Wildland Firefighter (Smokejumper)

Summary

Smokejumper Duties

Serves as an experienced smokejumper, performing parachute jumps, and a variety of wildland fire suppression duties.

Makes parachute jumps from various aircraft under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber.

Performs wildland fire suppression duties using a variety of hand and power tools (such as Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod).

As assigned may jump as incident commander, determining fire strategy, making work assignments, reviewing work performance, completing fire and time reports.

May also serve as single resource boss. Participates in and successfully completes annual refresher training in parachute jumping, parachute handling, firefighting, and use of specialized tools and techniques.

Coordinates with spotter to select jump spot. Makes advanced tactical decisions, evaluates fire behavior and potential fire risk to determine resource needs.

Plans logistical needs for multiple shifts.

May obtain FAA certifications such as Senior or Master Parachute Rigger. Packs and maintains parachutes for intentional jumping for self and others, packs reserve parachutes as well.

Constructs and maintains gear such as parachute harness, jump gear and other equipment to ensure jump program functionality.

May participate in training new smokejumpers to become proficient with physical and mental requirements of smokejumper positions.

Ensures airplane is loaded properly. Constructs and maintains cargo containers and cargo parachutes for paracargo operations.

May serve as Assistant Spotter, during fire and paracargo missions, using CRM skills to assist with paracargo and smokejumper deployments.

Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel, truck, bus, helicopter, etc.

May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.

May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.

Job Description

Smokejumper Duties

Serves as an experienced smokejumper, performing parachute jumps, and a variety of wildland fire suppression duties.

Makes parachute jumps from various aircraft under many conditions while executing landings on rough terrain, open areas, mountain slopes, or timber.

Performs wildland fire suppression duties using a variety of hand and power tools (such as Pulaski, shovel, chain saw, and McLeod).

As assigned may jump as incident commander, determining fire strategy, making work assignments, reviewing work performance, completing fire and time reports.

May also serve as single resource boss. Participates in and successfully completes annual refresher training in parachute jumping, parachute handling, firefighting, and use of specialized tools and techniques.

Coordinates with spotter to select jump spot. Makes advanced tactical decisions, evaluates fire behavior and potential fire risk to determine resource needs.

Plans logistical needs for multiple shifts.

May obtain FAA certifications such as Senior or Master Parachute Rigger. Packs and maintains parachutes for intentional jumping for self and others, packs reserve parachutes as well.

Constructs and maintains gear such as parachute harness, jump gear and other equipment to ensure jump program functionality.

May participate in training new smokejumpers to become proficient with physical and mental requirements of smokejumper positions.

Ensures airplane is loaded properly. Constructs and maintains cargo containers and cargo parachutes for paracargo operations.

May serve as Assistant Spotter, during fire and paracargo missions, using CRM skills to assist with paracargo and smokejumper deployments.

Travel to fire assignments may vary from parachute jumping to foot travel, truck, bus, helicopter, etc.

May be assigned to other resource management activities such as recreation, timber, or reforestation when not performing fire suppression duties.

May inventory fuel beds, prepare associated reports, perform hazard fuel reduction projects, monitor burning conditions, pile vegetation debris and act in assigned positions during fuel reduction efforts by prescribed fire.