2010 Wildland Fire Seasonal Jobs:

Application deadline is January 30th, 2010

Applications received prior to deadline will be given first preference. Applications must be received via email or postmarked on or BEFORE application deadline.

Various positions may be available with the crews or the engines.

2010 Fire Season application process will begin October 1st, 2009.

General Job information:

Fighting Wildland fires is extremely demanding both physically and emotionally. Additionally, the time commitment can be enormous, but the rewards are equally gratifying. Working upwards of 1000 to 1500 hours during the summer can be both satisfying and lucrative. It is important that applicants be able to commit to working these long hours for the duration of the wildland fire season which typically lasts from late spring to early fall.

 

Compensation:

Seasonal wildland firefighters are paid an hourly rate that closely mimics the federal GS Scale. Seasonal firefighters recieve Hazard Pay (25% of base wage) on uncontrolled wildland fires and in other environments in accordance with interagency business management standards and department policies. Overtime (an additional 50% of base wage) is paid for work in excess of 40 hours per calendar week.

In addition to competitive pay, upon satisfactory completion of a full season, wildland firefighters with UFA are awarded 2.5 preference points to be used in the examination process for full time employment as a structural firefighter with Unified Fire Authority.

Openings:

Each season Unified Fire Authority Wildland Bureau has openings for a number of seasonal positions. The Superintendent, Foreman, one or two Squad Leaders from each crew, and both Engine Module Leaders are filled internally with full time, career Unified Fire Authority Firefighters / Firefighter Specialists. The rest of each resource is comprised of seasonal, at-will wildland firefighters. Both crews operate under the supervision of the UFA Wildland Coordinator. Each hand crew is made up of a maximum of 22 persons plus one full time UFA detailer. Engine crews are made up of 5 persons. Each season a number of alternates are also hired. Alternates are used in the event a person becomes injured or is otherwise unable to work.

 

Check this website for seasonal applications and application deadlines. Applications received by the deadline for that fire season will receive first consideration. During the open application process, applications and instructions will be available on this website and may be submitted electronically.

After an application is received, applicants will be contacted to verify receipt of the application. Applicants will then be contacted again to schedule a mile and a half run which must be completed in under 10:40 to be considered for an interview. Interveiws will be scheduled in different phases.

Those applicants who are offered a position must then pass a pre- employment physical and drug screen.

Attendance at the annual training is mandatory.

Minimum Requirements:

 - Be at least 18 years of age

 - Posess a current, valid drivers license

 - Pass the NWCG pack test

For questions regarding the hiring process please call Ed Arriola at 801-824-3691 Monday-Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or email questions to sl2foreman@ufa-slco.org

Training and Qualification:

UFA Wildland is commited to providing the highest quality training available for both seasonal and full time wildland firefighters. We provide a minimum of 80 hours of annual training prior to the start of each wildland fire season. Training includes nationally recognized NWCG wildland fire courses and agency specific training. Unified Fire Authority firefighters are qualified under national and state standards to instruct and certify many operations section levels. In addition, employees of Unified Fire Authority are able and encouraged to attend fire courses at Utah Fire and Rescue Academy during the off season. Training and time are paid for by UFA Wildland Bureau and various grants.

Follow this link to view the 2009 Annual Training Schedule

Preseason physical training recommendations:

     Running: 20 miles per week

     Hiking 45+ minutes with 45 lb. 3 x week

     Two work outs per day starting two weeks prior to annual start date

     Cross training  focusing on core strengthing such as Long Card or Cross Fit 2x per week

     See these links for additional information:

     Firefit

     Crossfit

     Local Events

           

All first year firefighters recieve basic "Red Card" training including courses on firefighter safety, fire weather, fire behavior, the incident command system, and powersaw operation in addition to other agency specific training. By the time the crews and engines go available each season, first year firefighters are normally qualified at the following levels:

FFT2 - Firefighter Type II   (National Wildfire Coordinating Group)

FALA - Apprentice Sawyer  (National Wildfire Coordinating Group)

WLFF1 - Utah State Wildland Firefighter I   (Utah Division of Fire, Foresty, and State Lands)

There are usually opportunities for first year firefighters to become certified at some point during the season as FALB - Intermediate Faller  (National Wildfire Coordinating Group).