Engine Boss - Seasonal Wildland

Posted Date: 08/24/2026. Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

About the role

Position Overview: The Wildland Firefighter – Engine Boss (ENGB) leads a fire engine and assigned personnel during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. This role ensures operational effectiveness, tactical fireline decision‑making, and overall crew safety. The Engine Boss represents Central Valley Fire District in interagency wildfire efforts and may serve as a liaison with other public and private stakeholders in fire prevention and mitigation activities.

Division: Emergency Operations – Wildland. Reports To: Deputy Chief of Operations or Assigned Supervisor.

Classification: Time‑Limited/Seasonal or Permanent (Based on Position).

Our Mission: To consistently deliver the best possible fire and injury prevention, fire suppression, rescue, and emergency medical services to our customers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to life safety.

Our Core Values – S.E.R.V.I.C.E.: Safety – Of the public and our personnel; Efficiency – Organizationally and operationally; Reliability – We can be counted on; Value – Community‑responsive and cost‑effective; Integrity – Personal and professional; Creativity – We will find a way to get it done; Excellence – Expect excellence as we strive for perfection.

Responsibilities

• Crew Leadership & Safety: Lead engine operations during initial and extended attack wildland fire incidents; operate and oversee use of hoses, pumps, Type 3 & Type 6 wildland engines, and hand tools; perform as Initial Attack Incident Commander and coordinate with other resources; apply ICS principles and serve within a unified command, when necessary.
• Mitigation & Prevention: Conduct defensible space evaluations and mitigation efforts in Home Ignition Zones (HIZ); present mitigation benefits and promote defensible space practices to residents and community stakeholders; work closely with the Preparedness and Mitigation Manager and act as liaison with homeowners.
• Equipment & Training: Maintain readiness of fire engine, tools, and PPE; conduct routine maintenance; train and mentor crew members in wildland suppression tactics and safety practices; maintain training records and NWCG certification standards.
• Documentation & Administrative Tasks: Complete fireline documentation including resource reports, time tracking, and incident forms; participate in after‑action reviews and assist with fire investigation reporting as needed.
• Other Duties: Assist with prescribed fire operations, community events, and hazard fuel reduction projects; perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief or designee.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Completion of NWCG courses: S‑130, S‑190, L‑180, ICS‑100, ICS‑200.
• Qualified as ENGB (Engine Boss) or actively working toward qualification.
• Minimum 2 years wildland fire experience, with 6 months as a crew leader preferred.
• Prior experience with state, federal, tribal, or municipal fire agencies.
• Valid Montana Class D driver’s license.
• Must pass the Arduous Pack Test within 30 days of hire.

Skills

• Wildland fire behavior, suppression tactics, and operations.
• Creating defensible space and mitigating fuels in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
• Proficient with chainsaws, chippers, masticators, pumps, and power tools.
• Understanding of ICS, fireground strategy, and crew resource management.
• Ability to assess fireline conditions and make safe, effective decisions.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal wildfire agreements.
• Strong written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Situational awareness, calm demeanor under pressure, and team leadership.
• Proficiency in using radios, mobile devices, and office software.
• Ability to operate and perform basic repairs on wildland firefighting equipment.

Pay

Pay Scale: $27.50‑$32.75 per hour, depending on experience.

Schedule

Work Schedule: 32 hours a week (