DFPC WFMS Firefighter III: Fuels Module Lieutenant - Windsor

State of Colorado•Denver, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is seeking a Firefighter III: Fuels Module Lieutenant to join their Wildland Fire Management Section (WFMS). This role is crucial for assisting and supporting local agencies with wildland fire management programs, including administrative, technical, preparedness, planning, response, and prescribed fire and fuels functions. The position involves a cooperative, interagency partnership and will focus on hazardous fuels reduction and mitigation activities such as project planning, information distribution, strategy development, and implementation (e.g., tree cutting, woody debris piling, and prescribed fire). Work will occur on U.S. Forest Service lands, lands under agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, and non-federal lands where the U.S. Forest Service has an interest. The Fuels Module Lieutenant will lead a firefighting resource, typically a fuels module, but may also be assigned to other modules. The primary purpose is to serve as an NWCG Single Resource Boss in support of suppression & mitigation projects and provide work lead duties, leadership, and direction to module personnel. This role also assists with training programs, qualification and dispatch systems, and other preparedness activities. Individuals assigned to Fuels Modules focus primarily on prescribed fire and fuels projects, and prevention and education, while also being prepared to assist with all-hazard incident operations.

Requirements

Two (2) years of documented professional wildland firefighting experience.
Qualification to the NWCG Crew Boss - Single Resource (CRWB).
May substitute Single Resource Boss – Engine (ENGB) or Single Resource Boss – Helicopter Manager (HMGB) qualifications PLUS significant experience serving on and leading 5-person squads, 10-person modules, or 20-person hand crews.
General knowledge of natural resource management, where the knowledge is directly applicable to fuels management and both wildland fire and prescribed fire.
General knowledge of the effects of fire on natural resources and fire ecology principles as they apply to local fuel and vegetation types, weather, fire behavior and the methods used to monitor, analyze, and predict fire behavior.
Must be 18 years of age at time of hire.
Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre-position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times.
Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.
Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen.
Position must maintain the NWCG required fitness levels for the employee’s NWCG wildland fire qualifications throughout the employment period.

Nice To Haves

Four (4) + years of documented wildland firefighting experience, and/or additional fire service experience, including fireline supervision.
Previous experience designing, planning, implementing and monitoring prescribed fire, fuels treatment, and natural resource management projects.
Bachelor's degree or higher in forestry, natural resource management, rangeland management or related field.
Previous supervisory or team lead experience.
Previous experience with state level fire programs, with a preference for experience with the state of CO fire programs.
NWCG qualifications: Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT4) or higher; Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher; Prescribed Fire Burn Boss Type 3 (RXB3) or higher, Strike Team or Task Force Leader, and Additional Single Resource Boss State of Colorado/DFPC : Structural Firefighter I, Structural Firefighter II or equivalent.
Medical certifications and qualifications including: Wilderness First Responder, Emergency First Responder, or Emergency Medical Technician.
State of CO Class B CDL or ability to obtain Class B CDL.
Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Responsibilities

Serves as a work lead and crewmember in planning and implementation of mitigation, fuels treatment, and resource management projects, including cutting, clearing, piling, and disposing of treated vegetation.
Uses tools and equipment such as chainsaws, firing equipment, portable pumps, chippers, and air curtain burners.
Constructs firelines and performs prescribed fire burning, ignitions, holding operations, mop-up, and patrol operations.
Uses various communication methods including radios and maintains on and off-road vehicles.
Performs and mentors others in safety inspections, and maintains and repairs tools and equipment.
Identifies and provides training needs of crew to support prescribed fire and fuel management programs.
Collects, documents, and gathers data and records information on fuels sampling, fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.
Designs, develops, and writes plans for various resource management projects, including hazardous fuels reduction, prescribed fire, and natural resource management projects.
Leads assigned personnel and day-to-day operations, providing direction, oversight, support, and training.
Evaluates employee schedules and work load, making adjustments as conditions warrant.
Assists with the development of professional development plans for assigned employees.
Assists with the development of work plans and schedules for subordinate staff, including training programs, community outreach, and emergency response preparation.
Schedules, coordinates tasks and logistical needs, evaluates, and provides safety guidance and oversight to assigned employees.
Conducts performance evaluations of all assigned employees and makes recommendations for remediation or advancement.
Manages the hiring process, including interviews of applicants, and makes recommendations to hire, promote, or transfer.
Manages informal grievances and provides documentation to support corrective actions.
Oversees and reviews work products and employee health, adjusting deadlines and plans of work accordingly.
Compiles all required incident documentation, including tracking Crew Time Reports, Equipment Shift Tickets, and resource orders.
Approves time in state timekeeping systems and verifies employees are following best practices.
Signs and approves all overtime, travel, and purchase forms.
Establishes and maintains the physical fitness level necessary to perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse conditions.
Mentors and trains new firefighters and validates readiness of assigned personnel.
Inspects and maintains crews' response equipment, vehicles, tools, and PPE.
Implements processes to inventory tools, PPE, and equipment, and accounts for any safety issues.
Ensures module and equipment readiness, including daily maintenance checks.
Determines crew qualifications needs and develops a crew training plan for the unit.
Implements annual operational preparedness training for assigned personnel.
Communicates effectively with multichannel radios and prepares and programs radios for assignments.
Manages ongoing training and professional development of crew members in State of Colorado, CDPS, DFPC & WFMS standard operating policies, procedures & guidelines.
Oversees the logistics and instruction of various courses, training, and events.
Assists other DFPC programs as needed and available.
Leads module crew operations during fire suppression and incident response work.
Constructs fireline utilizing hand tools, cuts and clears vegetation utilizing power saws, performs structure protection, conducts mop up and patrol operations, carries out ignition operations, operates pumps, installs hose lays and water delivery systems.
Performs and assists with rescue operations, operates and travels in vehicles on and off-road, hauls and packs fire-related equipment and supplies.
Uses various tools and equipment such as chainsaws, shovels, drip torches, fusees, pulaskis.
Uses maps, compass, GPS, and other technology and tools to gather information and navigate an incident.
Performs safety inspections, maintaining and repairing of tools and equipment.
Briefs crew on demobilization procedures and compiles all required incident documentation.
Performs and oversees non-wildfire and all-hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped.
Participates in regular physical training and conditioning during work hours to maintain fitness levels.

Benefits

Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents.
Short and long-term disability coverage.
Life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.
Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to annual earnings (minimum $50,000, maximum $250,000) provided at no cost to employees.
State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, offers personalized health coaching, skill groups, and a $20 per month health insurance premium discount for participants.
Access to discounts, promotions, and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues through BenefitHub.
State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.
Access to medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the State of Colorado Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (FAMLI).
Excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans.
Generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.
Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) provides short-term counseling, referrals, resources, and training.
Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.
Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.