Fuels Crewmember

SUMMARY:

Fuels Crew Member reports directly to the Fuels Crew Superintendent.   Ensures own safety in all aspects of assignment; Cut and remove brush, small trees, and other vegetation using chainsaws, weed-eaters, trimmers, handsaws, pole saws, rakes, Mcleods, Pulaski’s, pruning shears, broom pullers, shovels, walk behind mowers etc. to reduce hazardous wildland fuels and create a fuel break; Operate wood/chipper machine to chip small trees and other vegetation and spread chips with hand tools; chainsaws and/or other hand tools; Attend fire department training and meetings including safety trainings; Monitor fire weather conditions using hand-held kestrel weather kit; Inspect, clean and repair chainsaws and other tools and equipment; Performs related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Depending upon assignment; duties may include but are not limited to the following: 

• Cut and remove brush, small trees, and other hazardous vegetation utilizing chainsaws, weed eaters, trimmers, pole saws, rakes, mcleods, pulaski’s, axe, rhinos, rogue hoe, shovels, mowers, and other brush clearing tools as required to create fuel breaks. 
• Operate and work around woodchippers. 
• Attend department training and meetings. 
• Read and understand fire weather.  Use GIS devices and understand map reading. 
• Inspect, clean, and maintain department owned chainsaws, firefighting hand tools, and vehicles. 
• Perform other duties as assigned
• Perform heavy physical work and walk for extended periods of time.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Use sound judgment.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Safely and effectively operate various power tools, and hand tools.
• Utilize two-way radio.
• Maintain manual and automated records and create reports.
• Establish and maintain positive and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work at all levels, including a culturally diverse public, with a focus on quality service to internal and external customers.
• Work in a team setting to achieve goals and objectives.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: High school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.

NWCG Courses: S-100, S-130, S-190 (highly desirable)

Possession of an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) License (highly desirable)

California Driver’s License – (Highly desirable but not required)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING ENVIRONMENT/SCHEDULE:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Fuels Crew Member work under extreme heat and cold temperatures, exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity, exposure to dust, fumes, smoke, gases, odors and other irritating particles, exposure to excessive noise, solvents and grease, exposure to flames or burning items. Fuels Crew Member are required to wear a department-issued uniform and Personal Protective Equipment. Work may require physical exertion, including standing, stooping, reaching, crawling, climbing, lifting, pushing, and or carrying. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull at least 45 pounds.

WORKING CONDITIOINS

Work in outdoor and indoor environments with intermittent to frequent exposure to a variety of extreme weather conditions, including heat, rain, cold, wind and dust. Work under significant risk conditions such as fire, injury, and death. Occasional work in confined areas. Exposure to hazardous materials may occur. Willingness to work in remote areas and on weekends and holidays and remain assigned to fire assignments for up to two weeks away from home. 

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to pass a comprehensive medical examination that includes a drug and alcohol screening.