Wildland Firefighter Position Summaries

A crew member supervised by a Squad Boss, Crew Boss or Engine Crew Leader.  Responsible for doing the manual and semi-skilled labor assigned: pump and hose operations, fire break construction and holding, map reading, radio operation; maintenance of fire tools, station buildings and grounds, and equipment; cleaning and maintenance of fire vehicles.  Accomplishes assignments safely, efficiently and cooperatively.  Participates in training sessions

Supervises up to 10 crew members as assigned by Crew Boss. Responsible for the safety and cooperative behavior of all assigned personnel.  Does routine crew evaluations and brings deficiencies in training or management to the direct attention of the Crew Boss.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

Supervises a minimum of 20 fireline personnel in the actual construction of fire control lines, mop-up procedures and use and maintenance of relevant hand tools and equipment.  Trains Squad Bosses to handle secondary supervisory duties. Trains crew members in safe tool use and fire practices.  Supervises one or more crews on fire and project assignments. Does crew evaluations and keeps time reports to be turned in to the appropriate timekeeper.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

Primary operator/caretaker of assigned fire pumper truck.   Supervises 1 -3 crew members and may be required to supervise as many as 30 people in a fire situation.  Responsible for the safety and training of crew members, keeps vehicle maintenance logs and truck fire equipment inventory up to date, completes crew member evaluations, keeps a daily activity log, keeps accurate records of crew time and submits to the appropriate timekeepers both on fires and during routine non-fire work weeks.  Coordinates truck repairs when needed.  Participates in and teaches training sessions.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

In addition to the duties of an Engine Crew Leader, the Station Manager supervises all crews and equipment assigned to a specific fire station.  Plans, schedules and coordinates training sessions, safety meetings, project work, fire assignment rotation, station maintenance and supply organization, checks efficiency of Engine Crew Leaders maintenance of equipment, fields management problems, handles activation and deactivation procedures for the station: phone and power service, winterization, etc., keeps station personnel informed of daily weather, fire hazard, Field Office manning plans; keeps other supervisors advised as to equipment serviceability and makes suggestions to improve any deficiencies.  Does frequent Engine Crew Leader evaluations and provides necessary means for improvement of  problem areas.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

Operates the Field Office water truck in support of fire suppression operations.  Work involves hazardous working conditions of dust, smoke and direct attack on wildland fires.  Operates motor transport with low bed trailer to transport equipment for fire suppression and pre-suppression projects, as well as project work such as prescribed burns.  Must possess and maintain a current Nevada DMV Class I license and be capable of operating heavy tractor trailer combinations or other vehicles requiring Class I and II licenses. Must maintain physical fitness level to pass biennial DMV operators physical examination.

Materials Handler (Fire Warehouse) WG 5 (Seasonal only)

Responsible for property control, warehousing, warehouse records, freight movement, ordering supplies and equipment, maintenance of fire cache inventory, maintenance of supplies to Normal Unit Strength specifications, provides for commissary when needed, and transports supplies to out-stations as needed.  May supervise 1 or more employees depending on work load or type of emergency.  Completes evaluations for employees assigned.  Evaluates and makes suggestions to the Field Office Fire Management Officer on how to improve the efficiency of the supply operation. Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

Assistant Air Service/Ramp Manager GS4/5/6/7 (Seasonal only)

Maintains accurate records of all flight hours, pilot overtime, stand by hours and subsistence for BLM aircraft.  Monitors pilot and crew duty limitations.   Assists in aircraft dispatching, ordering supplies and records filing.   Observes and monitors small and large aircraft fueling and loading operations, uses hand signals and radios.  Insures that ramps are hazard free.  Has knowledge of government aircraft contracts, and reports non-compliance promptly to supervisor. Monitors compliance with all BLM, OAS, and FAA flight regulations.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

Coordinates Field Office fire logistics.  A Lead Dispatcher supervises 2 - 3 Dispatchers.  All Dispatchers coordinate manpower and equipment movement according to Field Office pre-planned dispatch system.  Uses good judgment and planning when initial plans go awry.  Keeps all fire personnel informed of daily weather, fire hazard ratings, changes in manning levels, etc.; keeps fire resource inventories, fire report inventory, fire statistics and cooperative agreements current; may provide clerical and timekeeping support as needed.  Works in an interagency dispatch center under stressful conditions.  Evaluates assigned personnel frequently and suggests or provides a means to improve deficiencies in personnel and planning operations.  Fosters and promotes cooperation among coworkers and management for the efficient and safe operation of the fire program.

All positions in the Division of Fire and Aviation are drug testing designated and are considered arduous except Dispatcher, Assistant Air Service Manager,  Ramp Manager and Fire Support Clerk.  All arduous positions require a pre-employment physical.   Arduous positions also require each person hired to pass an aerobic fitness test which consists of a three-mile hike with a 45 pound pack over level terrain.  The hike must be completed in 45 minutes or less.