pack test

[USFS5112]

Whats everybody using to train for the pack test besides the weight vest.

[RxFire]

For the 5 weeks prior to taking the pack test this year, I was using my regular line gear on Rx burns and wildfires while on detail to Region 8 :D

[hwoods]

We use the Fabric Backpack 5 Gallon water can, without the pump. (Current edition of the old "Indian Can".) I hang the bag on a scale, then add water until I get to 45 pounds.

[Bostondude]

how does it work with the BLM..i have no prior experience...do you take the pack test and then take the S-130 class....just curious

[Bowbreaker]

I've used a bladder bag, 2 styles of weight vest, and my weighted pack in the past to both train and test. I now just use my pack with enough lead to weigh 45 lbs for both. My pack weighs 21 lbs without weights. When I started using my pack to pack test it weighed only 16 lbs. I think I need to clean out my pack.

Good luck. Have a safe fire season.

Brad

[RxFire]

how does it work with the BLM..i have no prior experience...do you take the pack test and then take the S-130 class....just curious

If you've already had your basic fire classes, you just have to take your annual refresher (with EEO piggy backed on as a requirement for taking now before being issued your redcard). It doesn't matter which way you go.. packtest then refresher/fire school, or course work and pack test.

On my unit, the rookies get pack tested first, then get sent off to fire school which we put on ourselves, for a week.

[Bostondude]

If you've already had your basic fire classes, you just have to take your annual refresher (with EEO piggy backed on as a requirement for taking now before being issued your redcard). It doesn't matter which way you go.. packtest then refresher/fire school, or course work and pack test.

On my unit, the rookies get pack tested first, then get sent off to fire school which we put on ourselves, for a week.

hey RxFire...what region do you work in? I applied for AZ but I don't how bad they are in need of the entry-level positions....I havent really prepared for a pack test I just workout daily to prepare myself for a firefighter position either in MA or out there...is there anything else I really need to know in general or about the hiring process (how long does it take to actually get going/started anyway)...thanks for any help

[RxFire]

Boston, I'm in Region 6 (Oregon/Washington).

On my unit, we tend to hire mostly local kids who are students in college for our seasonal workforce. But each unit is forest is different. As for getting on with them as a permanent employee, if your application is solid, and the vacancy is there, there is no telling. If you think you had a chance in AZ, give them a call and see whats up.

On the pack test... I usually don't do anything special to get ready for it and don't have any problem passing.

Good Luck.

[Firetacoma1]

Whats everybody using to train for the pack test besides the weight vest.

Train? I usually just show up and do it... speaking of which, wednesday is the day! YIKES!

[Bostondude]

so since i have no prior experience...i am just curious about the process...i'm guessing that since the BLM jobs close today at midnight...the hiring agency starts making contacts and interviews from now until the end of april and then i would think may is the month of the training/schooling/certification aspect and ultimately the work season starts at the end of may/first week of june...is that a fair or accurate assessment...im just trying to prepare since id be heading out from back east and dont want to be in panic mode if i get offered a postion. thanks

[FireM8]

I also applied through the DOIFF website for jobs in UT and is also wondering if May is the time for training and whatnot and then April the season starts? This is for seasonal positions...

[svmech17]

so since i have no prior experience...i am just curious about the process...i'm guessing that since the BLM jobs close today at midnight...the hiring agency starts making contacts and interviews from now until the end of april and then i would think may is the month of the training/schooling/certification aspect and ultimately the work season starts at the end of may/first week of june...is that a fair or accurate assessment...im just trying to prepare since id be heading out from back east and dont want to be in panic mode if i get offered a postion. thanks


I applied for a couple BLM crews in southern idaho for this season. They all havent called me, so i found some numbers and found out they had already hired people (this was back in early march). So you shouldnt wait for AZ, you need to call them soon especially since the AZ fire season starts sooner than southern idaho (which is the first week of june, usually).
Good luck its pretty hard to get on.

[NonSurfinCaFF]

It takes 30-60 days to get hiring done these days so hiring usually starts at least a month before the seasonals start.

Fire season in the South West (Utah, Arizona, New Mexico) typically runs April-July, so hiring is usually done in March or April. California, Oregon, & Washington usually get started in June, so hiring usually is done April / May.

The south usually burns Nov-Mar so it is sometimes possible to work year round as a seasonal by working the west during the summer and the south in the winter, I've known a few who have done this but it is hard, most people need a break at the end of fire season and working as a dual seasonal doesn't allow much of a break.

Don't focus on one agency, all the Fed land management agencies (USFS, NPS, BLM, USFWS, BIA) are similar to work for and experience with one is good for the others. There are some small differences largely due to terrain and fuel type, and regionally you will find differences.

US Fish & Wildlife is probably the least well known but has a fairly large fire program so it is a good one to check out.

It is definately worth calling around and talking to the captains, all we get is a list of names and to be honest on paper a GS3 is a GS3, the thing that will set you apart is showing an interest in the job by talking to us.

Get started early so you have a good idea on where to focus your attention, it is not unusual for announcements to be out in January, waiting until March / April is really cutting it close.

Starting early also gives you a chance to see what special qualifications might make you stand out as well, different agencies and units occasionally have a special need (EMT, construction experience, volunteer experience etc), some National Parks also have structure equipment so structure fire quals and experience may be a plus, the same goes for some locations where running on car fires and medicals may be common. Most Fed agencies in California run SCBA, so having a little experience working in SCBA is nice. In other areas they could care less if you have anything beyond basic wildland training.

[ColoradoFireGuy]

my shins hurt today!