Crew Boss

 TITLE: Crew Superintendent / Crew Boss 

Location:

The job location will be Fort Yukon, Alaska. Position will be located in Fort Yukon for pre- and post-season duties for up to 6 months per year. This position will travel to various locations and fire assignments with the crew during the active fire season (normally 5/1 – 10/1). 

Job Summary:

Incumbent will manage a 20-person wildland fire hand crew in support of professional staff in the development, protection, implementation, or maintenance of the Fire or Natural Resources Program. 

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Fire Program Manager and the Natural Resource director Job incumbent will: 

• Function as a crew boss on wildland fire deployments, and learn fire management program requirements, suppression tactics, methods, and procedures in the use and maintenance of wildland firefighting hand tools, pumps, hoses, chainsaws, GPS units, compass, and other related fire suppression equipment. Attend basic forestry and wildfire management courses in subjects such as basic fire orientation and firefighting. 

• Take direction from the Natural Resources Director and the Fire Program Manager, and work as a liaison between the fire crew and other CATG staff. 

• Maintain gear and equipment. 

• Create and deliver an inventory of necessary supplies and equipment to the Fire Program Manager to manage and maintain an organized 20-person Type 2 crew for each fire season. 

• Assist in slash burn operations. 

• Operate water pumps. 

• Participate in projects supporting crew maintenance and operation, including fuels mitigation projects involving piling of limbs and slash, and cutting and pruning of trees. 

• May perform as a lead or unit instructor with a cadre of up to 5 people, providing preseason Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training ( RT-130), the Work Capacity Test (WCT), and other select training. 

• Maintain supervisory responsibilities over a fire crew of up to 20 people.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Must have basic computer and office equipment knowledge. 

• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and coworkers. 

• Ability to perform strenuous physical work in adverse environmental conditions, lift and carry heavy loads and use hand tools to construct fire lines. 

• Ability to learn field work procedures and routines, use measurement tools and record field notes. 

• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, learn and retain information, ask questions and elicit required information, speak and write clearly and effectively. 

• Ability to perform basic arithmetic operations, which may involve fractions, decimals, and percentages. 

• Ability to learn basic map drafting techniques and to interpret and navigate from maps. 

• Ability to make decisions and maintain calm behavior in stressful situations. 

• Ability to safely operate noncommercial motorized vehicles and firefighting equipment. 

• Ability to work and live cooperatively with others over an extended period of time in remote, primitive field camp conditions and work outside in all weather conditions and in a smoky environment. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED required. 

• Must be eighteen years of age. 

• Entry or trainee level work in support of Fire and Hazardous Fuels mitigation. 

• At least 6 years of wildland fire experience. A current Agency Red Card with CRWB qualification. Completion of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) courses with certification: S-130 – Firefighter Training S-190 – Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior S-131 – Firefighter Type 1 S-230 – Single Resource Boss S-290 – Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Experience as a member of a type 2 wildland fire hand crew. Experience running a type 2 wildland fire hand crew. Applicant must be able to pass the Work Capacity Test at the “Arduous” level as defined in Federal Publication PMS 307, Work Capacity Test Administrator’s Guide. This test requires that the applicant complete a 3-mile hike carrying a 45-pound pack over level terrain in 45 minutes or less 

• Must possess a valid Alaska driver’s license. An individual without an Alaska driver’s license, who meets the minimum age and experience requirements, may apply for the vacancy. An applicant qualifying under this option may receive a job offer conditional upon the acquisition of an Alaska driver’s license. Proof of licensure will be required prior to reporting to duty. 

• Positions may require travel both in and out-of-state for fire suppression assignments; must be on stand-by or recall status during the fire season. Must be available for assignments in and out of the area that require the absence from the home unit for 14 to 21 days; must fly in small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters; and handle hazardous materials.

• Must pass a background check pursuant to federal Indian Child Protection and Family Violence Prevention Act requirements.