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