FAQs
How do you get promoted to supervisor?
Inbound maintains a competency and performance based qualification system that evaluates an individual's job competence and fire experience combined with formal classroom training. Inbound offers advanced training opportunities for those individuals demonstrating leadership and meeting the established competentcies for the position.
How do we get to the fire and what is our plan for accommodations?
Inbound provides transportation to and from the fire. You will likely be traveling by truck although we do have one van. We sometimes are required to hike or take a helicopter into isolated locations. Once we arrive at the incident, we will be staying in a government provided fire camp, a camp located near the fire where we can pitch our tents, eat, bathe, and rest up for the next day.
Where does Inbound typically fight fires?
Inbound is called when the nation's forests are on fire. Inbound has both national and state firefighting contracts and provides fire hand crews and engines to support suppression efforts. This allows us to respond to local fires in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and anywhere else in the continental United States. We have fought fires in more than 13 states over the past 5 years.
Do I have to live near the dispatch site?
It is preferred that you live within a two hour radius of our equipment dispatch location. Our hand crews are located in Oakridge, Oregon. We must be ready to roll to the incident within 2 hours of being dispatched.
What equipment is provided and what equipment do I need to provide?
The Company will provide all personal protective equipment required for the position including nomex flame resistant shirts and pants, hard hat, goggles, fire shelter, head lamp, gloves, day pack, hearing protection, and eye protection. The recommended personally provided gear for wildland firefighters will be discussed during training. You should have a good pair of fire boots (leather work boots, lace-up, 8" high, vibrum soles, non-steel toed), a tent and a sleeping bag, and your personal items.
What is the work capacity fit test (pack test)?
The work capacity fitness test, also referred to as the "pack test", is a three mile hike while carrying a 45 pound pack. This test must be completed in less than 45 minutes. The pack test can be retaken under certain circumstances, and may require a doctors release.
What type of identification is required?
You must have two forms of government issued ID, one of which must have a picture. Student ID cards are not an acceptable form of government picture ID. Driver's licenses, social security cards and government issued passports are all acceptable forms of government issued ID. Our training manager will evaluate your identification for compliance to the contract requirements.
How long does the training take, and are there any fees?
The entry-level, basic firefighting training (S130/S190/L180) is a 40 hour course (5 days). You must attend all of the training in order to be issued your red card. There is no fee for the training if you intend to work for the Company during the wildfire season. The course includes lunches, a pack test, CPR and First Aid, AED training, and company policies and procedures.
Will I work long hours? How much should I expect to make?
Wildland firefighters often work long hours, averaging 12-14 hours a day (80-100hrs/week). You may be dispatched to wildfire assignments for up to 14 days straight or more if fire conditions warrant.
The starting wage is approximately $31.07/hr which consists of a base pay of $26.50/hr plus $4.57/hr for 'health and welfare' benefits. Health and welfare is subject to change based on government contract specifications. Health and welfare is not subject to overtime pay.
Overtime hours worked will be paid at time and a half, not including benefits. A work week is Sunday thru Saturday. Pay periods are bi-weekly.
When does the job begin and how many hours will I work?
Wildland firefighter positions are seasonal, on-call positions. The duration of these positions is very unpredictable based on factors such as weather conditions, ignitions and fuel moisture content. Based on the trends of past years, the wildfire season can begin as early as June and end as late as November.
Is there a minimum age requirement to fight fires?
Wildland firefighters must be at least 18 years of age.
Can firefighting be dangerous?
Wildland firefighting is absolutely a dangerous profession. We have implented saftey procedures and risks are minimized by providing supervisors experienced in fire behavior and the company requirements to wear the appropriate personal protective equipment and by working together and following company policies. We offer several field day operations in the pre-season to reinforce the use of PP&E and we use a mentoring system so each new firefighter has a mentor, a person with more than one season of experience, during their first season.
What does a wildland firefighter do?
Wildland firefighters work under difficult and extreme conditions. Typically they are self disciplined outdoor types who are in excellent physical condition and enjoy working closely with 19 other crewmembers. During incidents they aid in the suppression of fires by constructing fireline, fuels reduction, and hose lays and other duties as assigned.
As an on-call firefighter for Inbound, LLC, what can I expect?
As an on-call seasonal firefighter you will be compensated for the time in which you are working, including during travel to the fire. The time during which you are waiting for a dispatch call is not compensated.