Engine Boss Seasonal Position

Job Specification: Wildland Engine Captain (ENGB)
Division: Emergency Operations – Wildland
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Operations or Assigned Supervisor
Work Schedule: 32 hours a week (excluding deployments), (40 hour week and Benefits Negotiable)

Pay Scale:  $29.50-$34.50 depending on experience, Out of District Deployment Differential of 30%.

 

Start date:  April 26, 2027, ending October 7, 2027 (mutually agreed extension is possible)
Classification: Time-Limited/Seasonal or Permanent (Based on Position)

Mission

The Central Valley Fire District serves our communities with excellence through the delivery of services to preserve life and property.

 

Vision

At the Central Valley Fire District, we will continue to be progressive leaders in the protection of life and property. We will continue to build a resilient workforce of dedicated public servants to meet and exceed community expectations. We will continue to be innovators in the fields of training, health, safety, and public service through collaboration and professionalism.

 

Values

·         Family - Fostered by supportive relationships.

·         Integrity - Our moral compass.

·         Trust - Earned by our actions.

·         Professionalism - As we serve our community.

Position Overview

The Wildland Engine Captain (ENGB) leads a fire engine and assigned personnel during wildland and prescribed fire incidents. This role ensures operational effectiveness, tactical fire-line decision making, and overall crew safety. The Wildland Engine Captain represents Central Valley Fire District in interagency wildfire efforts and may serve as a liaison with other public and private stakeholders in fire prevention and mitigation activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Crew Leadership & Safety:
  • Supervise and direct assigned crew during wildland suppression, mitigation, and preparedness efforts.
  • Serve as crew safety officer and implement risk management principles.
  • Conduct pre-shift briefings, assess crew capabilities, and ensure safe work practices.
• Fire Suppression & Incident Operations:
  • Lead engine operations during initial and extended attack wildland fire incidents.
  • Operate and oversee use of hoses, pumps, Type 3&6 wildland engines, and hand tools.
  • Perform as Initial Attack Incident Commander and coordinate with other resources.
  • Apply ICS principles and serve within a unified command, when necessary.
• Mitigation & Prevention:
  • Conduct defensible space evaluations and mitigation efforts in Home Ignition Zones (HIZ).
  • Present mitigation benefits and promote defensible space practices to residents and community stakeholders.
  • Work closely with the Preparedness and Mitigation Manager and act as liaison with homeowners.
• Equipment & Training:
  • Maintain readiness of fire engine, tools, and PPE; conduct routine maintenance.
  • Train and mentor crew members in wildland suppression tactics and safety practices.
  • Maintain training records and NWCG certification standards.
• Documentation & Administrative Tasks:
  • Complete fire line documentation including resource reports, time tracking, and incident forms.
  • Participate in after-action reviews and assist with fire investigation reporting as needed.
  • Daily training and job log.
• Other Duties:
  • Assist with prescribed fire operations, community events, and hazard fuel reduction projects.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Deputy Chief or designee.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Wildland fire behavior, suppression tactics, and operations.
• Creating defensible space and mitigating fuels in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI).
• Proficient with chainsaws, chippers, masticators, pumps, and power tools.
• Understanding of ICS, fireground strategy, and crew resource management.
• Ability to assess fire line conditions and make safe, effective decisions.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal wildfire agreements.
• Strong written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Situational awareness, calm demeanor under pressure, and team leadership.
• Proficiency in using radios, mobile devices, and office software.
• Ability to operate and perform basic repairs on wildland firefighting equipment.

 

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma or GED (required).
• Valid Montana Class D driver’s license.
• Current BLS/CPR card.
• NIMS courses: ICS-100, 200. IS-700, 800.
• Completion of NWCG: S-130, S-190, L-180, S-112, S-229, S-231, S-290, S-260.
• Preferred courses: S-212, S-230, S-215, S-219.
• Qualified Red Carded as ENGB (Engine Boss), and FAL3 (preferred).
• Minimum 2 years wildland fire experience, with 6 months as a crew leader preferred, experience on Type 3 engine operations preferred.
• Prior experience with state, federal, tribal, or municipal fire agencies.
• Must pass the Arduous Pack Test/RT-130 within 30 days of hire.

Supplemental Information

• Seasonal employment aligned with fire season; schedule may include weekends and holidays.
• Field-based role; requires exposure to extreme heat, smoke, rugged terrain, and physically demanding labor.
• Position may be assigned to incidents across jurisdictions or regions.
• Must comply with all agency safety protocols and PPE requirements.
• Subject to background check and drug screening prior to employment.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required Materials: See instructions on application cover sheet. Application forms and instructions can be accessed here or by emailing administrator@centralvalleyfire.com .

2027 CVFD Seasonal Wildland Application.pdf

 

Application Deadline: Please submit application by Monday, December 21st, 2026. Positions will remain open until filled.

In order to be considered, applicants must submit all the requested application materials according to the application instructions.

 

Central Valley Fire District is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.