Fuels Module Crew Member (Limited-Term)

The Chula Vista Fire Department is looking for highly motivated Fuels Module Crew Members to fill limited term, grant-funded full-time and part-time positions. These limited-term, grant-funded positions are expected to conclude by December 31, 2026, unless the grant is renewed.

The full-time positions will work 40 hours per week and are eligible for an Aetna Whole Health SoCal HMO employee-only medical insurance healthcare plan and a $5 per day transportation stipend.

The part-time positions are limited to two 10-hour shifts per week, scheduled Monday through Thursday, depending on the daily staffing needs of the department and are eligible for a $5 per day transportation stipend.

Fuels Module Crew Member positions are unclassified and exempt from Civil Service Rules but remain subject to all other City policies and procedures. These positions are at-will, meaning employment can be terminated at any time, and do not receive benefits except for those noted above.

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: perform various types of semi-skilled labor in support of fire prevention; cut and remove brush from roadsides, fire roads, and fuel breaks using hand tools; implement project activities as directed by crew leadership, utilizing tools for cutting and clearing vegetation, piling and disposing of treated vegetation; gather data and records information on fuels sampling, fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished; clean, maintain, recondition and store tools and equipment; perform maintenance work on fire department equipment and minor vehicle service and repair; perform maintenance work on City and fire department facilities such as landscaping, carpentry, masonry, paving, plumbing, fabrication, demolition, painting and paint preparation; operate vehicles and specialized equipment and work as a Fire Equipment Operator's aide; perform flood control activities such as trenching, sandbagging, and debris removal; perform non-wildfire and all-hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped including, but not limited to: HAZMAT, search and rescue, medical, etc.; assist with other programs including equipment management and maintenance, fire prevention programs, fire reimbursement and billing, management of fire caches and supplies, etc.; assist with other Fire Department tasks (e.g., reports, data entry, filing, training and testing, inspections, research, etc.) as needed and available to support the mission of the Chula Vista Fire Department; assist with the logistics and instruction of various courses and trainings, such as wildfire suppression, incident management, structural firefighting, medical and first aid, etc. as qualified; under direct supervision of qualified personnel, may use heavy equipment and power tools to perform vegetation reduction activities; participate in a departmental physical fitness program; build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public using principles of good customer service; perform related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and/or experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: training equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade. Previous work experience is not required.

Possession of a valid California Class "C" driver's license is required at the time of appointment. The ability to obtain a California Class C Driver’s License with Firefighter endorsement capable of operating a vehicle with air brakes, a tank, transporting hazardous materials, and transporting passengers (>10) within 12 months of completing department-provided training.

Knowledge of: basic safe work methods and safety regulations; basic use and minor maintenance of commonly used hand and power tools and equipment related to assignment; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Ability to: learn and follow proper work methods of maintenance, construction, and repair techniques; learn to use and maintain hand and power tools and equipment related to assignment; drive City vehicles observing legal and defensive driving practices; learn and follow pertinent rules, laws, and policies relative to area of assignment; operate hand and power tools in a safe manner; perform a variety of maintenance tasks; work under hazardous conditions for prolonged periods performing extremely physical tasks; establish effective working relations with others and function as part of a team; be available for assignments that may last for two weeks or longer in austere working conditions. Work schedules will be expected to be flexible and modified at times to fit the need; work long hours (up to 16 hours per day) in outdoor settings and performing strenuous manual labor, under extreme environmental conditions; understand and carry out oral and written instructions; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

On a continuous basis walk, stand, bend, twist, or sit in jolting cab for varying periods of time; use hands and fingers to grasp tools; make repetitive hand and body motions; twist and reach below and above shoulder, and perform sustained heavy physical labor on a continual basis; verbal ability to communicate in person and use a two-way radio; frequently lift over 25 pounds, often combined with bending, twisting or working on irregular surfaces; lift or carry weight of 50 pounds without assistance and up to 100 pounds with assistance. See in the normal vision range with or without correction; hear in the normal range with or without correction. Must be able to pass the arduous level pack test within three (3) months of employment, which consists of a three (3) mile walk over level terrain in 45 minutes or less while carrying a 45-pound pack. Work is performed primarily in an outdoor environment, in a variety of weather conditions (hot, cold, rain, wind, dust, etc.) and involves moderate and heavy activities for prolonged periods.