Fire Crewmember

To meet the definition of primary, the duties must:

When submitting a position description for coverage under firefighter retirement, the percentage of time spent on duties must be provided

INTRODUCTION

Firefighter

The incumbent serves as a crewmember within the fire management organization serving on an engine, helitack module, Hot Shot module, or hand crew. The purpose of the position is wildland fire suppression, containment and control as a firefighter. This is an arduous/rigorous position and subject to medical screening and physical fitness testing.

MAJOR DUTIES

Serves as a crewmember of an engine, helitack, Hot Shot, or hand crew engaged in fire suppression or prescribed burn activities.

Utilizes a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires, such as a Pulaski, shovel, McLeod, ax, and chainsaw to control the spread of wildfire.

Handcrew/Hot Shot

Constructs handlines in vegetation and topography ranging from the sub-tropics of the Florida Everglades, to the tundra of Alaska and Canada, to the dense spruce-fir of the Rocky Mountains, and to the grass and cactus of the desert southwest.

Engine

Positions 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 in fire suppression.

Helitack

Serves as a firefighter in a helitack crew. Performs and may direct others in constructing helispots, attacking small fires, hot spots and spot fires in remote locations.

Incident Command

Directs and performs wildland fire suppression efforts in initial attack and in follow-up actions
to safely and effectively control wildland fires in accordance with the identified appropriate management response.

Prescribed Fire

Responsible for the ignition, holding, and monitoring of prescribed fires.

Condition of Employment

Incumbent is subject to medical examination and must pass the work capacity test for arduous/rigorous positions.

FACTORS

1. Knowledge Required by the Position

Knowledge of standard fire program requirements, suppression tactics, methods and procedures. Skill in the use of wildland firefighting hand tools, pumps and hoses, and chainsaws sufficient to perform routinely assigned fire suppression and prescribed fire assignment in various types of fuels and under a variety of weather and terrain conditions.

Specific technical firefighting knowledge such as, but not limited to, fire engine and pump operations, handcrew operations and/or helicopter operations to enable the incumbent to function in assigned capacities and to instruct or lead others in those duties if necessary.

8. Physical Demands

Arduous/Rigorous: Firefighting requires above average physical performance, endurance and superior conditioning. Work requires prolonged standing, walking over uneven ground, and recurring bending, reaching, lifting and carrying of items weighing over 50 pounds, using heavy tools and specialized equipment for long periods of time. Incumbent is subject to medical examination and must pass the work capacity test for arduous/rigorous positions.