Fuels Crew Lead - Wildland Department

SUMMARY OF POSITION: 

The Fuels Crew Lead is responsible for supervising a crew that performs specialized work in hazardous fuels reduction on public lands, forests, and other natural areas in Summit County. The position supervises a squad during wildfire suppression activities during initial attack operations in the response district and may have opportunities to take off-district fire assignments. The position involves implementing hazardous fuels mitigation plans and prescriptions using various techniques, including brush removal, tree felling, and stand thinning to reduce wildfire risk by managing hazardous fuels. This squad boss-level leadership position requires both daily operational and strategic oversight of proactive fire prevention through fuel management. 

The Fuels Crew Lead will provide guidance and training to fuels crew members, ensuring safety protocols are strictly followed while working in challenging and hazardous conditions. This role requires excellent leadership, communication, and planning skills, as well as experience in both fuels reduction techniques and wildland firefighting. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop hiring standards, SOPs, crew handbook, cache, and vehicle standards for new fuels crew. Help in project identification and planning process.  
• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of Fuels Technicians during fuel reduction projects over the course of a 6-month field season. 
• Assign tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure the crew’s performance meets agency standards for safety and efficiency.  
• Supervise hazardous fuels reduction activities, such as vegetation thinning, mechanical brush removal, and prescribed burns. 
• Implement plans for creating and maintaining fuel breaks, defensible space, and fire breaks around critical infrastructure and communities. 
• Manage logistical aspects of daily operations including crew schedules, weather, supply procurement, crew and equipment readiness, and project planning. 
• Collaborate with local agencies, landowners, and community stakeholders on fire prevention and mitigation projects in adherence with federal and state guidelines. 
• Engage with communities to educate them about fire prevention and safety. 
• Participate in regular training sessions to stay current with firefighting techniques, safety protocols, and equipment usage. 
• Mentor crew members in leadership skills, safety protocols, and the use of specialized tools and equipment. 
• Ensure that fuels project and firefighting tools, vehicles, and equipment are properly maintained and inspected regularly.  
• Manage crewmember availability and rotation for national fire assignments.  
• Maintain preparedness for in-district initial attack response, including readiness to serve as first-on-scene resource.  
• Adhere to safety regulations and procedures to protect themselves and their team, including using personal protective equipment (PPE). Ensure crew compliance with safety regulations, operational procedures, and environmental laws.  
• Maintain a high level of physical fitness to endure the demanding nature of the job, which often involves long hours of strenuous activity.  
• National fire assignment availability will be contingent on in-district fuel crew targets being met, local fire danger and staffing availability.  
• Provide reports and assessments on fuel reduction progress, team performance, and fire incidents. 
• Provide real-time leadership during fire suppression efforts, coordinating with other crews and emergency services to contain and control wildfires. 
• Engage in wildfire suppression efforts, including direct attack, mop-up, and containment. Uses various tools and techniques, including hand tools, water pumps, and fire retardants. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High School Diploma or GED  
• Can obtain a valid Colorado Driver’s License within 30 days 
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) at the arduous level 
• NWCG Certified:  
• Firefighter Type I (FFTI) 
• Faller Type 2 (FAL2) or able to obtain within 6 months of hire 
• Must provide proof of NWCG classes associated with minimum qualifications as outlined in NWCG PMS 310-1 at the time of hire. 
• Must provide copies of completed Position Task Books 
• Minimum 3-5 years (dependent on type/quality) experience in woody fuels mitigation and/or wildland firefighting.  
• Knowledge of fire behavior, basic understanding of ecological systems, experience interpreting weather forecasts and effects 
• Experience supervising field-based or operational crews 
• CPR/First Aid 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:   

• Can pass a department physical examination  
• Extended hours in remote, outdoor locations. 
• Must be able to carry a 30 lb. line pack daily and be able to lift, carry, and handle weights up to 80-100 lbs.
• Mobility includes walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, crawling, squatting, pushing, pulling, climbing, pinching, gripping, spraying, and working in confined spaces. Must be able to reach overhead and away from the body as required. 
• Exposure to extreme temperatures, dense smoke, and physically demanding work environments.
• Rotational shifts during active fire seasons and on-call status for emergency deployments. 

BENEFITS

• Retirement plan; 457k available
• Medical/dental/vision - 90% premium coverage by SFE
• Health Reimbursement or Savings Accounts ((HRA/HSA) - Employer funding provided
• Disability Coverage - Long-term and short-term disability insurance for financial security
• Vacation and sick leave banks
• Training and fire experience opportunities 

DEADLINES

• Applications due: February 21st, 2025, 5pm.
• Testing process: March 11th-12th, 2025
• Start date: As early as April 1st, 2025

Salary : $6,000