Wildland Firefighter – Handcrew
Handcrew Supervisor | Assistant Handcrew Supervisor | Squad Boss | Lead Firefighter | Senior Firefighter | Firefighter
Part-Time/Seasonal/Temporary
Position Overview
Fireco INC is a wildfire suppression contractor based out of Boise, Idaho, with equipment and crews operating throughout Regions 3, 4, and 6. We are building a Wildland Fire Handcrew and are seeking motivated, physically capable, safety-focused firefighters for the upcoming fire season and beyond.
This is an opportunity to become part of a growing fire organization and help establish the culture, standards, skills, and reputation of the handcrew from the ground up.
We are currently seeking qualified personnel for handcrew operations, with opportunities available across multiple experience levels, including:
- Firefighter
- Senior Firefighter
- Squad Boss
- Assistant Handcrew Supervisor
- Handcrew Supervisor
As the crew develops, members will have opportunities to build operational experience, pursue additional qualifications and task books, and take on increasing levels of responsibility.
Position Overview
Our crews will operate in demanding wildland fire environments and may be assigned to:
- Initial attack and extended attack
- Wildfire suppression
- Prescribed fire
- Fuels reduction
- Fireline construction
- Mop-up and patrol
- Burnout operations
- Hazard tree operations
- Engine-based fire suppression
- Other incident-related assignments
Crew members must be willing to work hard, learn continuously, communicate effectively, follow direction, and maintain a strong commitment to safety, teamwork, professionalism, and operational readiness.
While Fireco INC is based in Boise, out-of-state applicants are encouraged to apply. We will work with qualified personnel regarding transportation to and from fire assignments.
What We're Looking For
Being Red Card ready is strongly preferred. Applicants must personally possess, or be able to acquire, the certificates and required documentation for the wildland fire position for which they are applying.
Our ideal candidates are individuals who:
- Maintain high standards
- Take pride in the work they produce and the organization they represent
- Are motivated, ambitious, and interested in building a long-term career in wildland fire
- Want to continually develop their skills and qualifications
- Work well as part of a team and communicate effectively
- Have skills, experience, and interests that complement wildland fire operations
- Demonstrate strong personal accountability and operational discipline
- Bring a positive, can-do attitude to themselves, their coworkers, and the challenges of the job
- Are physically capable of performing demanding wildland fire assignments
- Understand the commitment required to work away from home for extended periods
- Put safety, professionalism, and crew cohesion first
Employment & Compensation
This is an on-call seasonal position to start, with opportunities for:
- Part-time off-season employment
- Continued employment across multiple fire seasons
- Advancement into leadership positions
- Salaried positions for qualified candidates as the organization grows
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Seasonal
Starting Pay: $33.50 per hour
Work Location: In person
Primary Base: Boise, Idaho
Please do not apply if you:
- Cannot provide proof of required certifications and qualifications
- Have physical or health limitations that prevent you from safely performing the essential functions of the position
- Have personal responsibilities that prohibit you from being away from home for several weeks at a time
- Cannot successfully pass a required drug test, including marijuana
- Cannot remain alcohol-free for the duration of fire assignments, including periods of 14–21 days or longer
Wildland fire requires commitment, reliability, and the ability to remain operationally ready throughout an assignment.
Interview Process
Qualified applicants will participate in a virtual face-to-face interview via Zoom.
Applicants should be prepared to discuss their wildland fire experience, certifications, task books, physical readiness, availability, career goals, and the type of role they are seeking within the organization.
Build the Crew. Build the Culture. Build Your Career.
This is more than a seasonal fire job. We are looking for people who want to become part of a professional organization, develop their qualifications, take ownership of their work, and help build a crew capable of performing at a high standard in challenging wildland fire environments.
If you are motivated, dependable, physically capable, willing to learn, and serious about building a future in wildland fire, we want to hear from you.
Available Positions
Handcrew Supervisor
Minimum Required Qualifications CRWB/ICT5/FAL3
Preferred Qualifications: CRWB/FIRB/FAL2/ICT5
Minimum Required Experience:
5 seasons of wildland fire experience required.
3 seasons of demonstrated crew leadership experience.
Preferred Type 1 IHC Squad Boss or Crew Member Experience or Type 2IA Crew Supervisor Experience.
Required Training:
Applicant will possess all required NWCG courses and completed task books and supporting personnel evaluations for minimum required qualifications listed above as well as for subordinate positions in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1.
Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher.
Possess and Maintain Arduous Fitness Rating
Possess Valid State Driver’s License
Primary Responsibilities
- Demonstrated experience leading firefighters on wildland fire assignments.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise personnel, manage risk, and make sound operational decisions.
- Supervise Assistant Handcrew Supervisor, Squad Bosses, Leads, Senior Firefighters, and Firefighters.
- Assign crew personnel and resources.
- Conduct operational briefings and safety discussions.
- Maintain crew accountability and communications.
- Monitor firefighter fatigue, hydration, work/rest cycles, and operational risk.
- Coordinate with incident leadership and other resources.
- Mentor and develop future Squad Bosses and Crew Bosses.
- Maintain crew equipment, tools, PPE, and readiness.
Assistant Handcrew Supervisor
Minimum Qualifications: CRWB/FAL3
Preferred Qualifications: CRWB/FAL3/ICT5
Minimum Required Experience:
Minimum 4 seasons of wildland fire experience preferred.
Minimum 2 seasons of leadership experience.
Preferred experience as Type 2 IA Crew Supervisor or Type 1 IHC Squad Boss Experience
Required Training:
Applicant will possess all required NWCG courses and completed task books and supporting personnel evaluations for minimum required qualifications listed above as well as for subordinate positions in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1.
Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher.
Possess and Maintain Arduous Fitness Rating
Possess Valid State Driver’s License
Primary Responsibilities
- Assist with overall crew supervision.
- Direct Squad Bosses and Lead Firefighters as assigned.
- Assist with crew briefings, operational planning, safety, and accountability.
- Assist with crew transportation, logistics, equipment inspections, and maintenance.
- Mentor Squad Bosses and Lead Firefighters.
- Assume responsibility for the crew when directed and qualified.
- Support training and qualification development of crew personnel
Squad Boss
Minimum Qualifications: FFT1/ICT5/FAL3
Preferred Qualifications: FFT1/ICT5/FAL2
Minimum Required Experience:
2–3 seasons wildland fire experience
Preferred 2 seasons as a squad boss for a Type 2 IA or Type 1 IHC crewmember experience
Required Training:
Applicant will possess all required NWCG courses and completed task books and supporting personnel evaluations for minimum required qualifications listed above as well as for subordinate positions in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1.
Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher.
Possess and Maintain Arduous Fitness Rating
Possess Valid State Driver’s License
Primary Responsibilities
- Directly supervise assigned squad personnel.
- Conduct squad briefings and assign tactical tasks.
- Maintain squad accountability.
- Monitor firefighter safety, fatigue, and changing fire conditions.
- Communicate operational information to crew leadership.
- Mentor developing Senior firefighters.
Senior Firefighter
Minimum Qualifications: FFT1/FAL3
Preferred Qualifications: FFT1/ICT5/FAL2
Minimum Required Experience:
2–3 seasons wildland fire experience preferred.
Required Training:
Applicant will possess all required NWCG courses and completed task books and supporting personnel evaluations for minimum required qualifications listed above as well as for subordinate positions in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1.
Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher.
Possess and Maintain Arduous Fitness Rating
Possess Valid State Driver’s License
Primary Responsibilities
Serve as a senior member of the squad.
Assist the Squad Boss with supervision.
Lead small work groups when assigned.
Mentor entry-level and developing firefighters.
Assist with suppression, fireline construction, mop-up, patrol, and other operations.
Assist with saw operations when qualified.
Monitor crew safety and operational conditions.
Help maintain tools, equipment, vehicles, and PPE.
Assume squad leadership duties when directed and qualified.
Firefighter
Minimum Qualifications: FFT2
Preferred Qualifications: FFT2/FAL3
Minimum Required Experience:
Entry Position
Required Training:
Applicant will possess all required NWCG courses for minimum required qualifications listed above in accordance with NWCG PMS 310-1.
Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher.
Possess and Maintain Arduous Fitness Rating
Possess Valid State Driver’s License
Primary Responsibilities
Ability to hike, climb, bend, stoop, lift, carry, and work extended periods in rugged terrain and extreme environmental conditions.
Ability to carry equipment and perform physically demanding fireline duties.
Ability to work extended shifts up to 16 hours, nights, weekends, holidays, and incident assignments.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary
Pay: From $33.50 per hour
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
