Wildland Firefighter (Fire Engine Operator)

Full Job Description

This position is located within a National Forest. The position is located on a fire crew as a crewmember within the fire management organization.

The position is located on a wildland fire Engine crew. The primary purpose of this position is to perform wildland firefighting work.

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement.

For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.

Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

In order to be considered for this position, copies of your Incident Qualification and Certification System (IQCS) Master Record (or equivalent training documents) which contain documented proof of the certification or attainment of the IFPM Selective Placement Factor for this position MUST be attached to your application.

Red cards are not acceptable documentation. GW-05: (1) One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4.

OR Successful completion of a 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university with major study in Fire Science, Fire Training, Fire Technology or other related fields of study is qualifying for GW-5.

OR a combination of education and experience.

Examples of specialized experience includes: Controlled operation of the engine, operated pump and adjusted controls under close supervision; performed regular maintenance and minor repairs on fire engine; served as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring or controlling the fire and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior.

Selective Placement Factors Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) -AND- Successfully completed the Secondary NWCG Core Requirement of Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290).

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

WORK CAPACITY TEST (WCT) for Wildland Firefighters: This position participates in wildland firefighting activities.

Based on the type of work performed, TAKING and PASSING the WCT at the ARDUOUS level is a condition of employment, which means you must maintain the required level of physical fitness in order to remain in the position.

The Arduous fitness (Pack) Test requires completing a three (3) mile hike within forty-five (45) minutes, while carrying a forty-five (45) pound pack.

You are strongly encouraged to consult with your physician and begin training immediately if applying for this position.

This announcement constitutes the required 30 days advanced notice for testing requirements.

In accordance with USDA Department Regulation 4430-792-2, this position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the USDA Drug Free Workplace Program and subject to pre-employment drug testing.

All applicants selected for this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.

Incumbents of this position will be required to submit to a urinalysis on an ongoing random basis, after appointment as directed.

To receive consideration for this position, you must meet all qualification requirements on the closing date of this announcement. Major Duties:

• Serves as senior wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine. Independently performs engine operation duties in the suppression of wildland fires and prescribed fire.
• Drives engine to fire locations in consideration of safety of crew and equipment, and how the equipment can be best used in control and mop-up operations.
• Personally performs and may direct others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, and using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives.
• Has specialized duties such as water handling specialist, qualified chain saw operator, or responsible for maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland urban interface/intermix situations.
• May serve as an Incident Commander.
• Gathers and considers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in responding to wildland fire incidents.
• When positioning and deploying personnel and equipment, recommends best approaches and practices to use in protection of the values at risk.
• Responsible for operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations.
• Accomplishes emergency repairs as necessary to permit continued use of equipment. In those instances when the apparatus cannot be used effectively in suppressing the fire, the incumbent takes other actions to control fire.
• Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression.
• Participates in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fire line activities, with emphasis on those used in the particular function assigned.
• Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills, safety sessions, and fire critiques. Ensures own and other's welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignment.
• May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.
• May perform other duties as designated on Incident Qualification Card.
• May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, miscellaneous equipment, facilities maintenance, and other resources.
• May assist in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, assist in monitoring efforts and development of forest/range resources.
• May be required to fill-in for other work leaders on established crews.
• Serves as an experienced firefighter on a hand crew or other related fire suppression crews performing fire suppression and/or fuels management duties under the most adverse conditions of climate, fuels, and terrain.