MT – Wildland Engine Captain – Central Valley Fire District – Closing: 12/21/2026 (opens in new tab)

Daily Dispatch; Belgrade (MT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Daily Dispatch in Montana seeks a Wildland Engine Captain (ENGB) for seasonal work. The role leads a fire engine and crew during wildland and prescribed fire incidents, ensuring safe, effective operations and tactical decision making.

Collaboration with interagency partners may occur. The position reports to the Deputy Chief of Operations or assigned supervisor, with a 32-hour schedule (40 hours with deployments) and a pay scale of $29.50–$34.50 per hour, plus a 30% deployment differential.

Qualifications

• Leads a crew during wildland and prescribed fire incidents.
• Maintains crew safety and operational effectiveness.
• Coordinates with incident command and partners as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead a fire engine and assigned personnel on wildland operations.
• Ensure tactical decision making and crew safety during incidents.

Skills

Crew leadership

Tactical decision making

Safety emphasis

Tools

Wildland engine operation

Job description

Engine Boss Seasonal Position

Job Specification: Wildland Engine Captain (ENGB)
Division: Emergency Operations – Wildland
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Operations or Assigned Supervisor
Work Schedule: 32 hours a week (excluding deployments), (40 hour week and Benefits Negotiable)
Pay Scale: $29.50-$34.50 depending on experience, Out of District Deployment Differential of 30%.
Start date: April 26, 2027, ending October 7, 2027 (mutually agreed extension is possible)
Classification: Time-Limited/Seasonal or Permanent (Based on Position)

Position Overview
The Wildland Engine Captain (ENGB) leads a fire engine and assigned personnel during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. This role ensures operational effectiveness, tactical fire-line decision making, and overall crew safety. The Wildland Engine Captain represents Central Valley Fire District in interagency wildfire efforts and may serve as a liaison with other public and private stakeholders in fire prevention and mitigation activities.

Application Deadline: Please submit application by Monday, December 21st, 2026. Positions will remain open until filled.

In order to be considered, applicants must submit all the requested application materials according to the application instructions.