Firefighter I

ARE YOU A WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER SEARCHING FOR A NEW OPPORTUNITY? 

Our firefighters are the heartbeat of our company, and we make it a priority to take care of you and your family. As an employer of choice our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive, and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth, and development for every employee. Join our team and together we will make a difference that changes the world of wildfire.

By Joining Wildfire Defense Systems:

• You will be a part of the largest expansion of wildfire services currently occurring.
• You will play an active part in shaping your career journey through our unique Grade and Step system.
• You will help provide wildfire services across 22 states.
• You are guaranteed a 13/13 or 10/16 schedule.

We currently have positions open for the 2024 season in the following Regional Coordination Centers: Sacramento, CA; Riverside, CA; Visalia, CA; Colorado Springs, CO; Loveland, CO; Salem, OR; Coeur d'Alene, ID.

The Firefighter Type 1 may lead a small group (usually not more than five members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and dedicated service. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Single Resource Boss or other assigned supervisor. The FFT1 works in the Operations Section.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Introduction to ICS (ICS-100)
• Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
• Firefighter Training (S-130 – Field Day Required)
• Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
• NIMS: An Introduction (IS-700)
• Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher (WFSTAR) (RT-130)
• Firefighter Type 1 (S-131)
• Completion and Certification of NWCG Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) Position Task Book (PMS 311-14)
• Ability to pass a WCT (Work Capacity Test/Pack Test) at Arduous Level (Complete a 3-mile walk wearing a 45-pound pack in less than 45 minutes)
• *Employees must be 21 years of age or older.
• DOT Medical Examiner’s Certification (will be authorized by employer for qualified individuals)
• Current driver’s license with acceptable driving record

WHAT WDS PROVIDES TO FIELD EMPLOYEES

• Career Full Time Seasonal Positions, Career Full Time Annual Positions
• Full NWCG compliant Engines and Tenders
• Ability to Maintain and Advance NWCG qualifications
• Task Books Can Transfer to Future Career Positions
• Daily Diversity of Tasks
• Work Center Based Locations when not deployed on fire assignments or on-call assignments
• Career Advancement from FFT2-FFT1-ENGB(T)-CRWB-ENGB-TFLD-BATS-RFO
• Competitive Wages Exceeding Federal Standards
• Overtime Opportunities

WHAT BENEFITS ARE PROVIDED TO ELIGIBLE FIREFIGHTERS

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Access to Teladoc
• Paid Time Off plus 48-hours of Sick Leave per year
• 9-Paid Company Holidays
• 401(k)
• WDS Contributes 3% to a Safe Harbor retirement plan with no employee match required
• Company Paid Life Insurance ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
• Company Paid AD&D ($300K for Field Operations Employees)
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life & Accident
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs
• Employee discounts through Life Mart and Expert Voice

Wildfire Defense Systems, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

*Federal Law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) requires drivers of Commercial Motor Vehicles engaged in interstate commerce must be at least 21 years of age. For this reason, applicants for this position must be at least 21 years of age to be considered.