Exercise good judgement and safe work practices.
• Exercise emotional control and work under stressful situations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental
personnel, other agencies, the public, and others contacted in the course of
work.

Skills in:
• Firefighting tools and equipment.
• Power and hand tools.
• Two-way radio communication.
• Use of equipment (including chainsaws, chippers, masticators, and yarders)
for maintenance and problem identification/mitigation in the field.

Special Requirements:
• Work crews consist of hourly employees.
• Work hours will normally involve 40-hour work weeks, but are variable and
may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays. Incumbents may work
irregular hours, weekends, holidays, or evenings.
• Duties involve hiking, lifting, bending, and carrying heavy loads in
mountainous terrain on steep slopes varying between 30 to 90%. Must be
able to regularly lift 65 lbs or 1/3 of their total weight unassisted. Ability to
frequently stoop, bend, kneel, and climb. Corrected hearing and vision to
normal range. Ability to work at considerable heights. May work in extreme
weather conditions, from the low teens of winter to summer high desert
temperature's over 100 degrees. Must display the ability to show good
judgment and safe work practices during shift lengths of 16 to 24 hrs. for a
16-day period. Ability to participate and lead in a daily physical training
program consisting of 30 to 45 min. of cardiovascular challenge and 15 to
20 min. of strength training exercises. Ability to tolerate exposure
to extreme weather conditions, heat, fumes, smoke, pressurized water, and
chemicals.
• All licenses and certifications are required to be kept current and maintained
for continued employment.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a background investigation prior to
being considered for employment.
• Applicants will be required to pass a thorough medical examination which
may include, but not be limited to, a physical agility test prior to appointment
and for continuing employment.
• May work in and around aircraft such as helicopters.

Paid Time Off, Longevity, Holiday and Sick Leave (amount negotiable DOQ):

• 6 hours per month of Sick Leave. • Longevity pay after 3 years (.05%) per year for a total of 10 years or $10,000). • 10 holiday days paid per year.

Insurance (funding negotiable DOQ):

Oak Creek Fire Protection has medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance. Wildland Firefighter families/dependents can be added to the policy. The cost will be deducted from the employee’s payroll (pre-tax). Insurance coverage does not start until 30 days after the hiring date. Details of insurance coverage are available upon request

Employment At-Will:
It is Oak Creek Fire Protection District’s policy that employees are employed at the will of OCFPD and the employee (“at-will” employment). Thus, either employees or OCFPD may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason not prohibited by law, with or without cause or notice.

Selection Process:
All candidates will be scored on their minimum qualifications, desired qualifications,
additional qualification,s and skills. Additional points will be given to veterans. All
candidates will also be interviewed and scored. Candidates will be ranked according to their scores. The district will use this ranking to help in the hiring process.

The Oak Creek Fire Protection District does not discriminate in employment based on
race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin,
political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

Send a cover letter and resume to:  join@oakcreekfire.org

If you are interested in any of these positions please feel free to call 970-761-8141 or email your resume to join@oakcreekfire.org