Senior Fire Apparatus Operator - Wildland Engine Lead

Tolowa; Smith River (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Department of Public Safety seeks an Engine Operator (ENOP) to support fire suppression and on-scene operations. You will lead crews during captain-absences, perform pump-and-roll maneuvers, and coordinate water delivery while maintaining safety standards.

You will perform equipment inspections, train junior firefighters, and ensure compliance with NWCG and tribal policies. Travel and field work are required, with a focus on protecting cultural resources.

Qualifications

• Engine Operator (ENOP) with a valid Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).
• Three fire seasons of wildland experience (18 months).
• Two seasons in a supervisory/lead capacity on an engine or hand crew.
• ICS 100, 200 and 700 certifications.
• First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of hire.
• Valid state driver’s license; insurable on Tribe’s policy.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical inspections and preventative maintenance on the engine fleet to keep resources mission-ready.
• Lead the crew and engine module when the captain is absent, oversee on-scene operations.
• Calculate engine pressures and manage water delivery, including long hose lays and drafts.
• Implement cultural burns and traditional fire applications to protect tribal lands.
• Assess fire starts and select effective tools and tactics for fast, safe containment.
• Operate pump-and-roll maneuvers and direct water application while moving.
• Train junior firefighters in wildland fire behavior, radio use, and navigation.
• Monitor environmental hazards and maintain Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES).
• Direct suppression tactics to protect sensitive cultural sites and natural resources.
• Maintain inventory of wildland supplies and ensure self-sufficiency for 24-hour operations.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies during multi-jurisdictional incidents.
• Maintain logs for engine run-time, pump hours, and incident records per NWCG standards.

Skills

Oral communication

Inventory management

Incident documentation

Time management

Problem solving

Staying calm under stress

Education

Associate’s degree or 4 years experience

Bachelor’s degree or 8 years experience

Tools

GPS mapping tools

Interagency radio protocols

Engine operation (Type 3/4/6)

Portable pumps (S-211)

Job description

Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation Department of Public Safety seeks an Engine Operator (ENOP) to support fire suppression and on-scene operations. You will lead crews during captain-absences, perform pump-and-roll maneuvers, and coordinate water delivery while maintaining safety standards.

You will perform equipment inspections, train junior firefighters, and ensure compliance with NWCG and tribal policies. Travel and field work are required, with a focus on protecting cultural resources.