Wildfire Operations Specialist - Seasonal

Idaho Power Company•Boise, ID

13d•$39 - $46

About The Position

Idaho Power — located in vibrant Boise, Idaho — is looking for four seasonal Wildfire Operations Specialists to join our Planning, Engineering, and Construction team. The duration of these openings is approximately June 15th – September 18th, 2026. It’s an exciting time to work for Idaho Power. Our work plays a critical role in communities we serve across Idaho and Oregon, and we’re working hard to provide our customers with the safe, reliable, affordable energy they depend on. What does a Wildfire Operations Specialist do for us ? The Wildfire Operations Specialist supports Idaho Power’s Wildfire Mitigation Program by assisting with field-based wildfire mitigation, vegetation management, and asset protection. This position helps implement Idaho Power’s Wildfire Mitigation Plan by reducing wildfire potential and minimizing damage to company infrastructure. Seasonal Crew Members also perform fire behavior observations, provide situational awareness to company leadership, and serve as initial agency liaisons during wildfire events to ensure safe and coordinated operations between Idaho Power and responding agencies. In addition to the meaningful work we do, we offer work-life balance, competitive pay and benefits, an employee incentive plan, and both a 401k employer-match and a pension plan, making Idaho Power one of the best employers in the state.

Requirements

Knowledge of: Understanding of wildfire behavior, suppression tactics, and incident command structure (ICS)
Vegetation management, fuels reduction, and defensible space concepts
Knowledge of hand tools, pumps, and basic power equipment used in field operations
Safety awareness and ability to follow company and agency procedures
Skills in: Safely operate hand tools, power equipment, and vehicles for vegetation management
Communicate clearly and professionally with supervisors, team members, and agency personnel
Document project activities, field observations, and fire conditions accurately and completely
Work effectively as part of a team, demonstrating reliability and professionalism under supervision
Follow safety protocols and adapt to changing field conditions
Ability to: Work safely and effectively outdoors in variable weather, terrain, and smoke conditions
Recognize fire behavior patterns and environmental cues indicating safety concerns
Represent Idaho Power professionally with the public, landowners, and interagency partners
Follow detailed instructions and maintain safety protocols during extended operations
Make sound decisions under supervision in dynamic field environments
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Experience: 3 or more years of wildland firefighting, vegetation management, and/or emergency response experience
Licenses & Certifications: Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record based on driving requirements for the position
Basic Firefighter (NWCG FFT2) or equivalent training
Must obtain First Aid/CPR card within 30 days
Must be able to obtain Department of Transportation (DOT) Med Card prior to hire
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Must have the ability to walk on uneven terrain while carrying chainsaw, pruning equipment, and laptop. Must be able to occasionally lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be able to push and pull up to 50 pounds. Sustained awkward postures with crouching, kneeling, bending/stooping, and twisting is required in performing manual dexterity activities, gripping, pushing, pulling, and using hand tools.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Physical ability to work outdoors in extreme weather conditions and variable terrain. Capacity for overnight deployments and extended assignments

Nice To Haves

Preferred: Advanced-level understanding of wildfire behavior, fire weather interpretation, and suppression tactics gained through years of operational field experience
Comprehensive knowledge of utility wildfire mitigation practices, fuels management principles, and infrastructure asset protection strategies
Thorough understanding of ICS at the operational and coordination level, including interagency protocols and fireline communication standards
Proven ability to plan and lead multi-day field operations with minimal direction, managing crew assignments, logistics, and safety oversight simultaneously
Skilled at conducting fire behavior observations and translating technical environmental data into clear, actionable situation reports for varied audiences
Experienced working directly with agency personnel at the incident level as a company or organizational representative
Strong written and verbal communication skills applied to operational documentation, briefings, and after-action reporting
Ability to coach and develop less experienced personnel in field settings
Comfortable representing an organization at the agency or incident command level, navigating institutional relationships with confidence and professionalism
Able to synthesize complex, fast-moving information from multiple sources and translate it into clear recommendations for decision-makers
Naturally builds trust and credibility with peers, agency partners, and supervisors through consistent expertise and follow-through
Preferred: 5 or more years of wildland firefighting experience
Experience working with utility companies or infrastructure protection
Preferred: Current or previous qualification as an NWCG Single Resource Boss (CRWB, ENGB, HEQB)

Responsibilities

assisting with field-based wildfire mitigation
vegetation management
asset protection
reducing wildfire potential and minimizing damage to company infrastructure
perform fire behavior observations
provide situational awareness to company leadership
serve as initial agency liaisons during wildfire events to ensure safe and coordinated operations between Idaho Power and responding agencies