Job Description:
Wildland Firefighter (Temp, On-Call)
Description
Overview One Agency, One Mission: Public Safety Join the Larimer County Sheriff's Office in fighting wildland fires!
Wildland Firefighter (Temp, On-Call) isa
temporary , part-time , on-call position under the direct supervision of our Emergency Services Unit. LCSO Wildland Firefighters are known throughout the United States for top-level training and dedication to safety on the fireline. Our on-call firefighters assist our Phantom Canyon Crew with wildland fire suppression, management, and control, as a firefighter on an engine or hand crew. Other wildland fire related duties may involve fire prevention through fuels mitigation projects, patrol, detection or prescribed burning.
**Pay rate for this position is $22.0610 per hour. Learn more about the On-Call Firefighter Program HERE. Responsibilities**This selection process is in preparation for the 2026 fire season. What you'll be doing: - Use, operate, and maintain basic wildfire equipment and vehicles plus a variety of hand tools, portable pumps, chain saws, and firing equipment for constructing fire line and suppressing the wildfire.
- May be a fire line supervisor depending on National Wildfire Coordination Group (NWCG) qualifications and experience.
- Ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn always and safety procedures are followed during all operations.
- Maintain inventory and required equipment on assigned apparatus.
- Take direction from assigned fire line supervisors and communicates fire status, safety, and equipment information as necessary or assigned.
- Participate in a minimum of two monthly training sessions that are offered from April to October.
*View full job description and physical requirements for Forestry Technician TEMP HERE. (Forestry Technician TEMP is the official job description of this position.) What we're looking for: - Physical/Mental Endurance: Wildland Firefighters are required to work long hours in arduous outdoor environments. Physical and mental fitness is a key component to safety for each member of the organization.
- Integrity: Honesty and Accountability is essential to build trust within the crew and the public that the Sheriff's Office serves to protect.
- Teamwork: The ability to work effectively with others in a collaborative environment is crucial for overall team success and safety.
- Adaptability: Wildland firefighters must be flexible and adaptable to various weather conditions, terrain obstacles, and unpredictable schedules.
- Good Communication Skills: Clear and effective communication is vital for exchanging information and coordinating actions with other team members during emergencies.
QualificationsTo move forward in the hiring process, candidates must meet the required minimum qualifications. That said, we encourage you to think about your unique background and skills before applying. People often underestimate how their experiences match up with a role’s needs. We encourage you to apply if you meet the minimum qualifications and believe your skills and perspective can add value to this position.
To be eligible, all applications must meet the following minimum qualifications at the time of application : - Must have successfully completed at a minimum:
- NWCG or FEMA Introduction to ICS (I-100)
- NWCG Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
- NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
- NWCG Firefighter Training (S-130) with proof of required instructor led field exercise
- National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) (IS-700)
- OR be currently enrolled in a training program -proof of enrollment must be include d with the application
- Must be able to obtain an maintain First Aid and Community CPR Certifications
- Must successfully complete the NWCG Work Capacity Test
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Must hold a valid, current driver's license
- Must reside within 50 miles of 1303 N. Shields, Fort Collins, CO 80524
(The
Red Card is an agency-issued document that certifies that an individual has the training, experience, and physical fitness to perform the tasks of a specified position on a wildland or prescribed fire.)
BENEFITS For all temporary positions, sick leave and our Employee Assistance Program are available and other benefits may be available. To view information on Larimer County's Benefits, visit
www.larimer.org/hr/benefits .
Supplemental Information SCHEDULE - This is an temporary, on-call position - start date April 16, 2026. Ability to work weekends and holidays.
Hiring process steps to include, but not limited to : - Complete online application and submit required certifications
- Prescreening
- NCIC/CCIC Background Check
- Conditional offer upon successful completion of previous steps
- Complete Health Screening Questionnaire (HSQ)
- Complete Waiver of Liability for the Work Capacity Test
- Review of HSQ (if there are areas of concern, a medical exam may be required prior to the next step)
- NWCG Work Capacity Tes t - Walking 3-miles in 45 minutes, carrying 45lbs if not yet completed
- Annual Fireline Refresher (RT-130) - attend in person on either 4/4/26 or 4/11/26 from 0800-1600 hours.
- Attendance is only required for one of the dates offered.
- New Firefighter Orientation - immediately following RT-130 from 1600-1800
- LCSO Fitness Challenge - Successful completion of the LCSO Fitness Challenge will be required for anyone that will be available to fight fire outside of Larimer County. The Fitness Challenge consists of a 1.5 mile run for time, maximum reps of push-ups and pull ups, and a plank for time. Dates, times and locations To Be Determined.
- Leadership final approval
Applicants must meet all of the following: - Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
- Cannot have a felony conviction
- No convictions involving domestic violence
- No use of illegal drugs within the past five years
- The Sheriff’s Office prohibits possession and/or use of marijuana by employees under any circumstances and expects employees to comply with federal law.
Recruitment Contact: Questions on the position - email Wildfire Recruiting at
sheriff-fire@larimer.gov Questions on the hiring process - email Rachel Nye at
nyerm@co.larimer.co.usFor all temporary positions, sick leave and our Employee Assistance Program are available and other benefits may be available. Larimer County offers the following for all Regular/Limited Term positions:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits.
- Flexible Spending Accounts / Health Savings Account
- Short and Long Term Disability.
- Employee Assistance Program
- Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
- Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Retirement Plan 401(a) with employer match.
- 457(b) Deferred Compensation.
- Paid time off including vacation, sick and holidays.
Click here to view information on Larimer County's Benefits.
Closing Date/Time: 2/28/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
Salary:
$22.06 Hourly