DFPC WFMS Firefighter I: Fuels Module Crewmember - Windsor

State of Colorado; Windsor (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Life Insurance

Wellness Program

PERA Retirement Benefits

Paid Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Credit Union Membership

Job summary

Colorado Department of Public Safety - Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) seeks a Fuels Module Crewmember to support wildfire suppression, fuels management, and prescribed fire projects across Colorado. The role emphasizes NWCG standards, physical fitness, and field operations in varied terrain.

As part of a DFPC crew, you will participate in incident response, training duties, and safety enforcement while maintaining equipment and working conditions for demanding outdoor

Qualifications

• NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification required.
• Upload IQS/IQCS master record or incident qualification card with the application.

Responsibilities

• Perform wildland fire suppression and incident response tasks.
• Assist with fuels management, prescribed fire and related training duties.
• Support safety inspections, equipment readiness, and documentation.

Skills

FFT2 NWCG qualification

IQCS/IQS NWCG records

Job description

This position is open only to current Colorado state residents.

This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for current and future vacancies.

An eligibility list may be established with this recruitment and could be used to fill similar positions within the Colorado Department of Public Safety in the next 12 months.

Please refer to DFPC Fire Management Regions and Staff Link for more information regarding district boundaries Fire Management Regions and Staff.

Our Mission

Engaged employees working together to safeguard lives and to provide diverse public safety services to local communities.

Our Vision

Creating safer and more resilient communities across Colorado.

Our Core Values

Unity, Honor, Service

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is dedicated to non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

At CDPS, our culture is driven by our commitment to creating a safer Colorado and guided by a public service focus. We strive to provide effective solutions and services to our fellow Coloradans. We model a culture of collaboration, innovation, and growth for our employees. We maintain a professional and inclusive workplace.

Careers with a purpose

If you are passionate about public safety and public service, and are eager to dedicate your career to serving Coloradans, consider joining CDPS. Our team at CDPS consists of exceptional individuals and is an environment where you can challenge yourself and acquire new capabilities to build a rewarding and fulfilling career.

We are committed to providing public safety services to our communities including safety on our roads, preparing for and mitigating environmental disasters such as floods and wildland fires, disaster recovery, combating crime, promoting school safety, and victim services.

Classification and Salary

FIREFIGHTER I

Anticipated Hiring Range: $4,839 - $5,806/month; $58,068 - $69,672/year

Full Salary Range: $4,839 - $6,775/month; $58,068 - $81,300/year

Benefits

We provide a wide range of benefits to our employees.

• Medical and dental options are available for permanent employees and their dependents. We also offer short and long-term disability coverage, and life insurance that includes legal resources and discounts.

• Eligible employees receive Basic Life and AD&D insurance equal to their annual earnings subject to a minimum benefit of $50,000 and a maximum of $250,000. Basic Life and AD&D are provided by the State of Colorado at no cost to employees.

• The State of Colorado's Wellness Program, State of Health, is a no-cost, year-long program that supports an employee’s health and wellness goals. This program offers personalized health coaching, skill groups and more. Participants can earn a $20 per month health insurance premium discount.

• Through BenefitHub, State of Colorado employees have access to discounts, promotions and special programs from hundreds of retailers, restaurants, travel and entertainment venues throughout Colorado and across the country.

• State contribution into a Health Savings Account when enrolled in a High Deductible Health Plan.

• Eligibility for hybrid or other flexible work arrangements based on the nature of the role.

• We offer excellent retirement benefits including mandatory PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus optional 401K and 457 plans. For information on mandatory employee salary deferral (in lieu of contribution to Social Security), visit Colorado PERA for details.

• We provide generous time off including 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave and four annual wellness days.

• The Employee Assistance Program (C-SEAP) is available in every region of the state. It is our effort to support the well‑being of employees and the workplace. EAPs provide short‑term counseling, referrals and resources, as well as training and organizational development services.

• Tuition reimbursement and reduced college tuition at CSU Global and DeVry University.

• We offer Credit Union of Colorado membership eligibility.

To learn more about State of Colorado benefits, please visit State of Colorado benefits.

About the Work Unit

The mission of the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) is to serve and safeguard the people and protect the property, resources, environment, and quality of life in Colorado. DFPC’s vision is to be the Nation's premier state fire organization by acting with foresight, providing bold leadership, enhancing our partnerships, and exemplifying the highest level of professionalism in fire prevention and protection, while building a safe and supportive work environment for our employees.

The Division achieves this mission and vision through its four (4) Sections: Center of Excellence, Fire and Life Safety, Professional Qualifications and Training, and Wildland Fire Management. Each of the four sections serve Colorado’s fire community in a different capacity- from training firefighters to technological advancements in public safety, responding to and managing wildfires to building code enforcement, DFPC is dedicated to serving and safeguarding the people of Colorado while protecting property, resources, environment and quality of life.

