Wildland Fire Fellow

About the role

The Wildland Fire Fellowship is a US Forest Service funded initiative to increase capacity within the fire service by preparing individuals new to fire management for entry/mid-level Fire and Aviation Management (FAM) positions with the US Forest Service and similar agencies.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Perform other stewardship activities when conditions are not conducive to prescribed fire.
• Works in team forward, goal-oriented, and sometimes high-stress environment.
• Works under close supervision.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, hazardous environments, and terrain.
• Complete a final project that addresses a problem or knowledge gap within Fire and Aviation Management and showcases skills learned and developed during the Fellowship.
• Some projects and activities may require long days (10+ hour shifts), working weekends, and extended out-of-state travel.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience/education.
• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire Line (L-180), Firefighter Training (S-130), and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement of this position.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Pesticide Applicator).
• Desired Qualifications: Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 6 months - 1 year related experience. Experience operating and maintaining various kinds of equipment. Must have valid driver’s license and good driving record. Ability and willingness to follow instructions from colleagues and partners.

Qualifications

• Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire Line (L-180), Firefighter Training (S-130), and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement of this position.
• Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Pesticide Applicator).

Skills

High school diploma or GED and 6 months of related experience/education. Must be able to obtain the qualifications for Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), including Introduction to ICS (IS-100), National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction (IS-700), Human Factors on the Fire Line (L-180), Firefighter Training (S-130), and Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190), and one training burn serving under the supervision of a qualified FFT2 as a requirement of this position. Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Pesticide Applicator).

Benefits

See TNC Fire Management Manual. Must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test (pack test) at the Arduous Level by completing a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound weight vest in 45 minutes or less within first 90 days of hire. Must be able to obtain related licenses or certifications as required. (e.g., First Aid, CPR, Pesticide Applicator).

Pay

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $21-$22 per hour (subject to required tax withholding). This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Schedule

This is a full-time (35+ hours a week), term-based (up to 2 years) position located in Carterville, Illinois.