Lead Wildland Firefighter OF&ES

Description

State of Idaho Opportunity
STATE OF IDAHO
MILITARY DIVISION 
Human Resource Office (HRO)
State Personnel Branch
4794 General Manning Avenue, Building 442
Boise, Idaho 83705-8112
Telephone: (208) 801-4273

STATE VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Registers established from this announcement may remain valid up to one year to fill vacancies within the same classification. 

          ANNOUNCEMENT NUMBER: 24-71-N

          AREA OF CONSIDERATION: Open to all applicants

          POSITION TITLE: Lead Wildland Firefighter - OF&ES

          PAY GRADE: NGA-6

          CLASS CODE: 22764

          SALARY RANGE: $21.46 to $27.90 hourly ($44,645 to $58,036 annually) - Starting pay is typically Step 1 at $21.46/hour

          FLSA CODE: Covered

          DUTY LOCATION: Military Division, Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG), Orchard Fire and Emergency Services (OF&ES), Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC) Fire Station, Boise, Idaho - not remote
          To learn more about the OCTC, please see more information here - https://www.imd.idaho.gov/orchard-combat-training-center/

          TYPE OF POSITION: Civilian Nonclassified; Full-time; Permanent

          COMPATIBLE MILITARY FIELD: Not Applicable

The HRO State Personnel Branch will not forward non-qualifying or incomplete application packets for consideration – ensure to attach all required information as specified below. PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE APPLYING.

YOUR APPLICATION PACKET MUST INCLUDE:

• Military Division Mandatory Questions – Attachment of your individual responses to mandatory questions for all applicants
• Qualifications - Attachment of your individual responses to each of the Mandatory Requirements and each Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) specified in this announcement under QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. Attach document/pdf to your application with all your responses. This is required to assess you meet all requirements for consideration. If not provided, your application will be considered INCOMPLETE.
• Documentation identified as a Mandatory Requirement – When required, attach copies of educational diplomas, transcripts, or training certificates; or professional licenses, certifications or registrations.
• Optional: Attach a resume and/or other supplemental documentation to support your qualifications.
  
  

MILITARY DIVISION MANDATORY QUESTIONS:

• (1) Except for minor traffic offenses, have you ever entered a plea of guilty, no contest, or had a withheld judgment to a felony offense?
  If YES please explain on a separate paper and attach it to your application.
  
  
• (2) Do you certify that I am a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or a Foreign National with authorization to work in the United States

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must attach to their application individual responses addressing each requirement separately.

Mandatory Requirements (conditions of employment) Provide the requested information, address your willingness and ability to meet the applicable condition and/or how you meet the requirement. 

Provide your individual responses in an attachment to your application addressing each requirement (1-10) separately.

(1) Must meet the mandatory minimum age (18). Do not provide a copy of your birth certificate. 

(2) Must possess a High School Diploma or GED and provide documentation validating the following education. (Attach a copy of your high school diploma or transcript, or GED; unofficial transcripts are acceptable) 

(3) Must have and maintain a valid and unrestricted state issued driver’s license (from any state). Provide your driver’s license number, issuing state, license expiration date, and the full name specified on the license. (Do not provide a copy of your driver’s license.) 

(4) Must have, or be eligible to obtain, and maintain a favorable T1 (NACI) Federal Background Investigation. If a selected candidate does not have a current favorable T1, as a condition of employment he/she must submit to the investigation process immediately upon hire/appointment. (At a minimum, a favorable suitability determination by the State Security Manager is required prior to appointment into this position.) 

(5) Must submit to and pass initial and periodic drug testing. 

(6) Must be able to drive a 4-X-4 vehicle on rough and uneven roads. 

