Firefighter Type-1 Job Description

Summary

The Firefighter Type 1 leads a small group (usually not more than seven members) and is responsible for their safety on wildland and prescribed fire incidents. The FFT1 supervises resources at the FFT2 level and reports to a Crew Boss or other assigned supervisor. The FFT1 works in the Operations functional area.

Requirements

Must be able to pass the work capacity fitness test (Must carry a 45 lb pack for 3 miles within 45 minutes). Failure to meet any of the required medical qualifications will disqualify you for employment. Any condition, which would cause you to be a hazard to yourself or to others, will disqualify you for employment.

Qualifications

Selective Placement Factors: This position requires special qualifications that have been determined to be essential to perform the duties and will be used as screen out elements. Those who do not provide evidence they possess the following selective factor(s) will be rated not qualified:

• A valid state driver's license.

• NWCG Incident Management Qualifications* - Firefighter Type 1 (FFT1).

• Required Training - S-290 - Intermediate Fire Behavior

In Addition to the Selective Placement Factors: For FFT1: 

• One year of specialized wildland fire management experience equivalent to the FFT2 level in the Federal service. At the FFT2 level the incumbent performs standard assignments under general supervision using well established policies, procedures, and techniques. Examples: Serving as a crew member on an engine, or hand crew; utilizing a variety of specialized tools, equipment, and techniques while actively suppressing wildfires; and under direction performing basic fireline activities such as line construction, hose layout, operations of pumps and accessories, lopping and scattering of fuels using hand tools.

- OR -

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in forestry, range management, agriculture, or a subject-matter field directly related to the position, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as forestry, agriculture, crop or plant science, range management or conservation, wildlife management, watershed management, soil science, natural resources (except marine fisheries and oceanography), outdoor recreation management, civil or forest engineering, or wildland fire science.

Prepare & Mobilize

• Ensure individual readiness.

• Gather critical information pertinent to the assignment.

• Review Incident Action Plan (IAP) and obtain briefing, objectives, and intent from supervisor.

Build the Team

• Assemble and validate readiness of assigned personnel and equipment.

• Establish and communicate chain of command, reporting procedures, risk management processes, and radio frequency management.

• Establish a common operating picture with supervisor and subordinates.

• Brief assigned personnel using IAP and/or IRPG briefing checklist.

Lead, Supervise, Direct

• Model leadership values and principles. Provide positive influence. Emphasize teamwork.

• Establish and communicate objectives, priorities, work assignments, and performance expectations.

• Identify, analyze, and use relevant situational information to make more informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

• Adjust actions based on changing information and evolving situation awareness. Develop and implement contingency plans. Communicate changing conditions to assigned resources and supervisor.

• Ensure incident objectives and performance standards are met.

• Monitor performance and provide immediate and regular feedback to assigned personnel.

Perform FFT1 Specific Duties

• Mentor and train assigned resources in safe firefighting practices (e.g., tool maintenance, fire line construction techniques).

• Adhere to the Chain of Command as it applies to crew configuration.

• Locate fireline and implement appropriate fireline construction methods (e.g., mineral soil scrape, cup trenching, removal of ladder fuels) necessary to stop fire spread and ensure completion to acceptable standards.

• Utilize appropriate fireline tactics, including indirect and direct attack strategies.

• Verify driver/operator qualifications and ensure adherence to vehicle safety procedures when transporting personnel and equipment.

• Use firing devices under supervision on a firing operation according to the ignition/firing plan (verbal or written).

• Maintain and inspect tools, equipment, and supplies required to complete assigned task for amount, serviceability, and safety. Notify supervisor if corrective action is needed.

Perform Fireline Duties

• Carry IRPG at all times and use it to guide actions.

• Request, direct, and provide feedback to aerial resources through established chain of command.

• Provide status updates on conditions affecting operations, hazardous conditions, unresolved conflicts, air operations, etc. to supervisor.

• Through established chain of command, assist the responsible land management agency and/or assigned Resource Advisor, with the protection of natural, cultural and other resources. Communicate when such resources are discovered and document suppression impacts.

• Use maps, compass, Global Positioning System (GPS) and other tools and applications to gather information and navigate on incident.

• Collect, document and report weather observations utilizing the Belt Weather Kit or electronic weather meter.

• Contribute to the planning process by providing accurate information and recommendations through established chain of command.

Perform Wildland Urban Interface Duties

• Conduct WUI operations according to guidelines stated in IRPG, incident-specific objectives and guidelines, and agency-specific guidance.

Communicate & Coordinate

• Follow established processes and chain of command for collecting, producing, and distributing information.

• Report any changes in fire behavior or hazardous conditions to supervisor.

• Communicate effectively using multichannel radios. Prepare and program radios for assignment. Use plain language and ICS terminology.

• Conduct and/or participate in After Action Reviews (AAR).

Manage Risk

• Apply the Risk Management Process as stated in the IRPG:

  • Identify Hazards

  • Assess Hazards

  • Develop Controls and Make Risk Decisions

  • Implement Controls

  • Supervise and Evaluate

• Ensure Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones (LCES) are established and known to all firefighters before they are needed. Refer to guidelines stated in the IRPG.

• Apply the Standard Firefighting Orders and Watch Out Situations to your assignment, as stated in the IRPG.

• Use Look Up, Down and Around in the IRPG to help maintain situational awareness. Adjust actions accordingly.

• Ensure compliance with all safety practices and procedures for assigned personnel.

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of fatigue, illness, or injury. Mitigate appropriately.

• Account for location, health, safety, and welfare of assigned personnel.