One of the Wildland Fire Management Section’s (WFMS) primary roles is to assist and support local agencies with a range of wildland fire management programs including administrative, technical, preparedness, planning, response, and prescribed fire and fuels functions. Wildland fire management in Colorado is a cooperative, interagency partnership between local, county, state, tribal, and federal entities. Wildland fire protection responsibilities on non-federal lands in Colorado follow a hierarchy of: local jurisdiction > county sheriff > and finally to the State of Colorado (DFPC). WFMS plays a crucial role in coordinating with external partners and representing Colorado at both regional (multi-state) and national levels.

This position is a field level operational position whose primary purpose is to: provide wildland fire suppression response and incident response; assist in mitigation, fuels, and prescribed fire functions; assist in fire‑pre‑paredness support including training; and provide response and support in other all hazard incident response as qualified.

Work Environment

• 100% In‑person position

• This position may require call‑back, extended staffing, and days‑off staffing based on fire conditions, incident activity and availability of firefighter resources.

About the Position

The Fuels Module Crewmember works as part of a firefighting and fuels management resource‑ typically a fuels module crew, but may also be assigned to a helicopter module or suppression squad/module/hand crew – to provide a range of firefighting and related services.

As a crewmember, the primary purpose of this position is to function, at minimum, as a NWCG Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) in support of fire suppression and mitigation projects (i.e. prescribed fire, hazardous fuel reduction, resource management). The Position operates in alignment with the DFPC values of honor, integrity, service, and loyalty.

Individuals assigned to Fuels Modules perform all of the duties of a Firefighter, but their primary focus and majority of their time is spent on prescribed fire and fuels projects, and prevention and education. As assigned, equipped, and qualified, this position may assist with all‑hazard incident operations such as search and rescue and other incident response. Additionally, this role assists with training programs, qualification and dispatch systems, and other preparedness activities.

Key Responsibilities

• While providing for their individual safety, the employee works as a crewmember in implementation of mitigation, fuels treatment and resource management projects, including but not limited to:
  • cuts, clears, piles, and disposes of treated vegetation;
  • uses tools and equipment such as chainsaws, firing equipment, portable pumps, chippers, air curtain burners and more;
  • constructs firelines and prescribed fire burning as assigned;
  • performs ignitions and holding operations;
  • conducts mop up and patrol operations;
  • uses various communication methods including radios;
  • uses and maintains on and off‑road vehicles;
  • hauls and packs fire related equipment and supplies;
  • assists with safety inspections, maintains and repairs tools and equipment; ? cleans, reconditions, and stores properly.
• Follows instructions to assist with gathering data and records information on fuels sampling, fuel types, weather conditions, fire behaviors, and status of work accomplished.
• Follows established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• Work duties include participation in physical conditioning activities for up to one hour each day.

Fire Preparedness Support and Other Duties as Assigned

• Establishes and maintains the physical fitness level necessary to effectively perform hard physical labor for extended periods under adverse climate, fuel, and terrain conditions.
• Assists with inspection & maintenance of assigned crews response equipment, vehicles, tools, PPE and more; assists with maintaining inventory of tools, PPE, equipment.
• Assists with collecting, compiling and calculating various wildland fuels and fire danger rating indices.
• On‑going training in the basic understanding of multichannel radio operations, including plain language and incident command system (ICS) terminology.
• On‑going training and professional development in the State of Colorado; CDPS, DFPC & WFMS standard operating policies, procedures & guidelines. This includes time‑keeping systems, time & leave policies, incident documentation requirements, travel & purchasing policies and more.
• Assists with the logistics and instruction of various courses, trainings and events, such as wildfire suppression, incident management, structural firefighting, medical and first aid, job fairs and community outreach.
• Assists other DFPC programs (reports, data entry, filing, training and testing, inspections, research, fire billing, logistics etc.) as needed and available to support the mission of CDPS and DFPC.
• Other duties as assigned.

