How to Get Your First Wildland Firefighting Job

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Internet access
Boots
Passion for the outdoors

Step 1

SMOKEJUMPER? HOT SHOT? FUELS CREW? RED CARD?
Not every firefighter jumps out of airplanes or works for the Forest Service. Many different types of crews exist: hot shot crews, engine crews, helitack crews, fire use modules, and smoke jumpers all manage fires. You don’t have to be an expert, but take the time to learn about the job you are applying for – what type of crew is it? Where is it? What agency will you be working for? If you aren’t sure what you are applying for, call and talk to human resources or the hiring official.

A red card proves that you have basic fire school and lists your qualifications. You don’t necessarily need a red card to get your first position – often supervisors will send you to fire school after hiring you. If you have a chance to go on your own it will improve your odds of getting that first job – just like being CPR and first aid qualified will.
Step 2

FIND A GREAT FIRE JOB; SUBMIT A GREAT APPLICATION!
Wildland firefighting jobs are advertised year round with the bulk showing up from December through April; here are some good places to start looking:
www.usajobs.opm.gov – this is the main site for government jobs. The US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife, and Bureau of Indian Affairs all advertise here. Search for “Forestry Technician” or “Range Technician” to find the fire jobs. Read EVERYTHING in the announcement and call the phone number with questions. Note that if you have never had a fire job you likely are not qualified for a permanent position and need to start out applying for temporary positions.

www.wildlandfire.com – this site will link you to usajobs but also advertises positions with contractors. Contractors are often a good place to start a fire career. Wildlandfire.com also hosts a forum (called “Theysaid”) which is a great place to ask questions and get familiar with issues in fire, jargon, and common problems.

www.nature.org/careers/work - the Nature Conservancy (TNC) hires crews every year for prescribed burning. Working with TNC can be a good way to get a different perspective on fire ecology and get experience in new fuel types.

As when applying for any job, make sure you submit a competent appearing resume. Check and double check for spelling, grammar and accuracy. Be certain you have completed all the application requirements – do you need to send education transcripts? Have you clearly explained the amount of time and duties you performed at each position you listed? For an entry level position, fire supervisors want to know you have a good attitude, are dependable and can learn. The more you can express these qualities in your resume the more likely you are to receive an interview.
Step 3

The Daily Commute

FOLLOW UP.
Once the closing date has passed follow up on the jobs you applied for. Ask if you made the list of qualified people. Find out when interviews are expected to be conducted. Introduce yourself to the hiring official and express your interest in the position.

Following up is important, but don’t be a pain. Don’t call everyday – once a week is enough. Don’t call without a specific question in mind. The hiring official wants to see that you can focus on a task and know what needs to be done. If you are granted an interview, send a thank you note to the hiring official after the interview (make sure to note his/her name).
Step 4

GET READY.
Physical fitness is a key aspect of wildland firefighting. It is too late to get in shape after you have a position. Begin working out now. Both strength and cardiovascular endurance are important. Sit-ups, pushups, pull-ups, running and hiking are all part of wildland fire. You will likely be asked to pass a fitness test as a condition of being offered the job. Find out exactly what the fitness test is. Be ready to explain your exercise program during an interview. How far or long do you run? How often are you lifting weights? This link is focuses on fitness for wildand firefighters: http://www.nifc.gov/FireFit/index.htm.

Buy boots. Having a broken-in, ready to go pair of boots is an important part of showing you are serious about working in wildland fire. You need an all leather, minimum 8” tall pair of boots with a vibram sole. Redwings, Nicks, and White’s are popular brands. Mountaineering boots, such as the Glacier by La Sportiva are becoming popular. Whatever pair of boots you buy, make sure to break them in BEFORE fire season. Wear the boots constantly - in town, driving, hiking with a pack, at school, wherever. The more you wear the boots the less likely you are to have problems once you begin your fire job.

Persistently following these steps will help you find your first fire job and lead to great friends and experiences.

Comments

wildlandfirejob said

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on 7/30/2009 There a lots of people who compete for wildland fire positions each year. At a minimum, follow the above tips and you will be off to a solid start. Soak up as much information about the fire program that interests you. Be persistent and go get 'em!
-wildlandfirefighterjobs.com