Engine Boss - OnCall

Company Description

Silver River Fire Ops is a professional wildland fire company based in the rugged heart of Southwest Colorado. Founded by a seasoned wildland firefighter, our mission is to protect landscapes, communities, and natural resources from the threat of wildfire. We specialize in strategic fire suppression, fuels mitigation, and prescribed burning, operating with precision and an unwavering commitment to safety. Silver River Fire Ops brings hard-earned leadership and tactical expertise gained from years of fieldwork, helping to make a difference on the frontlines. We support federal, state, and local agencies, driven by a passion for stewardship.

The Engine Boss serves on an on-call and as-needed basis to supplement resource orders. This position may be activated for single resource deployments, task force or strike team assignments, or other operational needs. Can be located anywhere within the lower 48 states, and must be ready to deploy at given notice within 24hrs. Travel costs covered if flight needed.

Assignment and utilization are not guaranteed and are based solely on the operational needs.

Hourly Rate: $36.66

Under general supervision, the Engine Boss responds on an on-call and as-needed basis to local, regional, and state fire and emergency incidents as a single resource or part of a task force or strike team. The Engine Boss is responsible for the supervision and tactical deployment of engine company personnel and resources. This role ensures personnel accountability, crew safety, and coordination with overhead personnel. The Engine Boss operates under the direction of the Incident Commander or their designee and performs other related duties as assigned.

This position is utilized to supplement or augment department staffing levels for out-of-area deployments or local incident response. Use of this classification is not guaranteed and is determined based on department needs, resource availability, and incident requests.

Examples Of Duties

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Responds to fire, rescue, and all-risk incidents as an Engine Boss, providing direct supervision of engine company personnel during incident operations.
• Ensures proper implementation of the Incident Command System (ICS) within the assigned engine company.
• Provides situational reports and resource status updates to strike team leaders or incident command as required.
• Leads crew briefings, tailgate safety sessions, and debriefs during assignments.
• Conducts initial and ongoing size-ups and makes tactical decisions consistent with safety priorities, agency policy, and current conditions.
• Operates department apparatus and equipment as needed within scope of qualifications and policy.
• Ensures the safety, accountability, and welfare of assigned personnel and equipment throughout deployments.
• Completes required ICS documentation, crew time reports, and other incident forms as needed.
• Coordinates logistical needs including fueling, maintenance, and lodging for the engine and personnel.
• Participates in department training, equipment checks, and readiness drills.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Age: Must be a minimum of 21 years old at time of appointment.

Education And/or Experience

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required.
• Minimum two (2) years of wildland or all-risk engine company experience with at least one (1) year in a supervisory or lead firefighter role.

License Or Certification Requirements

• Valid California Driver License, Class C with Firefighter Endorsement or Commercial Class B with appropriate endorsements (air brake & tank).
• NWCG Engine Boss (ENGB) certification required.
• Completion of NWCG courses:

– S-130, S-190, L-180

– ICS-100, ICS-200, ICS-700, ICS-800

– S-230, S-231

– S-290

• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate or equivalent.
• Title 22 Public Safety First Aid certification (or equivalent). Can train to this if needed.

Desirable Certifications

• S-219 (Firing Operations)
• S-212 (Sawyer)
• CSFM Driver/Operator 1A & 1B
• Fire Officer certification (CSFM or equivalent)
• EMTB

Knowledge Of

• Wildland and all-risk fire suppression tactics and strategies.
• ICS/NIMS principles and strike team/task force operations.
• Safety protocols and firefighter rehabilitation procedures.
• Resource typing, Fireline operations, and operational period planning.
• Equipment operation including Type 1 and Type 3 engines.
• Operational readiness and crew accountability systems.

Skills And Abilities To

• Effectively lead and supervise an engine crew in dynamic, hazardous environments.
• Apply sound decision-making under pressure.
• Operate fire apparatus and firefighting equipment.
• Communicate effectively via radio and in writing.
• Maintain clear and accurate records and reports.
• Ensure personnel safety, manage fatigue, and enforce operational discipline.
• Work cooperatively with allied agencies and within multi-agency incident structures.

No Tobacco No Alcohol Use Policy

SRFO maintains a strict No Tobacco No Alcohol Use Policy for all personnel on duty. Use of tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, snuff, e-cigarettes, and vaping devices, or any alcoholic substance is prohibited at all times, on or off duty while on a resource order.

Probationary Period

All new Engine Bosses shall serve a minimum one (1) year probationary period from the date of appointment. A formal performance appraisal will occur at the one-year mark to evaluate performance and continued suitability. Those who do not successfully complete probation may have their term extended or be released from the position.

Annual Evaluation

• Each Engine Boss will undergo an annual performance and skills evaluation, including readiness training and documentation review to ensure operational currency and competency.