Wildland Firefighter

State of South Carolina; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

State of South Carolina is seeking a firefighter/forestry technician to perform forest fire protection duties, suppression, and related forestry operations. The role requires operating heavy mechanized equipment, maintenance of gear, and collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies.

The position includes on-call duties, a rotating 40-hour work week, and potential extensive travel on large fire incidents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma and experience in forest fire protection duties, forestry management, operation of heavy mechanized equipment, or relevant work experience.

Responsibilities

• Responds to forest fire calls and performs suppression duties with equipment.
• Maintains and operates firefighting equipment and conducts maintenance.
• Assists foresters with forest management activities and landowner services.
• Prepares administrative reports and supports agency mission.

Skills

Forest fire protection

Forestry management

Heavy equipment operation

CDL knowledge

Job description

Job Responsibilities

Under direct supervision, performs fire protection duties including fire prevention and suppression, but not exclusively with complex heavy mechanized equipment; performs operator maintenance necessary to maintain fire suppression equipment in a state of readiness; performs various forestry services including firebreaks, prescribed burns, and water bar construction and assists in other forestry operations.

• Responds to forest fire calls as required by the readiness plan. Performs forest fire suppression duties utilizing bulldozer tractor, handline tools, and water handling equipment. Assists with fire prevention efforts. Determines cause/origin of wildland fires to complete fire reports.
• Performs operator preventive maintenance on all assigned equipment and maintains equipment in a state of readiness; exercises equipment in accordance with SCFC policy and procedures. Performs maintenance and construction duties at Forestry Commission facilities.
• Performs forestry services, such as firebreak plowing, waterbar construction and prescribed burning assistance. Assists foresters and Sector FMO's with forest management activities such as timber marking, tree planting, survival checks, forest insect and disease work, acreage measurements, and other landowner services. Maintains an awareness of the cost-sharing assistance and services provided by the SCFC. Works with fire departments, the US Forest Service, civic groups, and other local, state, and federal agencies to promote sound forestry and fire management practices.
• Participates in training annually. Prepares monthly administrative reports to include time sheets, equipment reports, services reports and fire-related documentation.
• Participates in activities in support of the agency's mission and goals and performs related other duties as required.

Minimum And Additional Requirements

• A high school diploma and experience in forest fire protection duties, forestry management, operation of heavy mechanized equipment, or relevant work experience.
• Must pass the agency’s initial physical fitness test that requires a two (2) mile walk carrying a 25 lb. pack in 30 minutes or meet the agency’s physical fitness program requirements.
• Must obtain firefighter registration with the Office of State Fire Marshal.
• Criminal background check. Drug and alcohol test are required.
• Position requires a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Must have Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) prior to employment. To obtain your Commercial Learner’s Permit, you must take the official written test at any SCDMV branch. The manual for this test can be found here: https://scdmvonline.com/Driver-Services/Drivers-License/Beginner-Permits
• Must complete CDL Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) Theory training within 15 working days of hire then obtain a Commercial Driver's License within 90 working days.

Additional Comments

• Must be a resident of South Carolina and live in Union County or surrounding areas.
• Must be able to lift, walk, squat, climb and carry objects up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in changing environmental conditions.
• Works a rotating schedule, 40 hours / 5-day work week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. schedule. Job requires on-call duty and weekend work. Overnight travel required to include extensive periods of time (up to 18 days) on large fire incidents or other natural disasters in/out of the state.
• Knowledge of practices and principles of forest fire control. Ability to operate heavy mechanized firefighting equipment. Ability to gather information on forest fires and to prepare reports. Knowledge of the primary and surrounding areas of responsibility and operation of wildland fire control equipment. Ability to act effectively in emergency or stressful situations. Knowledge of practices and principles of forest fire control. Knowledge of South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) forest management programs, policies, and procedures.
• This position requires the employee to be subject to random, post incident/accident, reasonable suspicion and rehabilitation monitoring and drug and alcohol testing consistent with SCFC Drug-Free Workplace-CDL Drug and Alcohol Testing. This position is designated as essential.

Benefits For State Employees

The state of South Carolina offers eligible employees generous benefits, including health and dental insurance; retirement and savings plan options; and paid vacation and sick leave. Plus, work-life balance programs such as telecommuting and flexible work schedules are available to employees of some state agencies.

Insurance Benefits

Eligible employees may enroll in health insurance, which includes prescription coverage and wellness benefits. Other available insurance benefits include dental, vision, term life insurance, long term disability and flexible spending accounts for health and child care expenses.

Retirement Benefits

State employees are also offered retirement plan options, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Additionally, eligible employees may elect to participate in the South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program, which is a voluntary, supplemental retirement savings plan offering 401(k) and 457 plan options.

Workplace Benefits

State employees may also be eligible for other benefits, including tuition assistance; holiday, annual and sick leave; and discounts on purchases, travel and more.

Note:

The benefits above are available to most state employees, with the exception of those in temporary positions. Employees in temporary grant and time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some or none of these benefits as benefits are associated with each position type. For these positions, contact the hiring agency to determine what benefits may be available.

Salary: $35,158-$46,173.