What are the responsibilities and job description for the Seasonal Wildland Firefighter position at Durango Fire Protection District?
Applications accepted through December 22, 2026.
Interviews will take place January 25-27, 2027.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Follows the Mission, Values and Department Expectations.
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Primary duty will be wildland firefighting within the district and initial attack within the one-mile zone between public and private lands. May be deployed to wildland fires outside of DFPD’s jurisdiction as a co-operator for fourteen days or more. The engine crew may be asked to spend the nights at fire camp until released by the fire. May be asked to perform the following duties:
- Suppression of wildland fires. Maintain communication with supervisor advising of conditions, actions and needs.
- Maintaining emergency vehicles including inspecting, cleaning and servicing of equipment, tools facilities and grounds.
- Maintain personal physical fitness as stated in the DFPD Wellness & Fitness initiative.
- Participates in drills and training exercises; develops skills in fire suppression, medical aid, apparatus operations and other related areas
- Maintain required CEs to maintain EMS, fire and hazmat certifications at appropriate level, as well as maintaining other required certifications (i.e., CPR, Fire 1, etc.). It is the employee’s responsibility to maintain all required certifications.
- Performs activities in specialized areas of assignment including, but not limited to pre-planning, fire investigation, fuels management, specialized report writing, water supply duties, hazardous materials, new member training and wildland activities.
- Performs other duties of a related nature or level.
- Knowledge of DFPD Personnel Policies and Operational Policies/Standard Operating Procedures.
- Knowledge of district geography and boundaries.
- Knowledge and operation of apparatus, medical and firefighting equipment.
- Ability to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
- Ability to communicate and interact with officers/members and other professionals from within and outside DFPD to form mutually beneficial relationships.
- Ability to perform skills of wildland firefighter
- High school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED)
- CPR for the professional rescuer
- Valid driver’s license
- NWCG qualified as FFT2 or have complete prior to first working day
- CO or NREMT EMT-B Certification or higher
- CO or IFSAC Firefighter 1
- CO Hazmat Operations
- NWCG: FAL3, FFT1 or FFT1(t)
- Technical Rescue Certification
- Must possess the ability to work in high noise, low and extreme light, dusty, dirty, wet, freezing, high heat, high vibration, confined spaces, high and unstable environments.
- Very Heavy Work: Exerting in up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
- Must comply with the organization’s wellness and fitness program, and remain qualified as an operational firefighter as defined by NFPA 1582 guidelines as well as associated DFPD SOP’s including passing the functional ability test, wild land pack test, and participating in the Cooper Fitness Evaluation.
- Must maintain Response 1 capabilities.
- This is a 40-hour (regularly M-F) and work effort will be based upon the needs of the department and the members. This will entail a flexible work schedule that can include days, evenings and weekends.
Reports to the Wildland Engine Boss. Operates as a team member of a seasonal wildland engine crew. As a team member, works as a firefighter on initial attacks, suppression activities, and extended attacks of wildland fires within the DFPD response district. May be deployed to wildland fire assignments outside of DFPD’s jurisdiction for 18 days or more. Firefighter Type 2 will also work on the maintenance and upkeep of equipment and apparatus assigned, assist with the testing of hydrants, pumps, hose, and all other equipment. The Wildland Firefighter Type 2 shall attend training with his crew as assigned. Under the supervision of the Engine Boss, the engine crew shall respond to and assist in the mitigation of other local emergencies as directed by the shift Battalion Chief or Wildland Coordinator
Salary : $20 - $27