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Wildland Engine Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wildland Engine Boss

Usk, WA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Seasonal Wildland Engine Boss Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal ... Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and ...

Fire Engine Captain

Flagstaff, AZ ยท On-site

$24.71 - $26.42/hr

This position directs the activities of a wildland engine and its crew during daily project work, fire operations (both emergency and planned events), and all risk operations. Responsible for ...

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Wildland Engine Crew information

What are Wildland Engine Crews?

Wildland Engine Crews are teams of firefighters specifically trained to respond to wildfires using fire engines. These crews operate specialized vehicles equipped with water tanks, hoses, and other firefighting tools, allowing them to access remote areas and quickly suppress fires. Their primary duties include attacking wildfires, protecting structures, and performing initial fire suppression efforts. Wildland Engine Crews often work long hours in challenging conditions and may be dispatched to wildfire incidents across various regions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Wildland Engine Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Wildland Engine Crew member, you need physical fitness, knowledge of fire behavior, and completion of basic wildland firefighting training such as S-130/S-190. Familiarity with firefighting tools, pumps, hoses, and navigation systems like GPS is typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for safely and effectively combating wildfires and ensuring crew safety in challenging, unpredictable environments.

What is the difference between Wildland Engine Crew vs Hotshot Crew?

AspectWildland Engine CrewHotshot Crew
CertificationsFirefighter Type 2 (FFT2), S-130/S-190Same as Wildland Engine Crew, plus additional leadership training
Work EnvironmentFire engines, forested areas, fire suppressionRemote, rugged terrains, intense wildfire suppression
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, and local fire agenciesPrimarily federal agencies like USFS, BLM

Wildland Engine Crews and Hotshot Crews both work in wildfire suppression, often sharing certifications and work environments. However, Hotshot Crews are specialized, highly trained teams that operate in more remote and challenging terrains, often taking on the most demanding wildfire suppression tasks. Wildland Engine Crews typically support fire suppression with engines and equipment, while Hotshot Crews are elite teams with additional leadership roles and extensive training.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a Wildland Engine Crew during fire season?

Members of a Wildland Engine Crew often face physically demanding work, unpredictable hours, and rapidly changing fire conditions. Crew members must be prepared for long shifts, sometimes in remote areas with limited access to resources or communication. Effective teamwork, adaptability, and maintaining safety protocols are crucial to managing fatigue and stress during intense fire activity. To succeed, crew members should be ready for diverse tasks, from line construction to equipment maintenance, and must collaborate closely with other emergency personnel.
More about Wildland Engine Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Wildland Engine Crew jobs? Cities with the most Wildland Engine Crew job openings:
What states have the most Wildland Engine Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Wildland Engine Crew jobs include:
Infographic showing various Wildland Engine Crew job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 36% Part Time, and 20% Temporary. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Wildland Engine Boss

Kalispel

Usk, WA โ€ข On-site

$16.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Seasonal Wildland Engine Boss
Hiring Preference: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is an Equal opportunity employer. Consistent with federal law, the Kalispel Tribe of Indians applies Indian preference in employment. It is the policy of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to give preference in hiring, promotions, and transfers into vacant positions to qualified applicants in the following order: 1) Kalispel Tribal Members; 2) Descendant or Spouse of an enrolled Kalispel Tribal Member; 3) enrolled members of other Indian Tribes; 4) all other applicants. At-Will Employment: Employment with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians is at-will and can be terminated with or without cause, and with or without notice, at any time, either at the option of the employee or the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Drug Testing: The Kalispel Tribe of Indians is a drug free work place. All applicants are subject to drug testing at the time of hire and at unannounced times during employment. Background Investigation: All candidates and employees may be subject to a background investigation.
Summary of Functions
Assist in the plan and coordinates activities of a combination fire department, including fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical services, disaster planning, and hazardous material mitigation by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responds to Wildland Fire calls on the Kalispel Indian Reservation, Auto Aid and Mutual Aid jurisdictions.
  • Move out on wildland fires with KTFD Wildland engine crews.
  • Performs as a member of a fire crew assigned to suppress the full range of difficulty and complexity of fires.
  • Moves dirt, chops brush, fells small trees, etc., to build fire line using hand tools such as axe, pulaski, shovel and McLeod, and power saws to control spreading wildland fire.
  • Patrols areas of controlled fire to "mop-up" by searching out and extinguishing any remaining burning material.
  • Operates specialized fire suppression equipment such as portable pumps or drip torches.
  • May be assigned to other resource management activities such as fuels, recreation, timber or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.
  • Overnight travel will be required for fire suppression or fire related assignments.
  • Must be available 24/7 for fire assignment during fire season.
  • Must be available for up to 21 days per fire assignment not counting travel days.

Additional Functions
  • Additional duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervise assigned engine crew of up to 2 Wildland Firefighters.
Qualifications
  • Basic knowledge of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians and the reservation.
  • Knowledge of basic computer skills.
  • Valid driver's license and be eligible for automobile insurance.
  • Qualified Engine Boss per NWCG
  • ICS 100
  • ICS 200
  • NIMS 700
  • NIMS 800

Wildland Firefighter Physical Requirements
  • Annual Pack test (3 miles, 45 pounds, 45 mins or less).
  • Pass the required BIA firefighter physical.

Certificates, Licenses, Regulations
  • Certified First Aid/ CPR, EMT preferred.
  • Washington State Boaters Safety card.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Position requires working on an engine crew, it is imperative that the WFF2 works well with others.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to smoke, moving mechanical parts, heat and dust. The worker is frequently subject to outside environmental conditions and to wet and/or humid conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands
This position is classed as an arduous fire position under the Interagency Wildfire Qualifications Standards.
Required to achieve an arduous rating on the "Pack Test", which requires you to walk 3 miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and climb uneven terrain. The employee must regularly lift and/ or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds.
A firefighter's physical will be required annually.
Disclaimer: Certain Licenses and Certification requirements can be obtained once hired.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.