Wildfire Communications Technician

Richesinengineering; Pacific (MO); On-site; USD 52,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Travel across the Pacific Northwest & 

Meaningful work on critical projects

Growth opportunities

Job summary

Richesin Engineering deploys and supports communications systems for wildland fire operations, and we’re seeking technicians who can build robust field networks quickly, under pressure, in outdoor environments. You’ll install Starlink, two-way radio infrastructure, and ICP networking at incident command posts across the Pacific Northwest.

This seasonal role demands physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in smoke, heat, and rugged terrain, with ICS-100/200 preferred and travel across

Qualifications

• Experience with Starlink, Wi‑Fi, and IP networking preferred.
• ICS-100/200 certification preferred (training available).
• Ability to work outdoors in smoky, hot, and remote conditions.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and configure Starlink satellite internet at wildland ICPs.
• Install and support two‑way radio infrastructure including repeaters and base stations.
• Set up ICP networking with switches, routers, and wireless APs.
• Troubleshoot connectivity and radio issues in field conditions.
• Coordinate with IMT communications units.
• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure gear is field-ready.
• Document installations and system configurations for handoff and after-action review.
• Demobilize and recover equipment at incident close.

Skills

Starlink

Wi‑Fi

IP networking

Outdoor work

Driver's license

Education

ICS-100/200 certification

Tools

Base stations hardware

Job description

The Role

When a wildfire incident command post goes up, the communications infrastructure that makes it functional doesn't appear by magic. Someone has to build it — fast, in the field, under pressure. That's this job. Richesin Engineering deploys and supports communications systems for wildland fire operations, and we're looking for technicians who can handle the environment as well as the equipment.

You'll be installing and maintaining Starlink systems, two-way radio infrastructure, and ICP networking at active incident command posts across the Pacific Northwest. This is seasonal work tied to fire season, but it's serious technical work in a high-stakes environment. ICS-100/200 certification is preferred. Physical fitness is required — you're working outdoors in smoke, heat, and terrain.

If you've ever watched wildfire coverage on the news and wondered who set up the Wi-Fi in that tent city, now you know. That's us. We take pride in the fact that when incident commanders need comms, they have them — because someone who knew what they were doing showed up and made it happen.

What You'll Do

• Deploy and configure Starlink satellite internet systems at wildland fire ICPs
• Install and support two-way radio infrastructure including repeaters and base stations
• Set up ICP networking including switches, routers, and wireless access points
• Troubleshoot connectivity and radio issues in field conditions
• Coordinate with Incident Management Team (IMT) communications units
• Maintain equipment inventory and ensure all gear is field-ready
• Document installations and system configurations for handoff and after-action review
• Demobilize and recover equipment at incident close

What We're Looking For

• Experience with Starlink, Wi-Fi, and basic IP networking strongly preferred
• ICS-100 and ICS-200 certification preferred (training available for right candidate)
• Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in smoky, hot, and remote conditions
• Physical fitness to handle equipment in rough terrain
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record
• Flexible availability during fire season (May–October)
• Calm, professional demeanor in high-pressure, fast-paced environments

The Honest Part

You will work where the internet goes to get tested. Satellites, smoke, and stressed incident commanders — that's your office. Coffee is provided. Sleep is not guaranteed. If you can set up a working network in a parking lot in 90-degree heat while ash falls on your keyboard, you'll fit right in.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay commensurate with experience
• Meaningful work on projects that matter — real infrastructure, real communities
• Travel opportunities across Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond
• A tight-knit team that trusts you to do your job well
• Room to grow as the company grows
• The satisfaction of working in places most companies won't go