The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, golf courses, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal State Firefighter I.

The incumbent patrols state forests, woodlands and other property to detect fires; suppresses fires using standard firefighting equipment and techniques; maintains fire fighting equipment; investigates the causes of fires; and provides information to the public on fire prevention and safety. The basic purpose of this work is to protect state property and the public from fire.

Duties:
Patrols assigned state forests, woodlands or other property through on-site inspection, through remote observation from fire towers or through the use of video infrared equipment to detect fires and/or violations of fire safety laws.

Keeps firefighting equipment in proper condition by performing routine maintenance and inspection to ensure preparedness for emergency situations.

Suppresses fires through the use of standard firefighting techniques by using such equipment as fire engines, fire extinguishers, emergency generators, radio equipment, air packs, safety equipment, gas masks, protective clothing and patrol vehicles.

Responds to calls for emergency assistance by determining appropriate action to be taken, providing firefighting assistance and/or by providing emergency medical treatment to injured persons.

Investigates fires through visual inspection of sites and examination of physical evidence to gather information to be used in determining cause, to determine whether legal violations were responsible for the origin or spread of fires and to determine corrective action needed to avoid recurrence.

Provides information to the public on fire protection, fire prevention and/or the use of equipment, verbally and by posting or updating fire and safety posters to promote public awareness of fire safety.

Determines the exact location of fires through the use of topographical maps, charts and/or diagrams to ensure rapid response to fires.

Participates in rescue operations by searching for lost persons, downed aircraft and flood or drowning victims.

Maintains assigned area by constructing fire roads, maintaining fire roads and towers and keeping fire roads and power lines clear to ensure prompt and unobstructed access to emergency sites.
Confers with other governmental units regarding fire fighting and fire prevention, maintains routine records and files, and prepares inspection, accident and federal fire reports.

Trains fire agency staff, other agency fire personnel and the general public in the methods and techniques of fire prevention and control.

Investigates, prepares evidence, and bears witness for prosecutions of violations of the environmental laws of the Commonwealth.
Performs related duties as assigned and assists District Fire Warden in all aspects of fire management.
Based on assignment, incumbents of positions at this level will also:
Perform park or recreation area maintenance during low fire danger periods
Ability to exercise sound judgment.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to read and interpret such documents as maps, charts and building plans.
Ability to write clearly and concisely.
Ability to maintain accurate records.
Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with others.
Ability to climb and work from ladders at heights greater than 20 feet.
Ability to lift and carry heavy objects including people.
Manual dexterity.
Mechanical aptitude.
Physical stamina and endurance as required in all aspects of wildland firefighting.
Knowledge of the methods and techniques of firefighting.
Knowledge of the types and uses of firefighting equipment.
Knowledge of rescue methods used in firefighting.
Knowledge of the types and uses of protective breathing apparatus used in firefighting.
Knowledge of the techniques used in the handling and transportation of injured persons.
Knowledge of the types and causes of fires.
Knowledge of the inspection techniques followed in fire protection work.

Preferred Qualifications:

Ability to maintain a calm manner, make decisions and act quickly in dangerous and emergency situations.

Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.