Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)

Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc.; Otsego (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

Minnesota Native Landscapes, Inc. is seeking experienced wildland firefighters to deploy on national wildfire incidents as FFT1. This on-call role requires readiness to travel and operate safely within dynamic fire environments.

Responsibilities include supporting incident command, operating Type 2/3 tenders when qualified, maintaining equipment, and completing required training and documentation. Strong teamwork and adaptability are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Current NWCG qualification as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), with a completed FFT1 Position Task Book.
• Minimum of two years of wildland fire experience.
• Working knowledge of wildfire suppression operations, the Incident Command System (ICS), fireline safety principles, and NWCG standards.

Responsibilities

• Support national incidents through fireline operations and incident objectives.
• Operate Type 2 or Type 3 support tenders when qualified.
• Inspect and prepare firefighting equipment and vehicles for deployment.
• Participate in training, inspections, and readiness activities.
• Travel extensively for assignments and deploy with limited notice.

Skills

FFT1 Qualification

Two Years Experience

ICS Knowledge

Team Collaboration

Travel Readiness

Education

NWCG Training

DOT Medical Certificate

Tools

Firefighting Equipment

Job description

Are you an experienced wildland firefighter looking for opportunities to deploy on national wildfire incidents ? Do you enjoy working as part of a team in challenging and rewarding fire environments? Are you committed to professionalism, operational readiness, and safe wildfire suppression operations ?

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

As a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), you'll deploy as part of MNL's wildfire suppression team, supporting national incidents through fireline operations, equipment operation, and operational readiness. When assigned and qualified, you'll operate Type 2 or Type 3 Support Tenders while working alongside trained firefighting personnel in dynamic fire environments.

Between assignments, you'll help maintain equipment readiness, participate in required training, and ensure you're prepared to respond when deployment opportunities arise.

This is an on-call position requiring the ability to travel for extended wildfire assignments, often with limited notice.

What You Will Do

• Perform wildfire suppression activities as assigned while supporting Incident Command objectives.
• Construct and improve fireline using hand tools, hose lays, pumps, chainsaws, and other firefighting equipment.
• Participate in firing operations, including burnout operations, when qualified and assigned.
• Work safely and effectively as part of an incident response team in rapidly changing fire conditions.
• Participate in operational briefings, safety meetings, and after-action reviews.
• Represent MNL professionally while working with agency personnel, partner organizations, and the public.

Equipment & Operational Readiness

• Operate assigned Type 2 or Type 3 Support Tenders and other firefighting equipment when qualified and assigned.
• Inspect, maintain, and prepare firefighting equipment, tools, trailers, and support vehicles for deployment.
• Complete required inspections, documentation, and incident records accurately and on time.
• Participate in preseason training, equipment maintenance, and readiness activities.
• Maintain required qualifications, certifications, and physical readiness for deployment.

What You Will Need To Be Successfu l

• Current NWCG qualification as a Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1), with a completed FFT1 Position Task Book.
• Minimum of two years of wildland fire experience.
• Working knowledge of wildfire suppression operations, the Incident Command System (ICS), fireline safety principles, and applicable NWCG standards.
• Ability to safely operate and maintain Type 2 or Type 3 Support Tenders and other assigned firefighting equipment.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in physically demanding and rapidly changing fire environments.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel extensively for assignments, work extended shifts, and deploy with limited notice.
• Experience responding to large wildfire incidents through state or federal agencies.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Current DOT Medical Certificate or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
• 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, uneven, and remote terrain for extended periods.Ability to hike over steep and remote terrain and lift, carry, or move equipment weighing up to 100 pounds.

Required NWCG Training:

• ICS-100
• IS-700
• L-180 Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
• S-190 Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
• RT-130 Annual Fireline Safety Refresher

Preferred NWCG Training:

• Chainsaw qualification (FAL2 or FAL3)

The pay range for this role is:

25 - 30 USD per hour (Otsego Headquarters)