As part of the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program, you will serve as a registered apprentice in a developmental capacity as a wildland firefighter trainee. Positions in the Southeast including stations in Mississippi, Virginia, Florida, and Texas.
Apply through USAJobs by December 2 here.
Duties may include serving on one or more of following module types; hand crew, helitack, fire use or engine. Will fight wildland fires in extreme heat conditions.
Hotshot Crew – Apprentice serves on a 20, person organized crew which is used primarily for wildfire suppression, fuels reduction, and other fire management duties. Performs all aspects of wildland fire or prescribed fire operations, however are very specialized and are generally placed in the most rugged terrain on the most active and difficult areas on wildfires. Hotshot crews are utilized throughout the country and may spend extended periods away from their home units. The crews place a great deal of emphasis on physical fitness.
Wildland Fire Module – Apprentice serves on a handcrew, or on a prescribed or wildland fire module. Performs all aspects of wildland and prescribed fire operations such as, line construction, ignition device (e.g. fuses, drip torches, flares, and terra torch) use, patrolling fire line and the use of water and hand tools to perform mop-up. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs chainsaw maintenance and simple repairs. Collects
fire weather data, fuel loading data, tree stand density data and fuel and/or soil moisture samples.
Wildland Fire Engine – Apprentice serves on a wildland fire engine. Starts pump engine, primes pump, adjusts engine speed and pump valves, lays hose, and uses appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustment in effective use of water and additives. 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 pump while in use. Performs line construction and mop-up activities. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs simple chainsaw maintenance.
Helitack – Apprentice serves on a helitack module. Loads helicopter with personnel and cargo, considering methods, weight distribution, necessity for securing cargo, total weight, etc. Inventories and inspects helicopter accessories, fire tools, and equipment. Assures that needed tools and equipment are available for firefighting tasks. Performs helicopter longline operations and maintains accessory equipment. May exit helicopter in remote areas to assist in the construction of helispots, or to attack wildland fires, or spot fires. Performs helicopter longline operations. May serve as a rappeller or short hauler. Will fight wildland fires in extreme heat conditions and participate in search and rescue operations. Performs the duties of a chainsaw operator and performs simple chainsaw maintenance.
Other apprenticeship training assignments may include: trail maintenance; may be assigned to a fire lookout for reporting of fires; with training may serve in wildland fire dispatch center communicating weather and resource status.
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