Wildland Fire Suppression Specialist ENTRY (Astoria District)

Initial Posting Date:

Application Deadline:

Agency:

Salary Range:

Position Type:

Position Title:

Job Description:

Are you looking for a seasonal wildland fire fighting position? If so, good news, the Oregon Department of Forestry is currently hiring!

The Oregon Department of Forestry's (ODF) Mission is – To serve the people of Oregon by protecting, managing, and promoting stewardship of Oregon's forests to enhance environmental, economic, and community sustainability.

The Oregon Dept. of Forestry hires seasonal wildland firefighting positions each year. These positions generally work from June through October; however, the duration of the season and job conditions vary by location. Interviews are expected to be completed by May; however, application reviews may begin at any time. For best consideration, apply as soon as possible.

Astoria Office - If you have questions about the Astoria Office, please contact Dave Horning, Wildland Fire Supervisor at 92219 Hwy 202, Astoria, Oregon 97103. E-mail David.F.Horning@oregon.gov Phone (503) 325-5451.

To view a map of Northwest Oregon, including the Astoria District and its surrounding offices, please click here to view map.

New to Astoria? Click Here

WHAT WILL YOU DO

You will perform a wide variety of manual tasks in the areas of forest fire prevention, pre-suppression, and fire suppression.  You will serve as a crew member, or engineer operator for an engine or work on a hand crew. You will be responsible for engine/crew readiness of an assigned crew, coordinating and performing physical labor necessary to suppress and extinguish wildfire, and complete routine building and ground maintenance.

For a complete list of duties and working conditions for these opportunities, please check here.

The Department's highest priority work is a forest fire emergency, this position may be utilized during those emergencies to provide assistance in a variety of ways.  That assistance may be directly aiding the emergency effort in the field or at the Salem headquarters.  It also may be in providing backup to fill in for another position that is being used in direct aid to the emergency, or it may be in performing an essential function in some capacity either within this Program or elsewhere in Salem or in the field.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

Candidates whose demonstrate skills, abilities and/or experience in the following:

• Must be 18 years of age by time of hire.
• Successful applicants must take and pass the physical fitness Work Capacity Test at the arduous level as a condition of hire. Please click here for information on the Work Capacity Test.
• Operating Structural and/or Wildland Fire Engines.
• Operating manual or split-shift transmissions.
• Conducting resource readiness of equipment and personnel.
• Experience operating hand tools and motorized equipment.
• Effective conflict resolution skills.
• Understands and implements safe work practices.
• Maintains situational awareness at all times.
• Communicates with both internal and external customers including cooperators, landowners, public and fire crews.
• Decisions making capabilities.
• Works collaboratively as a member of a team.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision.
• Ability to follow directions in high stress, fast paced emergency situations.
• Completes accurate reports in a timely manner with attention to detail under general supervision.
• Maintains an adequate level of fitness to perform assigned duties.
• Willing to work hard for 16 + hours a day without days off in some circumstances.
• Eager, enthusiastic and willing to learn new and exciting skills.

HOW TO APPLY

• Click on the "Apply" button above and complete the online application.
• Answer all the supplemental questions.
• Attach current fire qualifications. You must submit your current wildland fire incident qualification card, or equivalent with your application materials to provide proof of your qualifications.  
• If you require an alternate format in order to complete the employment process, you may call ODF Human Resources at (503) 945-7294.

IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW

• This announcement will be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for this position and may be used to fill future vacancies. 
• The employee in this position will be represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and will be subject to all terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement.
• Successful applicants will be required to provide their own boots (8" leather with vibram soles). All other PPE is provided.

REQUIRED DRIVING RECORD CHECK

This position requires the operation of a State vehicle for the purpose of conducting official State business. An Oregon driving record check will be conducted on the top applicants to ensure a valid license and acceptable driving record.  If your license is from outside Oregon, you must submit at least a three year court/DMV printout at the time of interview.  An unacceptable driving record includes:

• Conviction of a major traffic offense within the previous 24 months which includes reckless driving, driving under the influence, failing to perform the duties of a driver, criminal driving while suspended or revoked, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, felony hit and run, etc.;
• Felony revocation of driving privileges or felony or misdemeanor license suspension within the previous 24 months;
• More than 3 moving traffic violations in the previous 12 months;
• A careless driving conviction in the previous 12 months;
• A Class A moving traffic violation in the previous 12 months.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

State of Oregon: Oregon job opportunities - Veterans

BENEFITS

State of Oregon: Oregon job opportunities - Benefits with state government

WORK AUTHORIZATION
The Oregon Department of Forestry does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, all applicants will be required to complete U.S. Department of Homeland Security form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States.

ODF seeks a workforce that reflects the diversity and values of Oregonians and provides a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. ODF promotes and supports the value of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), Affirmative Action (AA), and diversity.