Wildland Engine Module Leader

Hiring Range : $35.15-$43.94 DOE

The Wildland Engine Module Leader is the work leader of a firefighting resource – typically a fire engine, but can be assigned to a squad, to provide a range of firefighting and related services. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as an NWCG Single Resource Boss - Engine in support of wildfire fire suppression and mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire and hazardous fuel reduction). The position leads training classes and assists in basic qualification systems maintenance. As needed and qualified, this position provides all-hazard incident response and assists with other Vail Fire programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a supervisory wildland firefighter on a wildland fire engine.
• Directs the operation of a wildland fire engine in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Leads and engages in community outreach and public education activities.
• Responsible for the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment used to respond to wildland and prescribed fire situations.
• Operate 4x4 pickup trucks, fire engines, pumps, and associated wildland firefighting equipment
• Implements formal and informal training programs to comply with policy and regulations.
• Provides technical and administrative supervision to wildland fire crews.
• Plans work to be accomplished by subordinates, sets and adjusts short term priorities and prepares schedules for completion of work.
• Develops performance standards and evaluates work performance of subordinates
• Gives advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both work and administrative matters.
• Hears and resolves minor complaints from employees. Refers group grievances and more serious unresolved complaints to manager.
• Provides for crew safety and welfare and implements a training program in compliance with applicable requirements.
• Ensures work conditions conform to agency safety programs
• Identifies and corrects job safety and health hazards
• Serve the citizens and guests of the Town of Vail by abiding by all Town of Vail core values.
• Perform job in accordance with all Town of Vail safety practices.
• Routinely performs the duties of subordinate positions
• May assume some of the duties of acting Wildland Battalion Chief as necessary
• Other duties as assigned.
• Accountability and Decision

The Vail Fire Wildland program is a hybrid fuels and suppression program. The crew operates as 2 type 6 engine modules for initial attack and national dispatch. As a module lead of the Vail wildland crew you will direct and participate in tree cutting and falling, piling of trees and slash, wildfire home hazard assessments, engine and pump operations, wildland fire suppression and prescribed fire operations. 

Response: Crew members will respond to all wildfires within the 200 square mile Vail Fire response area as well as mutual aid requests throughout Eagle County. Elevation range within the response area is 6,000-14,000 feet above sea level with many steep and rugged slopes. The crew may also be utilized for other types of all hazard calls as appropriate. Crew members will be available for national dispatch as local fire conditionals allow. Employees may be exposed to extreme temperature variations, extended work hours, dust and smoke, insect bites and other unpredictable working conditions.

Schedule: The season will run May through Oct.  Crew members will work either a 4 day - 10 hour or 5 day- 8 hour schedule based on crew and department need.  Overtime is based on fire activity and need. Off season schedule will be either 4 day - 10 hour or 5 day- 8 hour schedule and may be flexible to meet department and employee needs. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of supervisory policies, procedures and methods in order to manage diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of strategies, tactics and suppression methods used in the containment and control of wildfires and wildland fires in order to relay assignments to crew members, accurately evaluate rapidly changing fire circumstances, determine when/ if additional forces may be needed, or determine when circumstances warrant withdrawal of crew to a safe location.
• Knowledge of instruction techniques
• Knowledge of fire behavior including causes of wildland fire, influence of fuel, weather and topography in order to know where to attack the fire, build fire line, where to be positioned to manage a wildland fire and to identify hazards.
• Knowledge of accepted fire safety practices and procedures to prevent injury and loss of life.
• Specific technical firefighting knowledge such as, but not limited to, fire engine and pump operations, hose lays and hand crew operations to enable the incumbent to function in assigned capacities and to instruct or supervise others in those duties if necessary.
• Specialized knowledge and necessary certifications such as, chain saw operation and repair and use of specialized equipment used in response to wildland urban interface situations.
• Ability to operate four wheel drive pickup trucks and may require ability to operate a fire engine.
• Skill in use of hand tools and power tools including chainsaws and portable pumps to build fire line, control wildland fire, and to perform other non-fire related duties.
• Knowledge of agency and interagency qualification, position task book requirements and certification standards and procedures adopted by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).
• Knowledge and skill of standard first aid procedures sufficient to perform preliminary first aid and triage as necessary.
• Knowledge of the organization and the function of operative interagency fire organizations such as federal, state and local governments to facilitate wildland fire operations in multi-jurisdictional settings.
• Design, develop, write plans, implement and monitor various projects, including but not limited to: hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and natural resource management.
• Leads the work of others and serves as a crewmember in implementing projects, including but not limited to: use of chainsaws and other tools for cutting and clearing vegetation, piling and disposing of treated vegetation, operation of chippers, constructing fireline using hand tools and power tools, performing ignitions and holding operations, and conducting mop up and patrol operations.

Education, Experience and Certificates

• Associates degree or equivalent course work (60 semester credits)
• NWCG S130, S190, S212, S131, S230, S231, S290, ICS 200
• Qualification to NWCG standards as a Single Resource Boss – Engine (ENGB)
• NWCG wildfire qualifications of: Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) or higher
• Current Certification as Faller 2 (FALB)- Task book or equivalent
• Minimum 5 seasons (25 months) wildland firefighting experience
• Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.

Preferred

• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3)
• Successfully completed the Primary NWCG Core Requirement of any Single Resources Boss (CRWB, FIRB, FELB), highly preferred
• Certified EMT Basic
• Experience/ qualification with low angle rescue, swift water or search and rescue

The Town of Vail is a values-based culture that is nurtured by our employees’ strong desire to foster teamwork, take ownership in Vail’s future and an overall pride for serving their community. To find out more about our community, please visit our website www.vail.gov and click on Vail Information.  

The Town of Vail offers a competitive benefits and compensation package including medical, dental, vision, employer paid life and disability retirement plans, generous vacation benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional development opportunities, and lifestyle benefits that include wellness benefits and  a tennis and golf pass. 

If you're ready to make an impact and be part of a dynamic team, apply today for immediate consideration.