CEDAR CITY— Do you enjoy being outdoors? Ever thought about being a wildland firefighter? Four national forests in Utah have partnered to introduce women to career possibilities in wildland fire with the U.S. Forest Service.
The “Women in Wildland Fire” program provides an opportunity to gain preparatory wildfire training and experience and introduce participants to career options with natural resource management in the U.S. Forest Service.
The Dixie, Fishlake, Manti-La Sal, and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache national forests are looking for motivated hardworking individuals to train and become part of the “Women in Wildland Fire” program as “call when needed” wildland firefighters.
Applications are available and accepted online until March 11.
Work as a wildland firefighter can be physically demanding and involve work in close proximity to open flames, heat and smoke, but it also lends itself to achieving teamwork skills and leadership development. Work consists of hiking, carrying heavy equipment, working near heavy machinery and using fire hand tools such as shovels and chainsaws.
“If you are considering being a wildland firefighter, this program provides female mentorship and training to be successful. Why not give it a try” wildland firefighter Megan Saylors said.
Minimum federal qualification requirements:
- At least 18 years old at time of employment
- Good mental and physical condition
- Pass provided basic wildland firefighter training
- Pass agency work capacity test at the arduous level
- Three-mile hike on flat ground with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less
- Work capacity test – see brochure here
For more information regarding the “Women in Wildland Fire” program, contact Megan Saylors at telephone 435-826-5478 or by email to [email protected].