Applying for a job

[rbango]

Hello all,
This is my first time on this forum. I was a structural firefighter for 2 1/2 years, and before that I was in the Marine corps. I would like to try wildland firefighting. I have applied with different agencies(USDA, NPS, and BLM) as a GS-2 and GS-3 and have two questions. 1) How difficult is it to get hired(full-time or temp) by these agencies? 2) Are there any training/courses I can take to help my application? Thanks for any help you can give.

[NJFFSA16]

The wildland people aren't going to be interested in your structural firefighting training...although it could come in handy as you advance up the ranks.

You must be certified S130/190 in order to qualify for wildland firefighting. I don't know where you are located...but contact your state's wildfire agency and inquire WHERE those courses might be available.

You might also look for Incident Command courses..as they will be very handy.

S-130 Firefighter Training
S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
I-100 Orientation to the Incident Command System

Good Luck!

[RxFire]

BUT it will depend on who you apply to and where as to how much it'll get you. Your structural training will give you an edge in hiring over other looking for entry level. I'm no personnel specialist, but I imagine you should get at least a GS-3, if not even a GS-4 (depending on agency and location).

Lots of new wildland engines are being delivered to agencies with SCBA's and crews being trained in use. A loud buzz word in the wildland community is Urban-Interface. Seeing as sometimes the wildland agencies are the only fire protection for hours, we are being called upon to learn structure fire.

Basically, your structure training isn't for naught.... It will benefit you early.

Also, did you try applying to state agencies such as CDF or NDF (California and Nevada Dept.'s of Forestry, respectively). They are more all risk.

For training locations, try http://www.nationalfiretraining.net/

Good Luck

[rbango]

NJFFSA, I just signed up for a course here in FL called Basic Fire Management that covers all three sections that you named. It's out-of-pocket, but I'd rather pay if it's going to give me an advantage.

RxFire, I am applying with CDF but didn't even know that Nevada had a dept of forestry also. I'll look them up.

Thanks for your help.

[NJFFSA16]

Originally posted by RxFire
Basically, your structure training isn't for naught.... It will benefit you early.

As I rethink my post...this is very true. We have seen countless task forces formed over the last few seasons...assigned as structural protection teams, working in conjunction with local, municipal departments. Your structural firefighting experience will be invaluable to those efforts.

What I meant to say...is that regardless of your training...you MUST have the S130/190, incident command basics...to get in initially.

Good luck!

[bobbymurphy]

I applied for part-time summer employment with the BLM. I do not have any wildland courses at all. Will this totally knock me out of the running for a job?

Thanks

[RxFire]

Originally posted by bobbymurphy
I applied for part-time summer employment with the BLM. I do not have any wildland courses at all. Will this totally knock me out of the running for a job?

Thanks

NO....the agencies (BLM, USFS, NPS, BIA) together hire hundreds 18 year old- just graduated highschool- have no experience- kids each summer, and we train them. If you have any fire experience, it'll help some.

If applied to specific districts, call the fire staff and give them a heads up you applied, and tell them more about yourself. Hiring is done by getting a pile of app's and trying to wade thru them & pick the best. If they know what you sound like (enthusiastic, go-getter, etc.) it gives the hiring officials more to work with. Also, if you applied to several, and you accept one, it's courteous to call the others and let them know you accepted elsewhere.

Good Luck