Seasonal Firefighter - Wildland

*** APPLICATION PACKET DUE Monday, April 6th by 12:00pm (Noon)***

Position:                             Firefighter - Wildland

Staff Member Type:     Temporary / Seasonal

FLSA Status:                 Full-Time; Non-Exempt

Reports To:                       Lieutenant - Wildland 

Department:                    Operations

Supervisory:                   No

GENERAL STATEMENT: 

The Seasonal Wildland Crew Member serves as part of Aspen Fire Protection District’s wildland division, supporting wildfire response, fuels mitigation, and community risk reduction initiatives throughout the District and surrounding jurisdictions. This position plays a critical role in protecting life, property, infrastructure, and natural resources within the wildland-urban interface (WUI).

Under supervision, crew members respond to wildland fires, support mitigation and fuels reduction projects, participate in preparedness activities, and assist with public education and outreach efforts. Members may be deployed on extended attack incidents locally, regionally, or nationally and may be assigned to multi-day fire incidents as needed.

This is a seasonal, at-will, non-exempt position requiring physical endurance, teamwork, professionalism, and commitment to Aspen Fire’s mission and organizational values.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY: 

This position does not hold any supervisory authority; however, the seasonal wildland firefighter plays a critical role in strengthening a resilient, prepared, and community-focused wildland fire organization dedicated to protecting the people, property, and environment of the District.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The duties of this position may change based on the needs of the District and direction from the Battalion Chief – Wildland, Deputy Chief and Fire Chief. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Wildland Response Preparedness & Operations

• Respond to wildland fire incidents within the District and surrounding jurisdictions as part of an

      engine or hand crew.

• Participate in initial attack, extended attack, patrol, and mop-up, and other operations.
• Assist with structure protection in the WUI and support interagency operations.
• Deploy to out-of-area incidents for extended assignments (typically up to 14–21 days).
• Maintain situational awareness and communicate effectively with supervisors regarding fire

      conditions, safety concerns, and resource needs.

• Inspect, clean, and maintain wildland apparatus, tools, hose, pumps, and related equipment.
• Participate in daily readiness activities to ensure operational preparedness.
• Participate in the department’s wildland firefighting drone program as needed.

Mitigation, Fuels Management & Community Risk Reduction

• Assist with hazardous fuels reduction projects including thinning, pile construction, chipping, and prescribed fire preparation (as qualified).
• Support defensible space and home ignition zone assessments.
• Participate in data collection (e.g., fuels moisture monitoring) and mitigation documentation.
• Assist with community wildfire risk reduction initiatives aligned with District and regional wildfire strategies.
• Support interagency fuels projects and cooperative mitigation efforts.

Education & Community Engagement

• Support delivery of public education programs related to wildfire preparedness, defensible space, evacuation readiness, and fire-adapted communities.
• Participate in community meetings and outreach efforts as assigned.
• Contribute to weekly or seasonal agency communications regarding wildfire conditions and preparedness.

Training & Professional Development

• Attend training for the wildland division to ensure compliance with NWCG, state, and AFPD standards.
• Maintaining required certifications and task books.
• Participate in wildland drills, simulations, and joint training exercises.
• Demonstrate best practices in wildland suppression and mitigation operations.
• Supports and participates in a culture of fitness and wellness by taking personal initiative to maintain physical fitness and overall wellness appropriate to the demands of the position.

Personnel Leadership & Culture

• Support a culture-first environment emphasizing safety, professionalism, accountability, and respect.
• Foster collaboration between wildland and structural personnel to maintain an integrated all-hazards response model.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and adherence to Aspen Fire policies and values.
• Maintain a positive and respectful working environment.
• Follow direction from supervisors and maintain strong working relationships with District members and interagency partners.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

• Basic Incident Command System (ICS) structure.
• Operation and maintenance of wildland tools and equipment.

• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities. 

• Basic knowledge of wildland fire suppression, preparedness, and mitigation.

• Ability to perform arduous physical labor in steep, rugged terrain and extreme environmental conditions.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, pumps, and wildland equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in dynamic emergency environments.
• Ability to work extended hours and multi-day assignments, including nights and weekends.
• Ability to maintain composure, situational awareness, and sound judgment in high-risk environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, paramilitary structure.

