Seasonal Wildfire Apprentice

Central Pierce Fire & Rescue; Puyallup (WA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A local fire department is seeking a Seasonal Wildfire Apprentice in Puyallup, WA. This role involves preparing for and responding to wildfires, performing various tasks to control and extinguish fires. Candidates must be at least 18, possess a high school diploma or GED, and have a valid driver's license. The position includes physically demanding duties, requiring candidates to carry up to 60 lbs and work outdoors in varied conditions. Commitment is full-time from May 11 through approximately September 30, 2026.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years or older by the start date of May 11, 2026.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a clear driving record.
• Must reside within a one-hour response time of the Wildfire base station.
• Must reside within one hour response time of the base station in Roy, WA.
• Must provide IS-700 and IS-100 certificates at time of application (free online).
• Pack Test: 45 lbs vest, 3 miles in 45 minutes. Training encouraged.

Responsibilities

• Prepare for fire duty and maintain assigned equipment.
• Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction.
• Work on watershed maintenance, habitat protection, and recreation site upkeep when not firefighting.
• Observe fire safety rules and learn techniques of fire suppression and fuels management.
• Participate in training, safety sessions, and drills.

Skills

Physical fitness

Wildland fire suppression techniques

Ability to work in hazardous environments

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

GPS

Job description

Overview

The Seasonal Wildfire Apprentice serves as a member of a wildfire suppression crew; performs risk reduction and responds to wildfires as directed; and performs related duties as assigned.

• Prepare for fire duty, and maintain assigned equipment and vehicles for fire readiness.
• Safely respond to wildland fires to suppress and prevent them from spreading.
• Perform entry-level wildland fire duties including hand-line construction, water handling, general suppression, and prevention activities or training.
• When not engaged in wildland fire preparedness and suppression, Wildfire Apprentices will perform tasks such as thinning and pruning trees for watersheds, protecting wildlife, and maintaining recreation sites, buildings, grounds, roads, and equipment.
• Responsible for observing the rules of fire safety and fire behavior while on the fireline.
• Perform assignments as a wildland firefighter in developing a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.
• Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, etc.
• Chops brush, falls small trees, and moves dirt to construct fireline using various hand tools such as axes, shovels, Pulaski's, McLeod's, and may use power tools including chainsaws and portable pumps to control spreading of wildland fire and/or to prepare control lines prior to burning.
• Patrol firelines to locate and extinguish embers, flareups, and hotspot fires that may threaten developed firelines.
• Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment.
• May assist trained personnel in more specialized assignments, such as backfire/burnout, mobile/stationary engine attack, construction of helispots, helitack operations, and performing hover hookups.
• Participate in fire and safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fireline activities.
• Participate in crew proficiency checks and drills.
• Participate in safety sessions and fire critiques.
• Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.
• Many of the duties performed on these jobs require considerable physical exertion; working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions, working long hours, and extended periods away from home. Duties include but may not be limited to the ability to carry up to 60 pounds, run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb.

Qualifications, KSA's, Tools & Equipment, Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Must be 18 years of age or older by the start date of May 11, 2026
• Must have high school diploma or GED by the start date of May 11, 2026
• Must possess valid driver's license, with a clear driving record
• Must reside within a one (1) hour response time of the Wildfire base station at 39901 Harts Lake Valley Road, Roy, WA, 98580
• Must provide Certificates of Course Completion for IS-700 and IS-100 AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION BY ATTACHING THEM TO YOUR APPLICATION. These certifications/courses are free to complete online: IS-700 - https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=IS-700.b&lang=en - Interactive web-based course length is 3.5 hours, IS-100 - https://training.fema.gov/is/courseoverview.aspx?code=is-100.c&lang=en - Interactive web-based course length is 2 hours
• Must be able to pass the "Work Capacity Test" (also known as the "Pack Test"): This test will be provided, free of charge, to all qualified applicants on Friday, February 6th. The "Pack Test" is a work capacity test that measures aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and muscular endurance (45lbs vest, 3 miles within 45 minutes).Before beginning the Pack Test, you will be required to turn in a completed Waiver and Release Form and a Completed Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ) - this form will be sent to all applicants that meet the minimum qualifications.
• Applicants are strongly encouraged to train for the arduous level work capacity test.
• However, before you begin to train for testing or before substantially increasing your level of activity please review the health screening questionnaire (HSQ) and consult your health care provider if necessary.
• Must be able to work full-time beginning May 11th through approximately September 30th**
• **those in college which start classes before September 30th will still be considered for the position

Special Requirements

• Duties involve field work in hazardous environments on fires, requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. Ability to carry up to 60 lbs., run, bend, twist, walk, and/or climb while working outdoors in all terrain and weather conditions.
• A typical work day is an 10-hour day, four days a week. Positions require response during off-duty hours for emergency fire suppression needs. Positions required to work long, irregular hours on workdays, weekends, day or night when performing suppression duties.
• Field duties require the use of hand tools, power tools, GPS, topographic maps, a compass, and a tablet.
• Must be able to carry appropriate wildland fire tools on field assignments, as needed, to conduct assigned tasks.

Application Process

• Completion of online application by the deadline date of January 26th at Noon
• Review of minimum qualifications and invitations to attend the Work Capacity Test - no later than January 30th
• Work Capacity Test - Friday, February 6th, location TBD, times TBD
• Invitations to Oral Boards for selected candidates by February 18th
• Oral Boards - March 3rd and 4th (if needed)
• Conditional Offer of Employment - by March 6th
• Background and Driver's License Checks - by March 13th