Wildland Firefighter Squad Leader

State of South Dakota•Rapid City, SD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wildland Fire Handcrew Squad Leader works under the Wildland Fire Crew Foreman and directs multiple firefighters. The role includes directing firefighting activities; organizing and overseeing projects and daily tasks; facilitating safety procedures and firefighter training; and performing logistical and administrative functions to protect crew well-being and maintain response preparedness. The Squad Leader responds to incidents as needed and is qualified to assume full responsibility in the Foreman’s absence. The work takes place in inherently dangerous fire-management situations involving unpredictable fire behavior, burns, smoke, dust, and extreme temperatures, with the added burden of protective gear. The position may involve working around operating heavy equipment and aircraft in limited visibility, traversing rough terrain, and performing continuous, strenuous physical labor with hand and power tools. This is a full-time position with the Department of Public Safety in Rapid City, South Dakota. The role requires NWCG FFT1 qualification, a valid state driver’s license, and an annual arduous work capacity test: a three-mile fast-paced walk carrying 45 pounds in under 45 minutes. Applicants must attach a resume and Master Record. A National Career Readiness Certificate may also be submitted if available, but it is not required for consideration.

Requirements

NWCG FFT1 qualification is required.
Possess a valid state driver’s license.
Pass an annual arduous work capacity test: walk three miles at a fast pace while carrying 45 pounds in under 45 minutes.
Knowledge of power tools and equipment used in fire and emergency situations, including chainsaws, axes, shovels, and picks.
Knowledge of equipment maintenance and safety practices, fuels, terrain, weather, fire behavior, and Incident Command System terminology, organization, and command structure.
Ability to acquire, analyze, and use situational information; respond to changing conditions; and communicate those changes to a supervisor.
Ability to carry heavy loads of fuel, food, water, and tools for miles over rough terrain in hot and smoky conditions.
Ability to operate handheld and mobile radios and navigate using maps, a compass, and GFP.
Ability to lead, train, and provide daily supervision to a diverse group of firefighters.
Ability to interpret maps and topographical features and understand their effects on fire suppression.
Ability to interpret and explain department policies and procedures, communicate effectively, and present instructional material to adult learners.
Ability to maintain required physical fitness and firefighting qualification standards.

Nice To Haves

NWCG ICT5 qualification.
NWCG FAL2 qualification.
National Career Readiness Certificate (optional; not required for consideration).

Responsibilities

Direct the activities of multiple firefighters and provide leadership for a squad of up to 10 as needed.
Direct firefighting activities and manage fires by organizing resources, selecting strategies and tactics, and overseeing suppression.
Organize and oversee projects and daily tasks.
Facilitate safety procedures and employee/firefighter training, including presenting instructional material to adult learners.
Perform logistical and administrative functions to support crew safety, well-being, and response preparedness.
Respond to incidents as needed.
Interpret and implement fire mobilization plans and locate personnel and equipment for fire suppression.
Maintain and operate specialized firefighting equipment and maintain firefighting qualifications and physical fitness standards.
Communicate changing conditions to supervisors and take appropriate action as information and situational awareness evolve.
Perform low-complexity fireline chainsaw operations, including tree felling, bucking, brushing, and limbing.
Assume full responsibility for the crew in the Wildland Fire Handcrew Foreman’s absence.