Firefighter Type 1 - Tactical Water Tender Crewmember

Hydrotactical; United States; On-site; USD 101,475 - 129,150; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Guaranteed $100/day standby rate while not working

Travel expenses covered during deployments

Job summary

Hydrotactical in the United States is looking for qualified Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) for tactical water tender operations during the wildland fire season from July to October. The role involves operating tactical water tenders under defined protocols, maintaining equipment, and ensuring readiness during fire operations.

Ideal candidates will have FFT1 qualifications and experience in wildland fire incidents. This is a seasonal position with competitive daily compensation and various employment benefits.

Qualifications

• FFT1 qualification (does not need to be current at time of hire).
• Completion of all required NWCG training for FFT1.
• Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT-130).

Responsibilities

• Operate/support and maintain a Tactical Water Tender.
• Perform direct fire line suppression operations.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections and maintenance.

Skills

Wildland fire operations

VHF radio communications proficiency

Mechanical aptitude

Education

FFT1 qualification

Completion of NWCG training

FEMA Courses: IS‑700.B and IS‑100

Class A or B CDL with tank endorsement

Job description

Position Title: Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) – Tactical Water Tender

Employment Type: Seasonal/Full-Time (July-October)

Location: Western US

Compensation: $550–$700/Day

What we do

Hydrotactical Inc. operates highly capable Tactical Water Tenders, responding to wildland fire incidents throughout the western USA. We custom engineer our own wildland fire apparatus’ that not only meet agency standards and criteria, but also out-perform other equipment that is generally used in the wildland industry. We have pride in operating useful, quality equipment with a high degree of effectiveness and professionalism.

About the Position

Our tactical water tenders require a crew of two (2) firefighters. Hydrotactical Inc is seeking two qualified Type 1 Firefighters (FFT1) to support and/or operate a Tactical Water Tender for the 2026 wildland fire season. A qualified applicant has experience on wildland fire incidents and a strong understanding of the Incident Command System (ICS). A successful candidate for this position will be readily available all days from July 1st through October 1st.

Responsibilities

• Operate/support and maintain a Tactical Water Tender in accordance with company, agency and incident protocols/requirements.
• Perform direct fire line suppression operations with a Type 1 Tactical Water Tender.
• Support Fireline operations via water delivery, supporting engines, aircraft, heavy equipment and crews.
• Assist with mop‑up, patrol, structure protection, and dust abatement activities when not engaged in fire suppression operations.
• Conduct daily vehicle inspections, maintenance, logs, ensuring equipment readiness.
• Maintain radio communications with incident command, division supervisors, and taskforce leaders.
• Complete required ICS documentation and maintain accurate records.

Minimum Qualifications

• FFT1 (Firefighter Type 1) qualification (does not need to be current at time of hire).
• Completion of all required NWCG training for FFT1, including: S‑131, S‑133, L‑180, Completed FFT1 taskbook.
• FEMA Courses: IS‑700.B and IS‑100.
• Annual Fireline Safety Refresher (RT‑130) (PROVIDED).
• Work Capacity Test (Arduous) (PROVIDED).

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Previous experience operating and/or supporting a Water Tender on wildland incidents.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues in the field.
• Proficiency with VHF radio communications.
• ClassA orB CDL with tank endorsement and current medical certificate.
• Experience operating heavy equipment/commercial vehicles in on and off‑road conditions.

Physical Requirements

• Meet and maintain NWCG Arduous Fitness standard.
• Ability to lift and carry 45+ lbs of equipment.
• Ability to work long shifts (12–16+ hours) in difficult terrain and extreme environmental conditions.

Schedule & Deployment Expectations

• Must be reachable either via phone, internet or satellite every day from July1st through October1st.
• Must be readily available for incidents within a 24hrs notice.
• Work may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Position may require extended travel (all travel expenses paid for by Hydrotactical Inc).

Pay & Compensation

PaySchedules and deployment are contingent on the government’s dynamic need for wildland fire suppression resources. Employees will receive a guaranteed standby daily rate from July1st–October1st of $100 per calendar day while not working. While working on wildland fire incidents, FFT1 qualified firefighters will start at $550/day. Pay is commensurate with experience. A fully qualified FFT1 with a CDL and the ability/experience required to operate a tactical water tender starts at $700/day.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Hydrotactical, Inc. is committed to providing equal employment opportunities under ADA. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, place of origin, political belief, religion, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, veteran status or criminal conviction for which a pardon has been granted, or any other protected category under federal, state, provincial and local laws governing workplace discrimination.