(7) Must present a documented determination from your personal physician stating that you are able to participate in the “Arduous Work Capacity Test” (as described below.) Must submit to and pass the “Arduous Work Capacity Test” conducted by OF&ES personnel to be eligible for interview and consideration for employment. Must meet and maintain the fitness requirement at all times. 
* Note: During the Arduous Work Capacity Test, applicants must perform the following activities to the minimum stated standard: 

• 3-mile walk while carrying a 45-pound weighted vest within a 45-minute time limit; AND 
• Prior to the test event, must sign a Release and Hold Harmless Agreement releasing the Idaho Army National Guard and the State of Idaho from liability in the event of any injury or death; AND 
• Prior to the test event, must complete and pass the Work Capacity Test Health Screening Questionnaire 

(8) Must meet and possess all of the following National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) incident management qualifications and training requirements to be considered for this position: 

• Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1) and Incident Commander, Type 5 (ICT5).

(9) Must be willing and able to complete Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior (S-290) course and Task Book for Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Type 3 (RXB3) within 12-months (1 year) of appointment/start date. Please respond regarding your willingness and ability to complete this training or provide copies of documentation, if applicable. 

(10) Must have successfully completed Incident Command System (ICS) ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Management System, ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents, IS-700: national Incident Management System, An Introduction and IS-800: National Response Framework, An Introduction. Provide copies of documentation. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) 
Applicants must have 12-months of specialized work experience, which can be any work experience performing related to the duties as specified below. In your detailed, individualized responses describe your civilian and military education, training, and work experience as it relates to each KSA that demonstrated your related experience. KSA responses assist in verifying your qualifications and determining the best-qualified applicants.

Provide your individual responses in an attachment to your application addressing each requirement (1-8) separately.

 (1) Knowledge of fire suppression tactics and methods to stop the spread of fire. 

(2) Knowledge of risk management in relation to fire suppression duties. 

(3) Ability to lead personnel, take direction and work as a team member under extreme pressure and during daily activities. 

(4) Ability to adapt to multiple tasks, priorities, deadlines, and ensure that tasks and priorities are completed in a timely manner. 

(5) Ability to implement the Incident Command System and direct crews during fire suppression operations. 

(6) Knowledge of conducting prescribed fires and/or other wildland fire prevention methods. 

(7) Ability to operate 4x4 vehicles off-road and in rough terrain, including a variety of light to heavy vehicles and equipment such as Type IV, Type VI trucks and Water Tender. 

(8) Knowledge of the proper chain of command to support the appropriate leadership structure and skill to encourage staff to adhere to proper procedures. 

SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Refer to the position description below.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
a. Each person hired will be required to provide verification of eligibility to work in the United States and may be subject to a criminal background check.
b. Refer to the position description for the Mandatory Requirements for this position.
c. The State of Idaho, Military Division is an Equal Opportunity employer. Selection for this position will be made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), genetic information, political affiliation, marital status, and disability or age (which does not interfere with job accomplishment or job eligibility based upon the position description Mandatory Requirements). Appropriate consideration shall be given to veterans in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations.

PERSONNEL MANAGER CERTIFICATION: The title, series, grade, duties and responsibilities are complete and accurate as written and a current or projected vacancy exists as advertised.

Gloria A. Duncan
Supervisory Human Resource Specialist
Military Division – State Personnel Branch

Applications are accepted online only. State employees must apply in Luma after logging in; non-state employees need to apply on the career website. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the HRO office by phone 208-801-4276 or email Monica at [email protected] to discuss alternative options.

Thank you for your interest in employment with the Idaho Military Division.

By submitting your application, you are certifying all answers and statements are true and complete to the best of your knowledge. You understand that should an investigation disclose untruthful or misleading answers, your application may be rejected, name removed from consideration, or employment with the State terminated.

