Engine Captain

Job Description

PLEASE ATTACH THE ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE

Job ID: 32588
Agency: Public Safety
Location:Custer, SDSalary: $25.06/hr
Pay Grade: I
Closing Date: 09/17/2025

South Dakota Wildland Fire is seeking motivated individuals for the position of Engine Captain at our Custer District Office. The engine captain directs daily activities of multiple firefighters by acting as a liaison between the fire management officer, assistant fire management officer, and the engine crewmembers. This position will be responsible for managing a type 6 engine and the assigned crew members on fire-line assignments: locally, regionally, and nationally. The engine captain will also assist with coordinating: daily work assignments, trainings, administrative functions, prevention events, and facilitating safety procedures.

This full time position works on fires and is exposed to burns, smoke inhalation, heat exhaustion, and extensive hard labor; works in emergency situations and may be exposed to uncertain conditions, bad weather, hazardous materials, etc.; works on projects which require use of power and hand tools which have an element of risk, exposure to falling trees; works in rough terrain; and will be expected to work around loud decibel sounds as emitted from fixed /rotary wing aircraft, portable pumps, and chainsaws.

Responsibilities Include:

• Provides oversight during initial and extended attack fires, directs fireline activities and tactics of firefighters, resources, equipment, and aircraft.
• Utilizes wildland fire behavior knowledge and firefighting experience and assigns missions to ground and aviation wildland fire suppression resources.
• Provides protection for life, property, and resources. Selects strategies and tactics to ensure safe operations for assigned resources.
• Performs and oversees employees in fire prevention, preparedness, detection, resource rehabilitation, mobilization, prescribed fire, aviation operations, and training programs.
• Ensures preparedness of wildland fire suppression equipment and personnel.
• Coordinates with dispatch office regarding current fire behavior, resource status, and other logistical considerations.

For further information please visit our website at: sdwildlandfire.com and check out our hiring video at: https://youtu.be/5lsmBmPP7-k

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must be qualified Firefighter Type 1 and Type 5 qualification according to the National Wildland Coordinating Group PMS-310-1.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Required to pass the Arduous Physical Fitness Standard (pack test) for wildland firefighters.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

The ability to work under conditions with little or no supervision at times and must have adequate communication and leadership skills to manage crew members under stressful situations; and have the ability to assist the fire management officer and assistant fire management officer in working towards a team-oriented workplace to accomplish agency objectives and tasked missions.

Fully Qualified as Engine Boss, FAL II, ICT5, ability to obtain ICT4 and other single resource boss qualifications.

Knowledge of:

• power tools and equipment typically used in fire and emergency situations such as: chain saws, axes, shovels, and other specialized fire line equipment.

Skill to:

• safely manage day to day operations;
• perform equipment maintenance on portable pumps, saws, and fire apparatus;
• navigate to and from a fire utilizing multiple map sources;
• resolve crew conflicts;
• manage people.

Ability to:

• provide work direction and assignments to others;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• maintain required physical fitness standards.

Additional Requirements: To be considered, please attach your resume and Master Fire Record.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment. Offers of employment are conditional upon successful completion of a drug screening.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information at https://bhr.sd.gov/job-seekers/work-for-state-government/ . This position is a member of Class B retirement under SDRS.

Must apply online: https://gen-stateofsouthdako-trn.inforcloudsuite.com/hcm/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=284
You must apply online, emailed resumes or submissions will not be accepted.
South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources
Telephone: 605.773.3148 Email: careers@state.sd.us
http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus
"An Equal Opportunity Employer"

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