EQUIPMENT, ENVIRONMENT, MENTAL & PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES: 

• Must be in excellent physical condition and be able to pass appropriate medical and physical examinations.
• Must be able to perform emergency scene duties safely and effectively while wearing all required personal protective gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus.
• Must be able to perform prolonged, possibly strenuous work, under adverse emergency conditions involving physical and mental stress.
• Driving: Must be able to operate vehicles in the normal course of duties.

• Office equipment: Able to operate a copier, fax, calculator, printer, scanner, phone and cell phone.  
• Computer equipment: Able to operate a personal computer, laptop computer, tablet, Microsoft Office, and other software used in the profession and department.  
• Other equipment: Able to operate Fire Fighting and medical equipment, tools; radios and pagers; district vehicles, apparatus and equipment.  

• Language skills: Reads, interprets, and analyzes technical documents, codes and regulations, and professional journals; writes reports, business correspondence, procedures, and proposals; presents information and responds to questions individually and in small or large groups.
• Mathematical skills: Performs mathematical calculations utilizing basic mathematical calculations and formulas.
• Reasoning ability: Applies the principles of logic, scientific and medical thinking, and fire science judgment to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems using multiple, complex abstract and concrete variables in order to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Physical activities: Sits for several hours at a time; may walk, stand, bend, stoop, reach, climb, carry and lift for short to long periods of time.
• Lifting: May lift/carry and push/pull up to 100 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 180 pounds.
• Vision and hearing: Must be able to read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to differentiate colors and shades of color, use peripheral vision and depth perception; must be able to see at night and/or in dark spaces. Must be able to hear sufficiently to converse with others and participate in meetings with large and small groups. Must be able to distinguish odors.

Note: Reasonable accommodation and consideration may be given for an otherwise qualified individual with a disability.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

• Be at least 21 years old

• High school diploma, GED or higher from an accredited educational institution
• Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record or be able to obtain within 30 days of employment. 
• Ability to successfully pass a background check commensurate with the position of public trust associated with firefighters and the fire service. 
• Understanding of wildland fire operations, fuels management and interagency operations.
• Classes: S130, S190, L180
• NWCG FFT2 (or higher) or be able to obtain within 1 month of hire.

• Valid BLS for Healthcare Provider card or equivalent  

• ICS 100, 200, and NIMS 700 & 800 certifications

Any equivalent combination of experience, training, or education which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for this position may be considered. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associates degree or higher from an accredited educational institution, preferably within Fire Science, Public Administration, Business or Emergency Services

• NWCG Qualifications beyond FFT2 (e.g. FAL3, FFT1)

• Classes: S-211, S-212, S-215, S-219, S-260, S-270, S-290 and L280, ASIP (Assessing Structural Ignition Potential)
• Experience in wildland fire operations, fuels management and interagency operations.
• Experience in WUI-focused fire districts or mountain environments.

• Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Firefighter I certification
• Valid Colorado, IFSAC or ProBoard Hazardous Materials Operations certification or approved equivalent
• Valid Colorado Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or National Registry EMR certification and be able to obtain Colorado licensure within (2) months of hire

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

Must be able to respond to emergency incidents when assigned or needed, as determined by the CEO/Fire Chief, including during off-duty hours. The seasonal wildland firefighter is responsible for maintaining reliable transportation, communication, and availability necessary to meet these response expectations within a reasonable time.

HOURS AND WORK SCHEDULE 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position that includes work during daytime hours, with evening, nights, weekends and/or holidays should the need arise. This is a 40-hour work week. This work may be required in emergency conditions, which might involve extreme danger and exertion under hazardous conditions (flames, smoke, hazardous materials, cramped conditions, charged or oxygen-deficient atmospheres, downed power lines, victims with severe injuries and/or death, and inclement weather, etc.). 

NOTE: 

Essential function, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the above listed tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. The list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions in this class. 

The District reserves the right to change, update and/or amend this job description as the needs of 

the organization changes. 

*********This position is anticipated to run from middle of May through September; start and end dates may vary based on wildland fire activity and operational needs.*************