Job Description
Job ID: 25134 - Firefighter/Engine Crew (Five positions)
Agency: Department of Public Safety/Wildland Fire Division
Location: Custer District Office/Custer State Park
Minimum Salary: $20.00 per hour
South Dakota Wildland Fire is seeking motivated individuals to work as part of an engine crew for the Custer District Office for the 2024 fire season. Crew member's primary responsibility will be to staff a type 6 engine and respond to fires locally, regionally, and nationally.
This 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, exposed to falling trees; works in rough terrain; and will be expected to work around loud decibel sounds as emitted from fixed and rotary wing aircraft, and work under conditions of extreme stress and heat with heavy equipment.
The duties of this position will be to assist the fire management officer, assistant fire management officer, and the engine captain in wildland fire management activities including:
- suppressing wildland fires in the state of South Dakota and nationwide;
- presuppression activities (equipment maintenance, fuel reduction projects, fire prevention);
- participating in fire training
- prescribed burning projects
General Requirements:
- Required to pass the arduous work capacity test (pack test) for wildland firefighters. The arduous pack test consists of completing a 3-mile walk while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or under.
- Applicants must be age 18 by date of hire.
- Must possess a valid driver's license.
- Required to work holidays, weekends, and irregular or rotating shifts.
- Must complete a pre-hire drug screening before hire.
- Must have or be able to obtain S130/S190/L180 certification.
- Wildland fire boots with a minimum of 8 inches high top, leather lace-type with skid resistant soles are the responsibility of the employee. A $400 boot reimbursement may be provided, with proof of purchase receipt, to each hired employee.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
An engine crew member must have the ability to develop a working knowledge of fire suppression tactics and terminology.
The crew member will assist in specialized assignments such as: holding, mop-up, ignitions, chainsaw operations, and mobile/stationary engine operations. Must have the ability to perform strenuous physical labor, maintain equipment, operate 4x4 vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions. Must be physically able to lift 75 pounds. Must have the ability to work under conditions with little to no supervision at times.
Other Information: The Custer District Office is located in the heart of Custer State Park. The Custer District is reponsible for all fire supression on state and private lands in Custer County.
Housing may be available upon request in Custer State Park.
The normal working period is mid-May through September. Some employees may work earlier or later depending on fire activity and fuel conditions. Seasonal employees are paid only for hours worked. Per diem is available for meals and lodging when traveling or working away from duty station.
Be specific in completing the application form. List any relevant licenses or certificates (e.g., driver's license, CDL, CPR, etc.) as well as any equipment or office equipment you are able to operate. An additional Pay of $.60/hr. is available for EMT or CDL certification. Please include both the beginning and ending dates you are available for employment. It is essential that your mailing address be complete including apartment number, box number, lot number; as well as street, lane, avenue, etc., if applicable.
Supervisors will contact those applicants they wish to interview. Not all applicants will receive an interview.
Applicants requiring application materials in an alternate format or assistance with the application process may contact the Bureau of Human Resources at 605.773.3148 (VOICE/TTY).
How to Apply: Applicants have the option to fill out the online application ( https://sodakprod-lm01.cloud.infor.com:1443/lmghr/xmlhttp/shorturl.do?key=NZF ) or the State of South Dakota Seasonal/Temporary Application form ( https://bhr.sd.gov/files/seas-tempapp.pdf ) and email or mail it to the address listed below.
Applications can be emailed or mailed to:
Email to: James.Bachelor@state.sd.us
Or mail to:
James Bachelor
25292 Badger Clark Rd
Custer SD, 57730
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER