Job Overview
The Tenmile Rural Fire District is seeking qualified REMS (Rapid Extraction Module Support) Rope Rescue Technicians to support wildland fire operations throughout Oregon. This position serves as a member of the District's specialized REMS Team, providing technical rope rescue and emergency medical support to firefighters operating in steep, remote, and hazardous terrain.
REMS personnel are responsible for rapidly accessing, stabilizing, treating, and extracting injured or entrapped firefighters from challenging environments during wildland fire incidents. Team members must possess advanced technical rope rescue skills, strong wilderness emergency medical capabilities, and experience operating within the Incident Command System (ICS) on active wildfire incidents.
This position requires a high level of physical fitness, technical proficiency, sound judgment, and the ability to operate safely in austere environments under rapidly changing conditions.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesTechnical Rescue
- Perform technical rope rescue operations in steep, rugged, and remote environments utilizing NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Technician standards.
- Build, operate, and supervise raising, lowering, litter attendant, highline, and mechanical advantage systems.
- Package and safely extricate injured firefighters using rescue litters and technical rescue equipment.
- Conduct hazard assessments and develop safe rescue plans in dynamic wildfire environments.
- Inspect, maintain, and document technical rescue equipment in accordance with department standards.
Emergency Medical Response
- Provide emergency medical care to injured firefighters and incident personnel in austere environments.
- Perform patient assessments, airway management, trauma care, hemorrhage control, splinting, and other interventions within the scope of Oregon EMT licensure.
- Prepare patients for ground or air transport and coordinate with incident medical resources.
- Complete accurate patient care reports and incident documentation.
Wildland Fire Operations
- Integrate into Incident Command System (ICS) operations and coordinate with Division Supervisors, Safety Officers, Medical Units, and Air Operations.
- Respond rapidly to firefighter emergencies in difficult and remote terrain.
- Utilize wildland fire maps, GPS, radios, and operational briefings to safely navigate incident assignments.
- Maintain operational readiness for extended assignments during wildfire incidents.
- Participate in team training, equipment maintenance, and readiness exercises throughout the fire season.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must possess:
- Current Oregon EMT License.
- Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) Red Card (minimum).
- Current RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Refresher.
- Rope Rescue Technician certification meeting NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Technician standards.
- Valid Oregon Driver License.
- Ability to pass the Wildland Fire Arduous Pack Test.
- Ability to perform strenuous physical work in steep, rugged terrain while carrying rescue and medical equipment.
Preferred Qualifications
Preference may be given to applicants with:
- Oregon Licensed Paramedic.
- Previous REMS experience.
- Wildland fire suppression experience on state or federal incidents.
- Experience with helicopter operations or aviation rescue.
- Search and Rescue or technical rescue team experience.
- ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 certifications.
- NWCG qualifications beyond FFT2.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
- Advanced technical rope rescue skills.
- Strong trauma assessment and emergency medical capabilities.
- Knowledge of wildland fire operations and firefighter safety.
- Ability to remain calm and make sound decisions in high-risk environments.
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
- Strong physical conditioning and endurance.
- Professionalism and commitment to safety.
Residency Requirements
- Must reside in Oregon.
- Must be capable of responding within two (2) hours of notification.
- Applicants residing within a two-hour response time of Tenmile Rural Fire District are strongly preferred.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in rugged backcountry and active wildfire environments under extreme weather conditions, including heat, smoke, steep terrain, and extended operational periods. Personnel may be required to hike long distances while carrying technical rescue and medical equipment, work extended operational shifts, and deploy for multiple consecutive operational periods.
Interested candidates, if hired may also work and be deployed as a fireline medic, base camp EMT/Paramedic or firefighter on a type 6 brush truck.
About Tenmile Rural Fire District
The Tenmile Rural Fire District is committed to protecting our communities and supporting firefighter safety throughout Oregon. Our REMS Team provides specialized technical rescue and emergency medical capabilities during wildland fire incidents, ensuring rapid response to firefighter emergencies in the state's most challenging environments. We are seeking motivated professionals dedicated to excellence in technical rescue, emergency medicine, and public service.
Pay: $490.00 - $900.00 per day
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Experience:
- EMT: 1 year (Preferred)
- Firefighting: 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Wildland Firefighter type 2 (FFT2) or above (Required)
- RT-130 Fireline Refresher (Required)
- NFPA 1006 Rope Rescue Technician (Required)
- Oregon licensed EMT (Preferred)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: On the road