Natural Resources-Forest Fire Response Lead

Job Summary:

MN Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is hiring a Forest Fire Response Lead within the Division of Forestry. Based in Zimmerman, MN, this position performs routine wildfire response and preparation work and leads emergency fire fighters to control and extinguish wildfires for MN DNR. 

This is a split seasonal position with anticipated season dates of late February-early June and mid-September to mid-November. Seasons are subject to change based on weather conditions. Hours of work may vary and include weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparation for wildfire suppression by organizing and maintaining equipment, maintaining an inventory of supplies and requesting new supplies as needed, winterizing fire suppression equipment before storage at the end of fire season, and maintaining buildings and grounds.
• Responding for initial attack on wildfires and working on prescribed burns as part of the area wildfire suppression team by leading emergency fire fighters, operating fire suppression equipment, protecting the fire scene, and gathering information for investigators, and completing initial reports.
• Assisting Area Supervisor with fire prevention activities by directing emergency fire suppression personnel and assisting with their training.
• This position requires hand and power tool operation, strenuous physical work under unfavorable conditions, endurance to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and smoke, and travel for fire suppression purposes throughout Minnesota and beyond.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Two months wildfire response experience or diploma / associates degree in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.

OR

• An associate’s degree or higher in natural resource management with an emphasis in wildland firefighting.
• Successful completion of the following trainings prior to application: Fire Fighter Training S-130; Introduction to Wild Land Fire Behavior S-190, Introduction to Incident Command System I-100, Human Factors on the Fire Line L-180, and Incident Management System and Introduction IS-700.
• This position requires a Class A Driver’s License (CDL) and passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Otherwise qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to six (6) months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of wildfire suppression including initial attack, fire behavior, fire control, mop up, and fire line safety sufficient to effectively suppress fires.
• Knowledge of fire suppression equipment maintenance and operation sufficient to prepare and respond to wildfire suppression needs.
• Knowledge of state and local fire laws and regulations sufficient to report violations.
• Communication skills sufficient to ensure accurate and effective transmission of information through internal and interagency communications for routine and crisis situations.
• Ability to understand and use information contained in the Forestry Administrative Area Fire Plan sufficient to prepare for and respond to wildfires.
• Ability to perform tasks under extreme environmental conditions such as heat, cold, rain, wind, and smoke, and frequent travel for fire suppression purposes throughout Minnesota.
• Ability to recognize reportable events sufficient to meet Forestry fire reporting requirements.
• Ability to maintain and organize fire line equipment so that equipment is functioning and available when needed to suppress fires.
• Ability to use maps and GPS equipment sufficient to quickly locate fires and access routes by section, township, range, and latitude/longitude.
• Ability to operate fire equipment sufficient to carry out fire suppression activities in a safe and effective manner.
• Ability to coach and direct emergency firefighters to ensure effective and safe suppression and pre-suppression activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) Red Card qualified Engine Boss (ENGB).
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) qualified.
• Tracked Vehicle Operator (TVOP) and/or Initial Attack Dozer Operator (DOZ1) qualified.
• Helicopter Crew Member (HECM) qualified.
• Squad Boss (FFT1) qualified.
• Faller Class B (FALB) qualified.
• Knowledge of forest fire reporting systems sufficient to complete and enter reports.