Wildland Fire Supervisor

El Paso County (CO); Colorado Springs (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

El Paso County Sheriff's Office is seeking a dedicated supervisor to lead wildland fire suppression crews and oversee fire mitigation efforts. Responsibilities include ensuring readiness of crews and equipment, directing suppression activities, and coordinating with partners during wildfire events.

The role requires experience in supervising wildland engines, performing vegetation management, and contributing to planning, training, and safety programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one year wildland fire supervision experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and work experience.

Responsibilities

• Supervise wildland fire suppression engines and crews.
• Assist with wildfire mitigation and response planning.
• Operate and maintain fire suppression tools and equipment.
• May deploy on fire assignments and act as Acting Deputy Fire Warden.
• Develop and update wildfire plans and coordination with partners.

Skills

Wildland firefighting supervision

Crew supervision

Fire mitigation

Operating fire equipment

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Wildland fire supervision experience (1 year)

Tools

PMS-310-1 NWCG

Fire protection equipment

Incident Command System (ICS)

Job description

Salary to commensurate with qualifications

The Sheriff's Office provides public safety at all times and therefore every position is deemed essential. All positions are in-person and not eligible for remote work. Every position is also subject to recall based on the needs of the Office to keep the community safe.

This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday– Friday, 8:00am – 4:00pm or 9:00am - 5:00pm, subject to change. Under FLSA guidelines, this position is non-exempt.

Please be advised this position may close on or after (10/19/2026), without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of applicants.

Supervises wildland fire suppression engines and crews; performs fire mitigation. Assists with wildfire mitigation and wildfire response planning of EPSO. Provides direct supervision of engine crews and/or hand crews. Under the direction of the Fire Warden/Deputy Fire Warden:

• Responsible for maintaining a high level of readiness of crews, equipment and fire organizational planning in the event of wildland fire.
• Provides direct supervision of fuels mitigation and fire suppression engines and crews.
• Performs duties related to wildfire mitigation of trees, brush or dead and downed woody material that includes, but not limited to, thinning, removing, chipping, pruning, limbing, felling, and bucking.
• Performs duties related to wildfire suppression including but not limited to cutting fire lines, using engines and hand tools to suppress fires, and directing firefighters in the safe effective performance of wildland fire suppression.
• Operates and maintains high-powered equipment including chainsaws, pruning saws, blowers, brush cutters, chippers, mowers and pumps. Operates and maintains fire fighting and fire mitigation hand tools.
• May deploy on fire assignments.
• May act as Acting Deputy Fire Warden.
• Implements and administers fire preparedness and prevention programs as directed.
• Supervises assigned resources to meet intent and purpose of the Wildland Fire Program.
• Delegates assigned responsibilities as appropriate and provides guidance to employees regarding assignments and assists them in career development.
• Oversees and participates in wildland fire courses, community outreach, and public engagement to promote fire safety, prevention and awareness as directed.
• Oversees and participates in training programs for wildland firefighters and volunteer wildland firefighters.
• Oversees and participates in the maintenance and inventory of vehicles and equipment.
• Provides input into budget on personnel and resource needs.
• Assists with unit fire billing, qualification records, and deployment statuses. Prepares, reviews, processes forms, records, and reports as appropriate.
• Assists in the development and implementation of agencies, cooperators, supplemental fire agreements, and mutual agreements.
• Assists in development and updating of wildfire plans and supports the planning process for the Emergency Services Section.
• Performs the function of the on-call fire duty officer (FDO) on a rotating basis. Provides or coordinates coverage should assigned FDO become unavailable.
• Facilitates, schedules, and attends all meetings necessary for completion of project.
• Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of and experience with mitigation tools and equipment.
• Knowledge of and experience working with wildland fire equipment and tools including pumps, power saws, aircraft, radios, and hand tools.
• Experience working with and supervising Type 3-6 wildland engines and crews.
• Experience working with and supervising wildland firefighters.
• Excellent team-building skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with government employees, contractors, fire protection districts and the public.
• Experience with Microsoft Office and components.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Required Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Minimum one year wildland fire supervision experience.
• Any equivalent combination of related education and work experience that satisfy the requirements of the job will be considered.

Licenses/Certificates:

• Meet minimum qualifications for PMS-310-1 NWCG Single Resource Boss Engine (including Trainee)
• Meet minimum qualifications for PMS-310-1 NWCG Incident Commander Type 5 (including Trainee)
• Preferred: Advanced First Aid and CPR certifications (EMT license preferred)
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.
• Colorado Class B Commercial Driver’s License or Colorado State IFSAC Driver Operator Pumper preferred.
• Maintains Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) at "Arduous" Work Capacity Test level (pack test, 3 miles 45lb pack in 45 minutes)
• Must obtain and maintain Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Compliance within six months of employment.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, truth verification examination, motor vehicle record check, drug screen, and physical examination.

Duties are performed in a field and office environment. Potential for working in stressful and dangerous situations including but not limited to steep terrain, inclement weather, hazardous traffic, tree felling operations, wildland fire responses, fire suppression and prescribed burn events. Exposure to smoke, dust, dangerous machinery, loud noises, hot and cold temperatures, and outdoor working conditions. Must be able to lift and transport 45 lbs over flat terrain for 3 miles in less than 45 minutes. Subject to call out during emergencies. Subject to shift schedules changes based on operation/business needs.