Fire Suppression Aide (Fire District)

San Bernardino County Fire Department; California; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

56-hour work week

Job summary

San Bernardino County Fire Department is seeking Fire Suppression Aides to lead professional hand crews and potentially serve as a Dozer Swamper. The role involves arduous manual labor in prevention, suppression, and control of vegetation fires, with duties expanding during emergencies.

Applicants must meet stringent experience and certification requirements, pass a background check, and complete a NWCG Missoula Interagency Hotshot Physical Ability test.

Qualifications

• Six (6) months experience as a Fire Suppression Aide or similar wildland firefighting duty within the last three years.
• Candidates must possess the listed NWCG/CICCS certifications.
• A copy of the required certifications must be attached to the application.

Responsibilities

• Lead workers over Professional Hand Crews and may work as a Dozer Swamper.
• Perform arduous manual labor in prevention, suppression, and control of vegetation fires.
• Provide support during fire suppression emergencies.

Skills

Experience in firefighting

Physical endurance

Ability to work in hazardous outdoor/6

Education

NWCG FFT1

S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior

S-112 Introduction to Chainsaw Operations

CA CICCS Red Card

Job description

The Job

WE OFFER EXCELLENT BENEFITS!

REGULAR FULL-TIME POSITIONS!

56-hour work week

The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is recruiting for Fire Suppression Aides who act as lead workers over Professional Hand Crews, and may work as a Dozer Swamper. Aides and Crews perform a variety of tasks requiring arduous manual labor in the prevention, suppression, and control of vegetation fires, and provide support during fire suppression emergencies. Learn more about the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District's Professional Hand Crew.

For more detailed information, review the Fire Suppression Aide job description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background: A successful background check is required prior to assignment.

Physical Ability: The employees in this class are responsible for performing hazardous tasks under emergency conditions. The work in this class demands heavy physical labor for periods of varying duration under hazardous conditions and in all weather conditions. This includes, but is not limited to, hiking trails, working in steep, uneven terrain, working in confined areas, and working in smoke-filled limited visibility environments. This position requires the strength and physical abilities necessary to perform the duties of a fire fighter as specified by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and National Wildland Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards. Training includes successful completion of the NWCG Missoula Interagency Hotshot Physical Ability. Persons seeking appointment to this class must meet the safety health and physical condition standards.

Positions: Applicants must be willing to work anywhere within San Bernardino County. Employees must adhere to the provisions of the County Fire and Special Districts Dress Code, which prohibits all visible tattoos.

License: Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Minimum Requirements

Must possess both Experience and Certifications:

EXPERIENCE:

Option A: Candidates must possess six (6) months experience as a Fire Suppression Aide for San Bernardino County Fire District within the last three (3) years.

Option B: Candidates must possess six (6) months experience with another wildland firefighting agency within the last two (2) years.

--AND--

CERTIFICATIONS: Candidates must possess all of the following certifications:

• NWCG or CICCS Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
• S-290 Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
• S-112 Introduction to Chainsaw Operations OR S-212, Intermediate Faller

NOTE: A copy of the required certifications, or a copy of the CA Incident Command Certification System Qualification Card (CICCS Red Card), verifying completion of training courses, MUST be attached to the application. If you have recently completed the courses and are awaiting certificates, you may substitute a recent letter from the training agency indicating the specific training courses & dates of completion.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates with possession of the following certifications are highly desired:

• NWCG or CICCS Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB) Qualified
• Incident Commander Type 4 (ICT 4)
• I-300 Intermediate ICs
• S219 or CA219 Firing Operations
• Intermediate Faller Type 2 (FAL 2)
• California State Fire Marshal (CSFM) Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator 1A

Be sure to submit a copy of all your certifications, if not included on your Red Card.

Selection Process

Examination Procedure: There will be a competitive evaluation of qualifications based on the information provided in the Application, as well as the information provided as a response to the Supplemental Questionnaire. You are encouraged to include detailed descriptions of your qualifying experience and skills, as only the most highly qualified applicants will be referred to the Department.

Physical Agility Test: Selected qualified candidates on the eligible list will be invited to participate in a physical agility assessment, tentatively scheduled for January 10, 2027. Top candidates who successfully pass the physical agility test will be invited to participate in an oral interview.

The Physical Agility Test will consist of:

• 1.5 mile run in under 10 minutes and 35 seconds
• Max push-ups in 1 min. (minimum of 25)
• Max sit-ups in 1 min. (minimum of 40)
  • Greater than 170lbs = 4 pull-ups
  • 135-169lbs = 5 pull-ups
  • 110-134lbs = 6 pull-ups
  • Less than 109lbs = 7 pull-ups

EEO/ADA: San Bernardino County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer, committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation: If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process, submit the Special Testing Accommodations Request Form within one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans’ Preference: Eligible veterans and their spouse or widow(er) who are not current County employees may be awarded additional Veterans’ Preference points. Review the Veteran's Preference Policy for more information and instructions to request Veteran's Preference points.

For more important details, review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process.