JOB TITLE: LEAD WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER - OF&ES

INTRODUCTION: This position is assigned to the Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG) Training Center – Orchard Range, Orchard Fire and Emergency Services (OF&ES), Idaho Army National Guard (IDARNG), functioning within the State of Idaho – Military Division. The position is located at the Orchard Combat Training Center (OCTC) Fire Station. The OCTC is an Army National Guard (ARNG) Maneuver Training Center (Heavy). The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a working leader for a team of lower graded firefighters assisting the supervisor in matters of communication, work coverage, employee accountability, training and performance in addition to providing fire suppression for the OCTC and performing related duties. Area of responsibility involves approximately 171,000 acres of land consisting of 53,500 acres in the impact area and the remaining 117,900 acres of maneuver area. The OCTC/Training Site contains over 140 permanent, temporary, and semi-permanent structures with approximately 754,503 square feet. 

To learn more about the OCTC, please see more information here https://www.imd.idaho.gov/orchard-combat-training-center/

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Work Lead Duties. Responsible to supervisor and/or organizational leadership for job and/or task accomplishment. Serves as a non-supervisory working leader of a wildland firefighter team (1-3 crew members) through daily emergency and non-emergency activities ensuring that all required work and/or tasks are accomplished. Passes on to wildland firefighters, information and instructions received from supervisor. At the direction of the supervisor may coordinate, plan, inspect and monitor wildland firefighter activities. Demonstrates proper work methods. Answers workers' questions regarding procedures, policies, written instructions and other guiding directives. Obtains needed information, direction or decision from the supervisor for problems that arise. Periodically checks work in progress and/or when finished for compliance with established standards and the supervisor's instructions on work sequence, procedures, methods and deadlines. Reports to the supervisor periodically on team and individual work accomplishments, performance management issues/problems, progress in mastering tasks and work processes, individual and team successes, and individual and team needs. Provides information to supervisor on status and progress of work, causes of delays, and overall work operations or problems. Provides verbal performance feedback and coaching, as necessary. Reports substandard work or noncompliance to supervisor. When requested, drafts employee performance appraisal recommendations and submits to supervisor for consideration. At the direction of the supervisor, may identify, distribute and monitor work and training ensuring accountability of assigned personnel to include location and utilization of time and resources. Applies risk management during all aspects work, including but not limited to daily operations and emergency incidents. Provides training or refers for training, as appropriate. Informs supervisor of the need for additional on-the-job training for individual employees. Coordinates, and makes recommendations to the supervisor, on any requested personnel actions of assigned team members. Recommends, through the chain-of-command, to OF&ES leadership, resources that may be needed to meet current and projected mission requirements. Demonstrates and promotes a respectful workplace that complies with policies of the Adjutant General/Idaho Military Division, Idaho Army National Guard and OF&ES. Observes and ensures compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies and serves as a role model for the Whistleblower Protection Program, EEO, security and workplace safety practices, policies and regulations at all times. Maintains a safe and drug/alcohol free workplace. 

2. Fire Suppression. Leads and assumes responsibility for assigned team of lower graded firefighters, in accordance with Incident Command System standards, Army Regulations and Guidance, and local operating instructions, during daily operations and while conducting prescribed fires, initial attack or assisting other fire department/organizations during an extended attack within the OCTC and surrounding areas. Conducts direct attack on fires using equipment such as fire truck, backpack pumps, shovel and other tools as required. Responsible for coordinating a safe route for fire personnel and equipment while using lookouts, communication, escape routes and safety zones (LCES). Evaluates size, wind direction, fuel and terrain associated with the fire, and up channels conditions and/or requests for assistance through the Incident Commander or OF&ES Dispatch Center if needed. Uses OF&ES operating guides and procedures along with the Incident Response Pocket Guide (IRPG) to identify and avoid unsafe situations. Uses maps and/or Global Positioning System (GPS) to navigate and gather fire scene information. Accurately reports and records the fire location and size using a GPS. 

