Fuels Crew Senior

Salary: $35-40 per hour

Summary of Position:

The Summit Fire and EMS Fuels Crew Assistant is a seasonal, full-time position within the Wildland Division of Summit Fire and EMS Fire Protection District. The Assistant is responsible for implementing hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire mitigation projects, and community wildfire protection strategies throughout the district.

This role works alongside and supports the Fuels Crew Lead by coordinating daily project operations, providing on-site direction for the fuels module, and assisting with project implementation. In addition to performing field duties expected of a Fuels Crew Technician, the assistant serves as a working lead, helping manage task assignments, guide project workflow, and mentor crew members to ensure safe and effective project execution. When the Fuels Crew Lead is absent, the Assistant assumes responsibility for leading the fuels module and maintaining operational continuity. While the assistant provides leadership support for the module, this position is not designated as a supervisor and does not carry HR related responsibilities such as performance evaluations or disciplinary processes.

The Fuels Crew Assistant is expected to demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and a high level of technical competency while upholding the safety and professionalism of the Wildland Division. Daily operations require strict adherence to agency policies, clear communication, and a strong commitment to Summit Fire and EMS mission of community protection and service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Fuels Crew Lead with planning daily project assignments, coordinating logistics, and organizing module operations
• Provide on-site leadership, direction, and technical guidance to crewmembers during fuels reduction and mitigation projects.
• Implement hazardous fuel reduction projects which include thinning, brushing, hand pile construction, tree felling, and slash disposal.
• Mentor and train lower-level crew members in safe tool use, field techniques, and adherence to operational standards
• Operate and oversee the safe use of tools and equipment such as chainsaws, hand tools, water pumps, radios, and UTVs.
• Perform administrative responsibilities such as maintaining records (e.g., receipts for supplies, credit card purchases), ensuring work is carried out safely, and reporting on work accomplishments to supervisory staff
• Support in-district and off-district wildfire assignments where fuels project workload, staffing, and interest allow.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Excellent interpersonal competencies to navigate between diverse stakeholders and interests.
  
• Knowledge of basic forest and fire ecology to inform nuances of mitigation work.
  
• Understand how different environmental factors (weather, terrain, fuel types) influence fire behavior, and how mitigation can compensate for these risks.
  
• Knowledge of safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response procedures.
  
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team, communicating clearly and cooperating with others.
  
• Strong critical thinking skills to make quick decisions in dynamic and often dangerous situations.
  
• Familiarity with various suppression methods, equipment, and tools used in wildland firefighting.
  
• Ability to adjust to rapidly changing conditions and unexpected challenges.
  
• Capacity to endure physical and mental stress, maintaining focus and determination in high-pressure situations.
  
• Skills to assist in implementing plans for fire suppression and hazardous fuels management effectively.
  
• Ability to use and learn technology, including computers, tablets, and Mobile Data Computers (MDCs); competency using the Microsoft Office platform, Google products, and various programs for time & resource tracking, scheduling, and communication.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
  
• Can obtain a valid Colorado Drivers License within 30 days
  
• Must pass the Work Capacity Test (Pack Test) at the arduous level
  
• NWCG Qualified:
  
• Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1)
• Basic Faller (FAL 3)
• Must provide copies of completed Position Task Books (PTB)
  • NWCG/ICS Courses:
• S-131, S-130, S-190, L-180, S-212
• ICS 100, 200
• NIMS-700
  • Must provide proof of NWCG classes associated with minimum qualifications as outlined in NWCG PMS 310-1 at the time of hire.
• Minimum 3-5 years (dependent on type/quality) experience in woody fuels mitigation or wildland firefighting.
• CPR/First Aid

Preferred Qualifications:

• NWCG Qualified:
  • Intermediate Faller (FAL 2)
  • Any Single Resource Boss
• NWCG Courses:
  • S-219, S-211, S-215, L-280,
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Additional NWCG leadership or operations-level training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Can pass a department physical examination and pre-employment drug screening
• Can pass a background check and possess a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record
• 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 50-80

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 Summit Fire & EMS
• 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: January 30th, 2026, 5pm
• Testing process: Early March 2026
• Start date: April 27, 2026