Fire Suppression and Incident Response

• While providing for their individual safety, the employee works as a crewmember during fire suppression and incident response. Fire suppression and incident response work includes, but is not limited to:
  • constructs fireline utilizing hand tools;
  • cuts and clears vegetation utilizing power saws;
  • performs structure protection;
  • conducts mop up and patrol operations;
  • assists with ignition operations;
  • operates pumps;
  • installs hose lays and water delivery systems;
  • performs and assists with rescue operations;
  • operates and travels in vehicles on and off‑road;
  • hauls and packs fire related equipment and supplies;
  • uses various tools and equipment such as chainsaws, shovels, drip torches, fusees, pulaskis;
  • uses various communication methods including radios;
  • assists with safety inspections, maintaining and repairing of tools and equipment; ? assists and follows demobilizing duties, including required incident documentation.
• Based on location and business needs, the position will perform non‑wildfire and all‑hazard incident response and support functions as trained, qualified, and equipped including, but not limited to: structure fire, hazmat, search and rescue, medical, etc.
• Requires use of basic fire experience and knowledge, rudimentary skill in firefighting tasks, and the ability to recognize and communicate safety considerations and other factors (fire intensity, fuel conditions, weather observations, etc.) used by higher qualified firefighters in their decision making process. This knowledge, skill, and ability is shown by being qualified as an National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter 2 (wildland), and DFPC Firefighter 1 (structure).
• Follows established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.
• As qualified on an incident, the employee may temporarily work as a Firefighter II
• Incident response may require travel to active fires, severity assignments, and pre‑position assignments throughout Colorado and across the nation.
• Incident response may require travel in rotor and/or fixed‑wing aircraft for detection, reconnaissance, communication, coordination, command and control purposes prior to, during, and following wildland fire and all‑hazard incidents.
• ncident response may require crews to be assigned to an incident for two weeks or longer in austere living and working conditions.
• ncident response may require working long hours (up to 16 hours per day) in outdoor settings and performing strenuous manual labor under extreme environmental conditions.
• Work schedules will be expected to be flexible and modified at times to fit the business need based on fire conditions.
• Work duties include participation in physical conditioning activities for up to one hour each day.

Minimum Qualifications

This must be specifically documented in your application submission. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. Please note, your application will not be considered if documentation to support this qualification is not provided.

• Qualification to NWCG standards as a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2).
• Please upload a copy of your IQS or IQCS Master record or incident qualification card showing your NWCG qualification to a Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) with this application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Two (2) or more years of wildland fire, fire service, fuels management or related experience.
• Previous experience with state level fire programs, with a preference for experience with the state of CO fire programs.
• Exceptional candidates will also have one or more of the following NWCG qualifications:
  • Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
  • Basic Faller (FAL3) or higher
  • Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)
  • Helicopter Crewmember (HECM)
• State of Colorado/DFPC : Structural Firefighter I or equivalent.
• Medical certifications and qualifications including: Wilderness First Responder, Emergency First Responder, or Emergency Medical Technician.
• Demonstrated commitment to public service and community involvement.

Complete Applications Must Include the Following Documents

• A complete CDPS Application for announced vacancy (please submit online using the link in this announcement).
• A complete supplemental questionnaire (must submit online as a part of the application).
• A copy of your NWCG qualification (IQS or IQCS master record and/or incident qualification card).
• Detailed, chronological resume of experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Upon initial employment, individuals will be required to provide a complete training file to DFPC that contains all necessary qualification documentation (course certificates, position task books, personnel evaluations, and incident experience history) to demonstrate that NWCG and other requirements have been met.
• Position may be required to attain additional training and/or certifications within a specified period of time, per current DFPC qualifications and professional development Standard Operating Guidelines and Policies.
• Current valid driver's license at time of hire, and must obtain a Colorado‑issued driver's license within 6 months of hire. Ability to operate motor vehicles and to travel extensively throughout the state in a variety of weather conditions.
• This position is a public safety officer as defined by 42 U.S.C. § 3796b Sec. 1204 (9).
• Must be willing to travel to wildfire incidents, severity assignments, and pre‑position assignments throughout Colorado, and across the nation at times. Assignments may last for two weeks or longer.
• This position may require call‑back, extended staffing, and days‑off staffing based on fire conditions, incident activity and availability of firefighter resources.
• Firefighters need to be familiar with and frequently use flammable liquids and solids in the performance of various prescribed fire and tactical firing tasks. This includes the preparation, implementation and storage of drip torch fuel, Aluma Gel, Phosphorus, and gunpowder.
• Requires successful completion of a background investigation that includes a polygraph exam, a fingerprint based criminal history search, reference checking, driving history, medical physical exam, and drug screen.
• Position must maintain the NWCG required fitness levels for the employee’s NWCG wildland fire qualifications throughout the employment period. Required fitness levels will vary based on qualifications. Actual qualifications and currency, including fitness levels, will vary based on supervisor input, employee’s professional development plan, and current agency needs.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for the position, you may protest the action by filing an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the date you receive notice of the elimination. Also, if you wish to challenge the selection and comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director within 10 days from the receipt of notice or knowledge of the action you are challenging. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for more information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at www.colorado.gov/spb. A standard appeal form is available at: www.colorado.gov/spb. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: [phone]. Phone: [phone]. The ten‑day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.

Disability Accommodation

If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure equitable opportunity applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Human Resources at [e-mail].

The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Colorado Department of Public Safety is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship.