Smokebusters Crew Supervisor 2026-02113

Mass Transit magazine; Wyoming (OH); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hazard pay

Pension plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Wyoming State Forestry Division seeks a Smokebuster Crew Supervisor to lead a pre-release inmate crew on wildland fires and forestry projects. You will supervise, train, and evaluate crewmembers while ensuring safety, accountability, and efficient workflow in challenging outdoor conditions.

The role requires NWCG certifications, a valid driver's license, and participation in WDOC Pre-Service Academy training within one year.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of progressive work experience in Natural Resources, Wildland Fire, or Corrections.
• Valid driver's license and NWCG PMS 310-1 certification within 1 year of hire.
• WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within 1 year of hire; annual in-service training.

Responsibilities

• Supervise a crew of up to 10 pre-release, minimum security inmates on wildland fires and related projects.
• Ensure accountability, security, and adherence to procedures.
• Maintain production, efficiency, and workflow of the crew.
• Instruct and coach crewmembers; apply progressive discipline as needed.
• Perform physically demanding tasks and maintain NWCG 310-1 fitness.

Skills

Leadership

Inmate supervision

Safety management

NWCG standards

Equipment operation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Forestry

Tools

Chainsaw operation

Vehicle operation

Job description

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Become an integral part of the nearly 50-year-old Wyoming Smokebusters wildland fire handcrew and Forestry Conservation Program (FCP), within the Office of State Lands and Investments, Wyoming State Forestry Division. This role is co-located with the Wyoming Department of Corrections at the Wyoming Honor Conservation Camp.

As a Smokebuster Crew Supervisor, you will supervise, lead, train, and oversee pre-release, minimum security inmate crews on wildland fires and various forestry and conservation projects. Your duties will include ensuring safety, accountability, transportation, delegating tasks, monitoring performance, and evaluating inmate crewmembers during wildland fire suppression and daily work activities. Projects will include fuels reduction, timber stand improvements, community service, and disaster relief or prevention. Additionally, you will instruct inmate crewmembers in the classroom to National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) standards and train them in the use of chainsaws, hand and power tools, and fire suppression techniques.

Newcastle is at 4,334 feet above sea level with pleasant summer temperatures around 84°F and winter highs around 35°F. The county seat of Weston County, Newcastle offers scenic drives, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities. Located at the intersection of U.S. Route 16 and U.S. Route 85, Newcastle is close to the Black Hills, Mount Rushmore, and Devils Tower. The area provides year-round opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and winter sports.

Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidays
• Retirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure future
• Flexible schedules and work-life balance options
• Meaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communities
• and MUCH MORE!

Human Resource Contact

Ryan Scheer / 307-777-8570 / [e-mail]

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage and supervise a crew of up to 10 pre-release, minimum security inmates on wildland fires, and forestry and community projects.
• Ensure accountability and security of your inmate crew, adhering to policies and procedures.
• Maintain production, efficiency, and workflow of the crew.
• Serve as a working supervisor, instructing, coaching, and working alongside the crew.
• Hold your assigned inmate crewmembers accountable to policies, procedures, and practices, utilizing the progressive discipline model.
• Perform physically demanding tasks and maintain NWCG 310-1 physical fitness certification.
• Maintain documentation on inmates, records on work accomplishments, vehicle use, timesheets, and crewmember evaluations.
• Operate and maintain forestry equipment and vehicles, including chainsaws, wood splitters, and heavy equipment.
• Instruct courses on wildland firefighting, safety, and equipment operation.
• Perform as a Squad Boss (FFT1) and Intermediate Faller (FAL2) on the Wyoming Smokebusters Type 2 Wildland Fire Handcrew.
• Operate larger capacity trucks, such as Type 6 wildland fire engines.

PREFERENCES

• Wildland Fire Suppression (NWCG Red Card)
• Corrections
• Supervision
• Logging/Forestry

KNOWLEDGE

• Ability to motivate and work cohesively with inmates and the team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Effective in instructing crewmembers in various situations
• Basic knowledge of fire suppression, corrections, supervision, forest management, and business management practices
• Proficient in equipment operation and maintenance
• Ability to maintain industrial tools and equipment

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience Substitution

3-4 years of progressive work experience (typically in Natural Resources, Wildland Fire, or Corrections)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire
• Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire
• Must complete annual In-Service Training

OR

Education

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Forestry)

Experience

0-1 year of progressive work experience (typically in Forestry)

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
• Must possess and maintain national certification in accordance with NWCG standards, PMS 310-1, within one (1) year of the date of hire
• Must complete WDOC Pre-Service Academy Training within one (1) year of the date of hire
• Must complete annual In-Service Training

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Perform arduous physical activity for extended periods and maintain NWCG 310-1 Arduous physical fitness certification annually.
• Work both indoors and outdoors under various weather conditions, including heat, cold, and wet environments.
• May travel up to 25%.
• Stand for long periods on hard surfaces.
• Successfully completed a Self-Defense Tactics course provided by the Wyoming Department of Corrections.

NOTES

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Successful completion of all modules of the Wyoming Department of Corrections Pre-Service Training is required.
• This position participates in the Law Enforcement (LE) Pension Plan within the Wyoming Retirement System (details: https://retirement.wyo.gov/members/pension-handbooks/).
• This position also qualifies for Hazard Pay when assigned to uncontrolled wildfires, and paid time off after 14 consecutive days on wildland fire assignments.

Wyoming State Forestry Division-Forestry Conservation Program Website - https://wsfd.wyo.gov/fire-management/forestry-conservation-program

Wyoming State Forestry Division Website - http://wsfd.wyo.gov/

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.

Class Specifications are subject to change; please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version.