LTE - Fire Riders (Multiple Locations, Full and Part Time Opportunities)

We are dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.

The Wisconsin DNR is hiring an LTE – Fire Rider at the locations below. There are both part time and full time opportunities at all locations. Please state on your resume and cover letter what location(s) and work schedule (full or part time) you are interested in applying for.

Locations:

Black River Falls Service Center (Black River Falls)
Cornell Ranger Station (Cornell)
Fitchburg Service Center (Fitchburg)
Gordon Ranger Station (Gordon)
Grantsburg Ranger Station (Grantsburg)
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Pike Lake Unit (Hartford)
Lemay Forestry Center (Tomahawk)
Medford Ranger Station (Medford)
Merrill Ranger Station (Merrill)
Spooner Ranger Station (Spooner)
Wausau Service Center (Wausau)
Wilson State Nursery (Bosobel)

Please state on your resume and cover letter what location(s) and work schedule (full or part time) you are interested in applying for.

This position is part of a prescribed fire/wildland fire crew. The primary purpose of this position is to perform prescribed fire activities and support wildland firefighting work. The position will perform work directly related to prescribed burning and wildland fire suppression: including prescribed burn unit prep, prescribed burning, suppression, preparedness, prevention, monitoring, and hazardous fuels reduction. This position may also perform duties in other fuels related or ecosystem restoration projects. Travel may be required occasionally and/or overnight.

70 % Wildland Fire and Prescribed Fire

• Serve as a member of fire crew assigned to prescribed fire and wildland fire suppression efforts.
• Crew members perform assignments as a prescribed burn or wildland firefighter in developing a working knowledge of prescribed fire techniques, fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.
• This consists of burn unit and fire line construction, use of pumps and engines, hose lays using appropriate nozzles and nozzle adjustments in the effective use of water and additives, safety rules, and basic fire behavior.
• Support the fire line suppression efforts by burning out the line behind the equipment, holding the fire line and mopping up the fire.
• Assist with all aspects of prescribed burning including ignition, patrol, monitoring fire line and mopping up.
• Searches out and extinguishes burning materials by moving dirt, applying water by hose or backpack pump, etc.
• Chops brush, fells small trees, and moves dirt to construct fire line using various hand and may use power tools including chainsaws and portable pumps to control spreading of wildland fire and/or to prepare control lines prior to burning.
• Patrols fire line to locate and extinguish embers, flare-ups, and hotspot fires that may threaten developed fire lines.

20% Additional Duties

• May perform project work such as fuel inventory, preparing associated reports, and hazard fuel reduction projects.
• May perform project work such as road and trail maintenance, habitat manipulation, and miscellaneous equipment and facilities maintenance.
• Performs the full range of standardized forestry support duties for fire/fuels activities.
• Performs standard maintenance and safety checks and safe operation of fire trucks, tractor plows and associated fire equipment.
• Cleans, reconditions, and stores fire tools and equipment.

10% Safety

• Participates in fire and prescribed fire safety training in the techniques, practices, and methods of fire suppression and in the safe, efficient operation and use of tools, equipment and vehicles used in fire line activities.
• Participates in crew proficiency checks and drills.
• Participates in safety sessions and fire critiques. Ensures own and others' welfare and safety in all aspects of the assignments.

$12.25 per hour.

This is a Limited Term Employment (LTE) position. LTE positions do not automatically lead to permanent state employment or enjoy the same benefits as permanent employees; however, these positions do offer valuable work experience and an opportunity to learn more about career opportunities with the Department of Natural Resources and the State of Wisconsin.

LTE employees are limited to working 1039 hours per position within a twelve-month period.

In order to be considered for this position, you must be a resident of the State of Wisconsin.

All state employees are required to report their COVID vaccination status, whether vaccinated or not, and must provide supporting documentation if vaccinated. Newly hired employees will be required to submit this information within their first two weeks of employment. At this time, those who are unvaccinated are subject to weekly COVID-19 testing protocols.

The Department of Natural Resources conducts criminal background checks on final applicants before they can be offered a position. Please note that a criminal charge or conviction on your record will not necessarily disqualify you from state employment. In compliance with the Wisconsin Fair Employment Act, the DNR does not discriminate on the basis of arrest or conviction record.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire. The DNR does not sponsor work visas, thus, in compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required I-9 form upon hire.

The DNR is an equal opportunity employer that promotes and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Familiarity with techniques and skills needed to conduct maintenance on fire suppression equipment and facilities.
• Familiarity with radio communication, equipment, and generally accepted procedures.
• Knowledge of forest fire behavior, suppression tactics and techniques, fire line safety standards, incident command system and communication systems.
• Knowledge of prescribed fire planning, implementation and evaluation.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Meet and maintain physical fitness standards required by the Department, per Manual Code 9124.20.
• Taking and passing WCT at the moderate level is a condition of employment. The moderate fitness test requires completing a two (2) mile hike within thirty (30) minutes, while carrying a twenty-five (25) pound pack.
• Meets and maintain requirements to operate state vehicle, travel independently and on a timely basis
• Qualified as FFT 2 or FFT2FD

Click the “Apply for Job” button and follow the directions. You will be able to save your application as many times as needed and make edits up until the point you submit your application. Once you submit your application, you will not be able to make any updates to the application or any materials submitted.

Please note that the Wiscjobs system will time you out after 30 minutes of activity, so be sure to save your work often to avoid having to re-start the application process.

For any position-related questions, please feel free to contact Carrie Wilson at Carrie.Wilson@wisconsin.gov.

If you have any difficulty applying (for example: signing in or uploading a resume), please reach out to DNRPeopleSoftHelpdesk@wisconsin.gov. Wisc.Jobs help is available Monday-Friday, 7:45am – 4:30pm – 608-267-1012 or wiscjobs@wisconsin.gov.

Your resume and letter of qualifications are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications and what should be included in these materials, click here.

Your resume and cover letter are very important parts of your application. Please state on your resume and cover letter what location(s) and work schedule (full or part time) you are interested in applying for. The resume and cover letter you submit will be used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. For instructions on developing your resume and cover letter and what should be included, click here.

Applications must be received by 11:59pm, Central Time, on January 23rd in order to be considered.