Job Description
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
***Wildland Firefighter with Current Training Certifications - applying for Missoula Montana Base***
(If you have previously been trained as a Wildland Firefighter and have certificates, please apply here)
Position: Wildland Firefighter/ Forest Technician
Department: Missoula MT Base
Reports To: Supervisor (Crew Foreman)
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Summary
Be physically and mentally prepared to safely perform general forestry projects, Wildland fire suppression and other emergency services as an integral part of a team that will endure long hours in adverse conditions. Work can be performed anywhere in the United States.
Key Character Traits for this Position:
Alertness
Teamwork
Effectiveness
Initiative
Positive Attitude
Diligence
Dependability
Flexibility
Reliability
Endurance
Skill Sets:
- Technical Skills – Proper and safe use of hand tools, chainsaw and flammables.
- Problem Solving – Utilize personal knowledge to resolve issues. Able to discern when to seek assistance for efficient and effective resolutions.
- Customer Service - Respond to requests and assist with an attitude to serve rather than be served.
- Communication - Listen with the intent to provide constructive feedback. Speak in a manner that promotes respect and dignity in positive as well as negative situations.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Promote and uphold Grayback Forestry’s Mission Statement, Company Vision and Core Values at all times.
- Maintain a safe, productive and positive work environment. Maintain and clean all equipment issued.
- Comply with all state and federal regulations.
- Use of power tools - pumps and chain saws; hand tools - Mcleods, Pulaskis, shovels, hazel hoes, and drip torches.
- Cut, clear and pile brush and trees in a forest environment. Tree planting, staking and tubing.
* Extinguish flames and embers to suppress forest fires using hand tools. Construct fire lines and ignite slash for controlled burns. Set up of water tanks, pumps, hoses to fight wildfire and prescribe burns. * Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.
Education and/or Experience:
To become an entry level wildland firefighter (FFT2), a basic firefighting course that meets the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (PMS 310-1) standards is required. Basic training is a 5-day course that consists of a fitness capacity test, classroom training and a field examination day (40 hours minimum). This class is comprised of the S-130, S-190, L-180, and Field Evaluation. There are two additional required online self-study courses that everyone needs to complete order to become eligible to be a wildland firefighter. The IS-700 and I-100 courses are required by FEMA for all emergency response workers, including wildland firefighters.
This Basic Firefighting Course can be obtained from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.) or free of charge from Grayback Forestry but unpaid. Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate as a firefighter 2 that will be recognized by other private companies, State and Federal agencies, allowing you to be eligible to work for any of them. California agencies may have additional requirements.
In addition, individuals must pass an Agency required “Pack Test”, which consists of completing a three-mile, controlled course walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds on your back. Grayback will administer and document pass or fail free of charge or you can take the test from any NWCG certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA Certified Instructors, etc.)
Physical Demands:
Possess ability to perform hard manual labor on steep terrain, using chain saws and hand tools and to lift and carry 50 pounds or more. You may be required to walk ten miles or more per day.
- Walking/Climbing – Surfaces can be any of the following; forest turf and duff, rocks, gravel, or pavement. Terrain may be flat to steep.
- Carry – 10-50 pounds continuously, 50-100 pounds occasionally. Wear personal backpack while working.
- Pushing/Pulling – 20-30 pounds of force, pushing hand tools into dirt and pulling away topsoil several inches below surface and pulling to scrape to mineral soil continuously.
- Bending/Twisting - From waist and knees to assume position when digging fire line.
- Lifting/Reaching/Handling/Grasping when digging fire line or utilizing other equipment.
Work Environment:
Working conditions include working in a crew (team) environment, outside in varying weather conditions. May be required to work in an environment where there are fumes, smoke, noise, chemicals, dirt, and dust. May be on duty 16 hours or more a day, including travel time from the base to work site and back. May involve extended time away from home and depending on the fire location, you may work 21 days straight before a day off.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.
EOE: minority/female/disabled/veteran
Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disabled/veteran