3. Fire Prevention. Leads personnel during prescribed fire ensuring all protective clothing and equipment are being utilized and all safety measures are in place and executed. Carries out prescribed fire in accordance with annual prescribed burn plan and/or burn requests, Bureau of Land Management and Idaho Department of Lands agreements, and OF&ES Standard Operating Procedures to maintain the range area and minimize the impact of natural fires or those from Idaho Military Division activities. Ensures prescribed fire notifications are made to applicable agencies and personnel prior to and following prescribed fires. Operates tractors, fence clearing and cleaning, or enclosed burn containers as needed near environmentally and culturally protected areas and perimeter fences where prescribed fire is not authorized. Leads assigned crew(s) to conduct standby operations during periods of range operations and maneuver area activity as well as periods of inclement weather or high fire danger. 

4. Maintenance Duties. OF&ES vehicles are operated in extreme weather and terrain conditions requiring vehicles and equipment to be maintained in accordance with the OF&ES Maintenance Plan. Lead Firefighters are responsible to ensure that preventative maintenance checks and services (PMCS) are being completed timely and accurately, and that equipment is maintained in a high state of readiness. Operates vehicles and equipment within specified limitations and OF&ES policies. Ensures personal protective equipment (PPE) is accounted for, clean and serviceable prior to daily operations. Ensures work, rest, training areas and maintenance bays are maintained to a high degree of cleanliness. Conducts washdowns/washouts of various facilities in and around the Orchard Range complex. Performs range standby duties as directed and/or required to ensure rapid fire attack in the event accidental ignition. 

5. Performs other related duties and projects as necessary or assigned. 

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: The incumbent works under the direct supervision of the Supervisory Wildland Firefighter, with management oversight provided by the OF&ES Deputy Fire Chief, if appointed, or OF&ES Fire Chief. The Lead Firefighter explains crew goals and objectives, communicates assignments, milestones and deadlines to the crew based on the supervisors’ instructions, and informs supervisor of crew/individual performance and behavioral success and issues. Independently performs duties of the positions within established policy and authority. Work is reviewed for compliance with regulations and adequacy of the wildland fire protection and prevention program.

PERSONAL WORK CONTACTS: Incumbent has daily contact with other peers, Supervisory Wildland Firefighters, Junior Wildland and Structural Firefighters, seasonal wildland firefighters, OF&ES Fire Chief, OF&ES Deputy Fire Chief, OF&ES Assistant Fire Chiefs, ITC-OR Range Officers, and military and civilian personnel working within the cantonment area or on the range, and/or other personnel involved with fire suppression or prevention activities.

WORK CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL EFFORT: The incumbent works in dangerous, adverse and hazardous conditions, including extreme weather conditions. Incumbent may be exposed to unexploded ordinances (UXO) and desert wildlife that potentially could result in injury or death. The incumbent must pass an “Arduous Work Capacity Test” prior to employment and annually thereafter. The test correlates to measures of aerobic and muscular fitness, as well as performance in field tasks such as working with hand tools and carrying loads over rough terrain. The incumbent operates on a 2 to 4 person engine crew, with the potential to work on a 20 person fire line if the mission requires. The incumbent must work with other firefighters in a collaborative and respectful manner. The incumbent is exposed to many different types of military vehicles and weapons systems in the cantonment area and on the range and movement areas. For safety and security reasons, the incumbent is prohibited from engaging in any form of unapproved/unauthorized training or getting on or in any military vehicle. Uniform items and required personal protective equipment (PPE) will be provided by Orchard Fire & Emergency Services. The incumbent is required to bring all PPE, including authorized boots, to work daily and to maintain accountability and cleanliness of all PPE. Incumbent may be required to work long and/or irregular hours during the fire season, and may be subject to 24-hour on-call status, mandatory overtime, and emergency call-back.

FLSA Overtime Code: C (Covered; time and one-half)
EEOC: I05 (Protective Services)
WCC: 7710
MARCH 2024

• State Benefits:

  The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/StateEmployees/Benefits.html.*

  EEO/ADA/Veteran:

  The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.
  

  The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email [email protected].

  Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.

  
  

  *Benefits may not be applicable for temporary or seasonal positions.