Wildland Firefighter

Firefighter Duties 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. May perform the duties of a qualified chain saw operator and chainsaw repair technician. May be certified in the use of helicopter long lines. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations including preparation, ignition, monitoring, holding, and mop up. Collects fire weather data, fuel and/or soil moisture samples, maps projects, and maintains records. May on occasion serve as driver of a crew carrier. 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. Is 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. Participates in wildland fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment, and vehicles used in fireline activities. 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. Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire, timber, silviculture, recreation, wilderness, or research activities. May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris. May act in assigned duties such as ignition or holding specialist or other designated positions during actual fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire. May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance. May assist higher level workers in forestry/range research efforts; in the marketing of forest/range resources; or in the scientific management, protection, and development of forest/range resources. May be required to fill-in for other work leaders on established crews. USDA