State Firefighter II

The Department of Conservation and Recreation manages one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation and protects and enhances natural resources and outdoor recreational opportunities throughout Massachusetts. DCR is a dynamic agency, and is one of the largest park systems in the nation. The DCR system includes over 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails and parkways.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for the position of Seasonal State Firefighter II.

Duties:

• Patrols state and county forests, woodlands, and other property through on site inspection to detect wildland fires and to assess the condition of access roads, and reporting violations of the forest fire laws.

• Trains with and maintains firefighting equipment in proper condition by performing routine maintenance and inspection to ensure preparedness for emergency situations.

• Responds to and suppresses wildland fires, and may provide fire line and/or operational supervision at the direction of the District Fire Warden or higher, or the on-scene officer in charge/incident commander of municipal fire department having jurisdictional responsibility.

• Responds to calls for emergency assistance at the direction of the District Fire Warden by determining appropriate action to be taken, providing firefighting assistance and/or by providing emergency medical treatment to injured persons.

• Assists at the direction of the District Fire Warden in wildland fire investigation through visual inspection of sites and examination of physical evidence to gather information to be used in determining cause.

• Determines the exact location of fires through the use of topographical maps, charts, GPS, GIS, and other computer mapping software, and must triangulate with other fire towers through the use of alidades and other specialized fire detection equipment to ensure rapid response to the designated fire

• Operates fire towers, trains seasonal and other personnel on the forest fire detection system and related equipment, and coordinates fire tower observation operations.

• Gathers, records, and calculates daily indices of the fire weather system using remote automated weather stations (RAWS) or facility weather stations.

• May assist at the direction of the District Fire Warden in rescue operations by searching for lost persons, downed aircraft and flood or drowning victims.

• Maintains assigned area by assisting with fire break or road construction, maintaining fire roads and towers and keeping fire roads and power lines clear to ensure prompt and unobstructed access to emergency sites with the use of chain saws, brush saws and other related equipment.

• Assists at the direction of the District Fire Warden the training of fire agency staff, other agency fire personnel and the general public in the methods and techniques of fire prevention and control.

• Assists the District Fire Warden with delivery of Fire Prevention programming within the agency and to local partners and interested groups using the Smokey Bear program.

• Performs related duties as assigned and assists District Fire Warden in all aspects of fire management.

Based on assignment, incumbents of positions at this level also:

• Perform park or recreation area maintenance during low fire danger periods.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to understand and apply the laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, specifications, standards and guidelines governing assigned unit activities.
• Ability to maintain a calm manner, make decisions and act quickly in dangerous and emergency situations.
• Ability to work from ladders at heights greater than 20 feet.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy objects, including people.
• Manual dexterity, mechanical aptitude, physical stamina and endurance.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment.

• Ability to climb and work on tall structures.

Salaries are based upon full-time/40 hours worked per week. Work schedules and days off are at the discretion of the Supervisor. This position may require working weekends and/or holidays.

Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position.

Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

Applicants must have (A) at least one (1) season of wildland firefighting experience and (B) have successfully completed the following courses:

Incumbents are required to possess a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.