Fuels Crew Technician

Summit Fire & EMS • Dillon, CO

21d

About The Position

The Summit Fire and EMS Fuels Crew Technician is a seasonal, full-time position within the Wildland Division of Summit Fire and EMS Fire Protection District. Technician crew members are responsible for implementing hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation projects, and community wildfire protection strategies throughout the district. Fuels Crew Technicians perform a variety of field-based tasks, including chainsaw operations, hand thinning, slash piling, mechanical fuels treatments, and prescribed fire preparation and implementation. Work is conducted in diverse and often rugged wildland-urban interface (WUI) environments. Fuels Crew Members also hold wildland firefighting certifications and respond to wildfires within the Summit County response area. Crew Members may also staff wildland engines for national fire assignments. Fuels Crew Technicians are expected to consistently demonstrate high levels of safety, professionalism, physical fitness, and teamwork. Daily operations require strict adherence to agency standards, effective communication, and a strong commitment to Summit Fire & EMS’s mission of community protection and service.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Can obtain a valid Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) at the arduous level
• Must be able to complete and successfully pass the requirements to qualify as an FFT2 within 30 days of hire. The following fire courses would be NWCG S-130, S-190, and L-180. As well as ICS 100, 200, NIMS 700, and FEMA courses.
• Knowledge of basic forest and fire ecology to inform nuances of mitigation work.
• Understand how different environmental factors (weather, terrain, fuel types) influence fire behavior, and how mitigation can compensate for these risks.
• Knowledge of safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and cooperating with others.
• Strong critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in dynamic and often dangerous situations.
• Ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions and unexpected challenges.
• Capacity to endure physical and mental stress, maintaining focus and determination in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to effectively follow instructions and guidelines from team leaders and supervisors.
• Skills to assist in implementing plans for fire suppression and hazardous fuels management effectively.
• Ability to use and learn technology, including computers, tablets, and Mobile Data Computers (MDCs); competency using the Microsoft Office platform, Google products, and various programs for time & resource tracking, scheduling, and communication.
• Can pass a department physical examination and pre-employment drug screening
• Can pass a background check and possess a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
• Extended hours in remote, outdoor locations.
• Must be able to carry a 30 lb. line pack daily and be able to lift, carry, and handle weights up to 50-80 lbs.
• Mobility includes walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crawling, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, pinching, gripping, spraying, and working in confined spaces. Must be able to reach overhead and away from the body as required.
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, dense smoke, and physically demanding work environments.
• Rotational shifts during active fire seasons and on-call status for emergency deployments.

Nice To Haves

• Firefighter, Type 2 (FFT2)
• Basic Faller (FAL3)
• First Aid/CPR within 30 days of hire

Responsibilities

• Implement hazardous fuel reduction projects which include thinning, brushing, hand pile construction, tree felling, and slash disposal.
• Operate tools and equipment such as chainsaws, hand tools, water pumps, radios, and UTVs safely and effectively.
• Follow project-specific prescriptions and guidelines, often derived from Home Ignition Zone (HIZ) assessments or CWPP-identified projects, and create defensible space.
• Prepare and maintain fire lines, control lines, and ignition areas for prescribed fire operations. Maintain and inspect tools, PPE, assigned equipment, and district vehicles.
• Conduct project work in a residential interface area with professionalism and respect for property owners and community members.
• Perform other assigned duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Assist in prescribed fire operations (holding, ignition, mop-up) if conditions and training are allowed.
• Participate in relevant NWCG training and skills development throughout the season.
• Support in-district and off-district wildfire assignments where fuels project workload, staffing, and interest allow.

Benefits

• Retirement plan; 457k available
• Medical/dental/vision - 90% premium coverage by Summit Fire & EMS
• Health Reimbursement or Savings Accounts (HRA/HSA) - Employer funding provided
• Disability Coverage - Long-term and short-term disability insurance for financial security
• Vacation and sick leave banks
• Training and fire experience opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED