SHALOM!!
Over the years I've noticed that a few PALS work or have worked as wildland firefighters. I submitted quite a few applications for entry level (GS3) forestry aid/technician jobs this month through USAJOBS, both with engine crews and hand crews with the forest service and BLM. Started calling FSO's last week and have had a few great conversations and learned a lot already, which has made me want the job even more!
Any advice on the application process, physical training (I've been running 4 days a week, 5 miles Tuesday, 7 miles Thursday, 10-12 miles Saturday, and 3-4 miles Sunday at about 7 minute/mile pace for the past few months, surfing, and doing yoga and bodyweight workouts 4 days a week since the start of lockdown back in March), and what to expect would be much appreciated! I have a feeling I'll have to put in a lot of work making the case for myself on these calls, because I've worked what is essentially a desk job at a nonprofit for the past 3 years and am concerned that I'm older than a lot of applicants (I'm 26, turning 27 in August). I'll really take all the help/advice I can get. Also considering trying to take the s130 and s190 online, if I can find a class. Some of the FSO's I've spoken with have recommended getting trained up ahead of time to make myself more marketable, and others have said not to worry about it because all rookies are required to take the course when they get hired on at the start of the season.
Any tips, stories from the field, or books/online resources to check out would be rad. Thanks in advance, pals!
So, here it goes. First off, don't worry about your age. I was 29 when I worked my first season on an engine. A lot of times they like the older guys/gals, because you have different life experiences than the normal person that gets into this at 18.
When I got into it, I was already in a structural fire protection degree at a community college, and it was a non credit class that was offered for free by the state at my college (130/190), and it interested me. In the midst of the class, I applied for a bunch of jobs, with no real clue or direction of how to get one, other than that I was already an EMT. Basically, I stumbled into it and got lucky that someone took a chance on me.
You sound like you're off to a good start as far as calling people go. That's super important, even though most of the people you talk to will not be the ones making the final decision on whether you get hired or not. That decision ultimately gets made in Albuquerque by people who probably have no fire line experience. That said, they do have influence. My first season I didn't call anyone, and just got lucky that someone picked me up (part of having no clue what the fuck I was doing), but my third season, when I moved away from my first forest, I called all of my top picks about once a week, just to check in for a month or two, then about every two weeks. The key is to show interest, but not be annoying. Ask them about their program, what kinds of fire do they see, what kind of terrain do they operate in, what their prescribed fire program is like, and after a while, just ask them how they are doing.
As far as your PT is going with the running, I would say that you should cut down on your long runs. Some crews are run heavy, and some crews are hike heavy as far as PT goes, but for you in the preseason, don't take the risk of getting a stress fracture. I think the better option would be to keep your short run days down to 3-5 miles, and your long run days to 5-7. If you can run those "shorter" distances, you can take anything they will throw at you. Also, make sure that hills are included in your runs, and try to fit sprint intervals in there as well. Most of wildland fire is hurry up and wait, with short burst energy thrown in. As a part of your calls though, ask the crews what their PT program is, and build yourself up around that. If you live near to where you are applying, ask them if you can go meet up with them and PT. This is another good way to see where you should be, plus, they get to know who you are, and see what you may or may not be capable of, and where you can improve.
Personally, I would say that if you have access to an in person 130/190 class you should take it, though it's up to you if you want to pay for it. Some programs will offer the class for rookies and some won't, so I say don't take a chance on it. It will show that you have initiative and are willing to work towards getting the job as well, even if they make you retake it on their own program.
The other super important thing is: invest in legit boots and socks. I bought a pair of White's before my first season, and one of the other rookies bought a pair of some off brand bullshit, and he was bummed he did, especially on our first roll, when he actually had to work 16s for 2 weeks. Other great brands are Nick's, Drew's and JK. That part is mostly personal preference, and just coming into it, I made my decision over the overall reputation of White's. I didn't get mine custom, but all of those boot companies will build your boots based on your foot, if you mail in your "dimensions". Check your website for that. That said, these boots are super expensive, but I feel, this is 100% worth it. Good boots mean that you get to walk. If you can't walk, you can't work, and you don't get paid. And socks. I went on every roll with 28 pairs of socks. 14 thin liner socks, and 14 thick socks. Always wool. I used to pairs at once, because then the socks would rub against each other and not against my skin. Never had a blister. BREAK IN YOUR BOOTS BEFORE YOU GET TO YOUR WORK CENTER. And by this I mean, hike in them, walk in them just wear them. Don't do any dumb shit like fill them with water and freeze them, or get in the tub with them on and walk around with them on until they dry. Just wear them. You do not want to break in your boots on the job.
Last, but not least: learn how to embrace the suck. It's hard labor, in dirty conditions, with no luxuries. If you love doing cool guy shit with your buddies, then that won't bother you, but if you need a bed to sleep, this job ain't for you.
Honestly, it's my favorite job that I have ever had, and if I could go back and talk to my high school self, I would tell myself to start at 18 and work until my knees said "no more". Ultimately, like anything else, you get out of it what you put in. You'll always remember it though, whether you put in 1 season, or 20.
Topic: Wildland Firefighting (Read 819 times)