How to Become a Fuels & Wildland Crewmember with TMFR

Step One

Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District (TMFPD) Crewmembers are required to have a high school diploma or a GED and be at least 18 years of age.

Have at least one season of wildland firefighting experience and/or fuels management experience. A season counts as 6 to 9 months of continuous employment with an agency or contractor. Many of the applicants that apply with TMFPD have numerous seasons of experience. A few agencies to build seasonal experience are United States Forest Service (USFS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF), or other local agencies like city or county fire departments.

Link for TMFPD Job Descriptions and Salaries:  https://tmfpd.us/job-descriptions-salary-schedules/

Step Two

It is essential to understand that this is a year-round position (not seasonal), requiring hard work that will expose you to extreme temperatures throughout the year making it incredibly important to be physically fit. At TMFPD we use the BLM Fitness Test to aid in the hiring of our employees, a high score is invaluable to you.  The information for this can be found at https://www.nifc.gov/about-us/our-partners/blm/training/fitness-challenge

Step Three

While not required, these courses will improve your chances of being considered an ideal candidate: 

• NWCG S-130   
• NWCG S-190
• NWCG S-212
• ICS 100
• ICS 200
• ICS 700
• ICS 800

NWCG classes are offered at TMCC or online at:

Wildland Fire Training Program - Fire Technology - Truckee Meadows Community College at https://www.tmcc.edu/fire-technology/wildland-fire-training-program

ICS Classes at https://training.fema.gov/is/

Additional actions that can improve your opportunity for success

• Ranching experience, construction experience or tree climbing / tree service experience. Experience in these fields shows similar hardworking responsibilities and exposes you to working in outdoor environments.
• Schooling in forestry, natural resources, or a closely related field.

If hired as a Crewmember, you will have the opportunity to progress as an individual and in your career within TMFPD. Crewmembers who develop their knowledge, skills and abilities will increase their opportunities within the District.  Some of these include Engine Operator position which could lead into a Squad Boss position. Being a Crewmember with TMFPD allows you internal opportunities to become a Firefighter on the structure side if you are willing to go through the steps to become a certified EMT or Paramedic.

There are pay incentives for being an AEMT or higher, arborist certified, herbicide applicator certified, BA in related field and/or being Task Force Leader (TFLD) or Division qualified.

TMFPD always encourages you to build your experience and training in the Wildland Fire and Fuels environment.