JOBS:

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 towards 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 Bosses are filled internally with full time, career Unified Fire Authority Firefighters / Firefighter Specialists. The rest of each resource is comprised of seasonal, exempt 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.

 

Applications are available for submission online or can be printed and mailed to the Wildland Center before the deadline. We prefer candidates with experience, however there are positions available each season for qualified candidates who have no experience. Requirements for entry-level positions are listed at the bottom of the application.

 

              Wildland Seasonal Firefighter Application (pdf) -

After an application is received, applicants will be contacted by mail to schedule a mile and a half run which must be completed in under 11:40. Those who pass this test will be scheduled for an interview. Those who are offered a position must then pass a physical and drug screen.

Attendance at the annual training is mandatory.

Minimum Requirements:

 - Be at least 18 by the start of annual training

 - Posess a current, valid drivers license

 - Be able to pass the NWCG pack test

 

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 free of charge.

Follow this link to view the 2008 Annual Training Schedule

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).