Fuels Crew Positions (Temporary, Ainsworth, NE)

About the role

The mission of the Nebraska Forest Service is to enrich the lives of all Nebraskans by protecting, restoring, and utilizing Nebraska’s tree and forest resources. We offer technical and financial support to clients across Nebraska, with a focus on rural forestry, community forestry, forest fuels reduction, forest health, forest products utilization, and fire protection. Nebraska Forest Service is seeking to hire a variety of fuel crew positions. This position is based out of Ainsworth, NE.

Responsibilities

• Fuels Crew Member: Serve as a crew member on a fuels management module supporting hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed fire operations. Perform field assignments such as ignition and holding operations during prescribed fires; mop-up and patrol of treated areas; hand thinning, piling and pile burning; and mechanical fuels disposal (e.g., chipping and saw work) under supervision. Operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment such as chainsaws, drip torches, pumps, and portable tanks under the direction of a crew or project leader. Assist in fuel sampling, weather observations, and fire behavior monitoring in support prescribed fire projects. Participate in safety briefings, tailgate sessions, and after-action reviews to promote safe and effective operations. Complete daily work logs, time reports, and treatment accomplishment records as directed. Perform equipment and tool maintenance to ensure readiness and accountability of assigned gear. Participate in wildland fire suppression operations when assigned, performing firefighter duties consistent with training and qualifications. May assist other resource programs when fuels projects are not active.
• Fuels Squad Boss: Serve as the secondary first-line leader responsible for providing technical support, tactical direction, and mentorship to the Fuels Mitigation Crew, under the direct supervision of the Fuels Crew Boss. Lead and support field execution of hazardous fuels reduction projects, including mechanical treatments, hand thinning, and prescribed fire operations. Ensure crew members adhere to all safety protocols and project objectives as directed by the Crew Boss.
• Fuels Crew Boss: Serve as the first-line supervisor for the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) Fuels Mitigation Crew, providing leadership, direction, and technical expertise. Plan, organize, and oversee the field execution of hazardous fuels reduction projects, including mechanical treatments, hand thinning, and complex prescribed fire operations. Ensure fuels mitigation activities meet agency, grant, and resource management objectives while maintaining compliance with NFS and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Requirements

• Required for all positions: High school or equivalent education. Must be 18 years or older. Must have a valid driver’s license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.
• Fuels Crew Member: Must be able to obtain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification within the first six weeks of employment: ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System, L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, S-130: Firefighter Training, S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, Work Capacity Test (WCT) Arduous.
• Fuels Squad Boss: Minimum of twenty-four (24) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource. The following NWCG Qualifications: ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System, L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, S-130: Firefighter Training, S-131: Advanced Firefighter Training, S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, S-212/112: Wildland Fire Chain Saws, WCT Arduous.
• Fuels Crew Boss: Minimum of thirty (30) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management work required. The following NWCG Qualifications: ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System, L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service, S-130: Firefighter Training, S-131: Advanced Firefighter Training, S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, S-212/112: Wildland Fire Chain Saws, S-290: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior, WCT Arduous.

Preferred Qualifications

• Fuels Crew Member: Firefighter type 2 (NWCG) or higher. Prior experience of fuels management practices, prescribed fire techniques, forestry, and/or agriculture management. Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, chainsaws, pumps, and vehicles in support of fuels projects.
• Fuels Squad Boss: Thirty (30) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management. The following NWCG Qualifications: S-200: Initial Attack Incident Commander, S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use, S-219: Firing Operations, S-230: Crew Boss Single Resource, S-231: Engine Boss, Single Resource, S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management, S-270: Basic Air Operations, S-271: Helicopter Crewmember, S-273: Single Engine Air Tanker Manager, S-290 : Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior, L-280: Followership to Leadership Course.
• Fuels Crew Boss: AAS in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fire Science, Fire Administration, Business Administration. Sixty (60) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management work. The following NWCG Qualifications: S-200: Initial Attack Incident Commander, S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use, S-219: Firing Operations, S-230: Crew Boss (Single Resource), S-231: Engine Boss, Single Resource, S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management, S-270: Basic Air Operations, S-271: Helicopter Crewmember, S-273: Single Engine Air Tanker Manager, L-280: Followership to Leadership Course.

Physical Required

Yes

Pre-Placement Driving Record Review Required

Yes

Posted Salary

Salary commensurate with education and experience

How to Apply

Click on “Apply for this Job”. You will then either create an application or edit your current application that is on file.

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact

Nicolas Bretta, nbretta2@unl.edu