Wildland Firefighter

Fire Suppression Duties Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires. Moves dirt, chops brush, fells small trees, etc., to build fireline using hand tools such as axe, Pulaski, shovel and McLeod, and power saws, to control spreading wildland fire. Lays or directs hose in the use of water. Fells trees or snags using power saws. May be required to rappel. Sets backfires as directed. Cleans, reconditions, and stores specialized fire tools and equipment. Patrols areas of controlled fires to "mop-up" by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material. Operates specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torch. Observes, records, and preserves evidence of cause of fires. May be assigned to other resource management activities such as fuels, recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties. Serves as a skilled crewmember on an engine. As an assistant on a wildland fire engine, works as a trainee engine operator driving the engine, operating the pump, and making hose lays under the direction of the engine Captain. May drive and operate the fire engine or apparatus. Responsible for positioning the fire engine or apparatus for safe and efficient operation. Services and makes minor repairs to engine; inspects, checks and services accessories such as pump, water lines, tank, reels, or pump power plant; and keeps in fire readiness. Inspects, cleans, and stows hose. Makes emergency repairs and adjustments of pumps while in use. Receives training and performs simple engine operation duties. Performs basic fire line activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools and holding, patrolling, monitoring, and mop-up operations. Is responsible for observing the rules of wildland firefighting safety. Applies practices and techniques to minimize resource damage. Under direct supervision or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout, mobile and stationary engine attack. Serves as a skilled wildland firefighter on an organized crew during prescribed burns, monitoring and controlling the fire, and collecting data on fire weather and fire behavior. Performs project work such as fuel inventory and hazard fuel reduction projects. Depending on experience level, may be assigned to structure fire defense. Loads helicopter cargo and completes manifest of crews and equipment. May rappels from hovering helicopter near ground level. Builds fireline and lays or directs hose. Independently or with one or two other crewmembers may be assigned to carry out specialized assignments such as tree falling, backfire and burnout, construction of helispots, specialized helitack operations, and helitack and longline operations. Performs fuel management and prescribed burn activities. Participates in 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 to which assigned. Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills. Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments. USDA