The State of Montana has a decentralized human resources (HR) system. Each agency is responsible for its own recruitment and selection. Anyone who needs a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the agency's HR staff identified on the job listing or by dialing the Montana Relay at 711. Montana Job Service Offices also offer services including assistance with submitting an online application.

State government does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, creed, political beliefs or affiliation, veteran status, military service, retaliation, or any other factor not related to merit and qualifications of an employee or applicant.

Do you want a meaningful and rewarding summer job? Do you enjoy physical, sometimes strenuous, labor and enjoy the outdoors?

Apply to be a firefighter!

Each year, DNRC seeks hundreds of dedicated individuals to help protect Montana wildlands from wildfire. These seasonal, temporary firefighting jobs are offered statewide throughout DNRC Units. Employment is generally 3-6 months with work beginning as early as May and ending in late September with the potential to begin as early as April and run as late as October depending on fire activity. We provide training, safety clothing, and protective gear. You bring enthusiasm and the ability to perform courageous outdoor work safely, productively, and responsibly.

Applications are accepted each year beginning in January. Don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from us right away – it can be into spring before we start contacting applicants for interviews. Feel free to reach out to the contact listed on the recruitment announcement with questions you may have.

These seasonal positions will be open until filled with our first review of applications starting mid to late February. Applications will be reviewed every two weeks until filled.

*Early application is strongly encouraged.

Click this link for frequently asked questions regarding this position: Become a Wildland Firefighter

We offer competitive pay with opportunities for growth and additional compensation.

As a DNRC Firefighter you are eligible for added assignment pay of 10% in addition to your regular hourly rate for employees assigned to and supporting authorized emergency work.

OUR MISSION:

Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation's mission is to help ensure that Montana's land and water resources provide benefits for present and future generations.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained. Not only can you gain great experience and build great friendships, DNRC can also offer great career paths for the future!

Please apply through the State of Montana website (statecareers.mt.gov)

APPLICATION MATERIALS REQUIRED:

State Application
Resume
Cover Letter – That includes answers to the following questions

Describe your training and work experience in wildland/urban interface and wildland (forest and range) firefighting. Please list your current Red Card qualifications, any fire training courses you have completed, the number and types of fire worked on and in what capacity.
Describe any outdoor work or recreation experience that you have and how it pertains to wildland firefighting.
Describe your experience and ability to perform physically demanding work for long periods under hot and dirty conditions. What do you do to remain physically fit?
Describe any experience you have working in/around or with helicopters or other aircraft.
Describe your ability and give an example of working with a diverse group of people.
As a seasonal firefighter you will be asked to perform a wide range of tasks other than fire related duties, such as chain saw use, mechanical repair, and carpentry. Discuss any skills and abilities you possess in these or other areas.
Firefighting is performed in a team environment. Describe some experiences where you had to work as part of a team and reach a common goal.

*You must answer questions for application to be considered*

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation may assess the following factors in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications for the position\: application, resume, cover letter, interview, references and a pack test.

Applicants claiming employment preference are required to provide proper documentation, i.e., Vet Preference (DD214), Disabled Vet document from U.S. Veterans Administration certifying service-connected disability or purple heart medal, disabled (SRS Certification), when submitting application.

DUTIES:

Performs various firefighting duties; plans and directs the suppression of fires as the leader of an initial attack crew; serves as incident commander on wildland/urban interface and wildland (forest and range) fires as assigned; keeps crew time records; enforces safety standards; procures supplies; enforces maintenance standards for vehicles, pump tools and other equipment; collects data for fire reports and assists in completion of reports; trains and evaluates crew member performance and identifies training needs; directs communication between fire and dispatcher; operates Type V Type VI fire engines.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

Housing is not available at this location.

The seasonal positions will remain open and additional screening will occur as needed until positions are filled. Applicants for these positions must be at least 18 years of age at the time of hire and have a valid drivers’ license and less than 12 conviction points over the most recent 36 months. All persons performing firefighting duties are required to pass a physical fitness test within three weeks of employment. DNRC HAS ADOPTED THE PACK TEST AS THE REQUIRED PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST. CONTACT THE INDIVIDUAL LAND OFFICE FOR INFORMATION REGARDING PACK TEST REQUIREMENTS.

APPROXIMATE DATES AND HOURS OF EMPLOYMENT FOR TEMPORARY SEASONAL POSITIONS will depend on each position and will vary between June and September. Positions will be terminated at the end of the normal work season or as notified by the Department.

Pay varies depending on experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Graduation from high school or equivalent. Education will be reviewed on a case by case basis if the applicant has not yet graduated high school.

Requirements:

18 years of age at time of hire
Valid Driver’s License.
Upon hire\: Must complete a physical performance test known as the “Pack Test” which requires you to carry a 45-pound pack the distance of 3 miles in not more than 45 minutes.

SPECIAL INFORMATION\:
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months.

ELIGIBILITY TO WORK:
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver’s license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".

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