Fire Engine Operator

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Dental and vision insurance

Job summary

The Wildland Firefighter, Fire Engine Operator (FEO) role is located with the Department of Public Safety in Hot Springs, SD. It involves leading a wildland fire engine module to suppress wildfires and manage water handling equipment, with direct reports to the Engine Captain.

Ideal candidates will hold NWCG Firefighter Type 1, ICT5, pass the arduous Work Capacity Fitness Test, and possess a valid driver's license.

Qualifications

• Must have NWCG Firefighter Type 1, ICT5.
• Must meet the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
• Must have a valid driver license.
• Able to provide work direction to others and communicate clearly in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure appropriate responses in fires and other emergencies, and safety of crew members.
• Provides work direction to a crew for non-fire tasks such as hazardous fuels mitigation and maintenance per plans.
• Assists Engine Captain with general and daily administrative tasks to maintain crew readiness.
• Performs other work as assigned.

Skills

Provide work direction

Communication

Physical fitness

Job description

Job ID: 36974

Agency: Department of Public Safety

Location: Hot Springs, SD

Salary: $23.66/hr

Pay Grade: F

Closing Date: 08/25/2026

The Wildland Firefighter, Fire Engine Operator (FEO) is a first-line lead worker to a wildland fire engine module in suppressing wildfires. They ensure appropriate work and safety practices are implemented at wildland fires and other emergencies, and to ensure successful completion of fire prevention and remediation projects according to project plans. The FEO performs or directs others in starting pump engine, priming pump, adjusting engine speed and pump valves, laying hose, appropriate nozzle use, effective use of water and additives. Inspects, checks, services and adjusts the pump, hose lays, tank and reels for equipment readiness. The FEO reports to a Wildland Firefighter Engine Captain. Provides direction to firefighters; does not supervise.

Other responsibilities include:

• Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure appropriate responses in fires and other emergencies, and to ensure the safety of crew members in conjunction with the Engine Captain.
• Provides work direction to a crew of firefighters to ensure non-fire assignments such as hazardous fuels mitigation and reduction, building and grounds maintenance, equipment maintenance and readiness, etc., are accomplished according to plans and directions.
• Assists the Engine Captain with general and daily administrative tasks to maintain crew readiness.
• Performs other work as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Must be able to achieve Firefighter Type 1 according to National Wildfire Coordinating Group PMS-310-1.
• The duties of this position require that the incumbent meet prescribed physical requirements as measured by the Work Capacity Fitness Test at the arduous level.
• Incumbents must have a valid driver license.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• NWCG Firefighter Type 1, ICT5;

Knowledge of:

• power tools and equipment typically used in fire and emergency situations such as chain saws, pumps, axes, shovels, picks, etc.;
• equipment maintenance and safety practices;
• perform vehicle inspections and perform minor preventive maintenance;
• weather, fuels, and fire behavior; and
• fireground hydraulics and water handling equipment.

Ability to:

• provide work direction and assignment to others;
• communicate information clearly and concisely;
• maintain required physical fitness standards;
• continuously assess the weather conditions and fire behavior, communication via digital radio and other methods, and mitigation of hazards during fire incidents;
• lead the implementation of tactical objectives set by the engine captain to suppress the fire safely and efficiently;
• operate or direct others in operating a specialized wildland fire engine, which includes starting pump engines, priming the pumps, etc.;
• act as an engine captain if qualified and when required; and
• function as a lookout who is expected to relay fire behavior, fire weather, changing conditions. A lookout has no direct supervision and is trusted to make decisions independently.

Working Conditions: Works in a typical office environment and in the field in all types of weather and on all types of terrain, and is exposed to hazards and strenuous work activity while fighting fires.

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

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

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 here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'