Engine Boss (ENGB)

Rippling, Inc.; Otsego (MN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

MNL is seeking an experienced Engine Boss to lead a crew and a wildland fire engine on national suppression assignments. This on-call role requires readiness to deploy across the country with limited notice and to uphold safety standards and incident objectives.

The Engine Boss will supervise personnel, enforce NWCG procedures, coordinate with Incident Command and partners, and ensure equipment readiness, maintenance, and accurate reporting.

Qualifications

• Current NWCG Engine Boss qualification with ENGB PTB.
• At least three years of wildland fire experience.
• Knowledge of NWCG standards and fireline safety.
• Ability to travel extensively on short notice.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain a DOT Medical Certificate.
• Ability to operate and maintain wildland fire apparatus.

Responsibilities

• Lead wildland fire engines and assigned crew during suppression.
• Communicate tactical assignments and leader’s intent clearly to personnel.
• Carry out suppression tactics per Incident Action Plans and NWCG standards.
• Maintain situational awareness and manage risk as conditions change.
• Ensure crew accountability, safety, and compliance with procedures.
• Coordinate with Incident Command and other responding resources.
• Inspect and maintain engines, pumps, hoses, and radios for readiness.
• Complete shift tickets, logs, and incident reports accurately.
• Train, mentor, and support development of assigned firefighters.
• Participate in preseason training and post-incident evaluations.
• Represent MNL professionally with agencies and the public.

Skills

Lead personnel

Communication

Risk management

Decision making

Safety compliance

Education

NWCG Engine Boss ENGB PTB

Tools

Wildland fire engines

Pumps and hoses

Job description

Are you an experienced wildland firefighter who is qualified to lead an engine and crew during national wildfire assignments ? Can you make sound decisions, manage risk, and keep personnel and equipment ready in rapidly changing fire conditions? Are you interested in an on-call opportunit y that allows you to support wildfire response across the country?

About Us

MNL is a full-service ecological restoration company dedicated to Healing the Earth. Our services include native seed and plant production, shoreline and wetland restoration, prescribed burns, conservation grazing, vegetation management, and ecological consulting. We also support solar and infrastructure projects with pollinator-friendly practices and land stewardship expertise.

Red Rock Fire (RRF), an MNL company, supports prescribed fire and wildfire suppression operations. Our on-call suppression personnel deploy with wildland fire engines to support state and national wildfire incidents while maintaining a strong focus on safety, professionalism, preparedness, and effective incident operations.

The Opportunity

The Engine Boss leads assigned fire personnel and a Type 2, Type 3, or Type 6 wildland fire engine during national wildfire suppression assignments. This role is responsible for the safety, accountability, readiness, and performance of the assigned crew and engine while carrying out incident objectives.

Between assignments, the Engine Boss helps maintain operational readiness through training, equipment inspections, maintenance, and preparedness activities. This is an on-call position requiring the ability to travel for extended wildfire assignments, often with limited notice.

What You Will Do

• Lead assigned firefighters and wildland fire engines during wildfire suppression assignments
• Communicate tactical assignments, operational objectives, and leader’s intent clearly to assigned personnel
• Carry out suppression tactics in accordance with Incident Action Plans, NWCG standards, and established operating procedures
• Maintain situational awareness, manage risk, and adjust operations as conditions change
• Ensure crew accountability, safety, performance, and compliance with established fireline procedures
• Coordinate with Incident Command personnel, agency partners, and other responding resources
• Inspect and maintain assigned engines, pumps, hoses, radios, tools, and other equipment to ensure deployment readiness
• Complete shift tickets, equipment logs, inspections, incident reports, and other required documentation accurately and on time
• Train, mentor, and support the development of assigned firefighters
• Participate in preseason training, equipment preparation, post-incident evaluations, and other readiness activities
• Represent MNL professionally while working with agencies, cooperating organizations, and the public

What You Will Need To Be Successful

• Current NWCG qualification as an Engine Boss, with a completed ENGB Position Task Book
• At least three years of wildland fire experience
• Working knowledge of wildfire suppression operations, Incident Command System procedures, fireline safety principles, and applicable NWCG standards
• Ability to lead personnel, communicate clearly, and make sound decisions under pressure
• Ability to safely operate and maintain wildland fire apparatus, pumps, tools, and equipment
• Mechanical aptitude and the ability to identify and respond to operational equipment issues
• Experience supporting large wildfire incidents through state, federal, tribal, or cooperating agency assignments
• Ability to travel extensively for assignments, work extended shifts, and deploy with limited notice
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Current DOT Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one within 30 days
• Ability to successfully complete the NWCG Arduous Work Capacity Test annually
• Ability to work in heat, smoke, dust, uneven terrain, and adverse weather while wearing required PPE
• Ability to hike over steep and remote terrain and lift, carry, or move equipment weighing up to 100 pounds

Required NWCG Training:

• ICS-100
• ICS-200
• IS-700
• L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher
• S-230 Crew Boss (Single Resource)
• S-231 Engine Boss (Single Resource)
• S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

Preferred NWCG Training:

• Prescribed Burn Boss Type 2 (RXB2)
• Crew Boss (CRWB)
• Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5)

The pay range for this role is:

33 - 40 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)