Fuels Crew Positions
The mission of the Nebraska Forest Service is to enrich the lives of all Nebraskans by protecting, restoring, and utilizing Nebraska's tree and forest resources. We offer technical and financial support to clients across Nebraska, with a focus on rural forestry, community forestry, forest fuels reduction, forest health, forest products utilization, and fire protection.
Nebraska Forest Service is seeking to hire a variety of fuel crew positions. This position is based out of Ainsworth, NE.
Fuels Crew Member:
- Serve as a crew member on a fuels management module supporting hazardous fuels reduction and prescribed fire operations.
- Perform field assignments such as ignition and holding operations during prescribed fires; mop-up and patrol of treated areas; hand thinning, piling and pile burning; and mechanical fuels disposal (e.g., chipping and saw work) under supervision.
- Operate hand tools, power tools, and specialized equipment such as chainsaws, drip torches, pumps, and portable tanks under the direction of a crew or project leader.
- Assist in fuel sampling, weather observations, and fire behavior monitoring in support prescribed fire projects.
- Participate in safety briefings, tailgate sessions, and after-action reviews to promote safe and effective operations.
- Perform equipment and tool maintenance to ensure readiness and accountability of assigned gear.
- Completes daily work logs, time reports, and treatment accomplishment records as directed.
- Participate in wildland fire suppression operations when assigned, performing firefighter duties consistent with training and qualifications.
- May assist other resource programs when fuels projects are not active.
Fuels Squad Boss
- Serve as a secondary first-line leader responsible for providing technical support, tactical direction, and mentorship to the Fuels Mitigation Crew, under the direct supervision of the Fuels Crew Boss.
- Lead and support field execution of hazardous fuels reduction projects, including mechanical treatments, hand thinning, and prescribed fire operations.
- Ensure crew members adhere to all safety protocols and project objectives as directed by the Crew Boss.
Fuels Crew Boss:
- Serve as the first-line supervisor for the Nebraska Forest Service (NFS) Fuels Mitigation Crew, providing leadership, direction, and technical expertise.
- Plan, organize, and oversee the field execution of hazardous fuels reduction projects, including mechanical treatments, hand thinning, and complex prescribed fire operations.
- Ensure fuels mitigation activities meet agency, grant, and resource management objectives while maintaining compliance with NFS and University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) safety policies, procedures, and operational standards.
Applications will be continuously reviewed until all positions are filled.
About Us
At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, we're proud to be consistently recognized by Forbes as a top employer, known for our welcoming and supportive work environment, commitment to professional growth, and outstanding benefits. UNL isn't just a workplace; it's a place to build your career and make a real impact in Nebraska.
Temporary employees may be appointed for a period of up to two years. Those appointed for more than six months are eligible for benefits from the beginning of the appointment, provided the position is half-time (.50 FTE) or greater. Those appointed for six months or less are not eligible for benefits.
Benefits for eligible temporary employees include:
- Paid time off including vacation and sick leave
- Comprehensive insurance options including health, dental, vision, and life insurance
Learn more about working at UNL
As an EO employer, the University of Nebraska considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See https://equity.unl.edu/notice-nondiscrimination/
Minimum Required Qualifications:
Required for all positions:
- High school or equivalent education.
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must have a valid driver's license and meet University driver eligibility requirements.
Fuels Crew Member:
- Must be able to obtain National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2) qualification within the first six weeks of employment:
- ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- Work Capacity Test (WCT) Arduous
Fuels Squad Boss:
- Minimum of twenty-four (24) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource.
- The following NWCG Qualifications:
- ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- S-131: Advanced Firefighter Training
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-212/112: Wildland Fire Chain Saws
- Work Capacity Test (WCT) Arduous
Fuels Crew Boss:
- Minimum of thirty (30) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management work required.
- The following NWCG Qualifications:
- ICS-100: Introduction to the Incident Command System
- ICS-200: ICS for Single Resources and Initial Action Incidents
- IS -700: Introduction to the National Incident Management System
- L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service
- S-130: Firefighter Training
- S-131: Advanced Firefighter Training
- S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior
- S-212/112: Wildland Fire Chain Saws
- S-290: Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- Work Capacity Test (WCT) Arduous
Preferred Qualifications:
The following qualifications are preferred, but not required:
Fuels Crew Member:
- Firefighter type 2 (NWCG) or higher.
- Prior experience of fuels management practices, prescribed fire techniques, forestry, and/or agriculture management.
- Ability to operate and maintain hand tools, chainsaws, pumps, and vehicles in support of fuels projects.
Fuels Squad Boss:
- Thirty (30) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management.
- The following NWCG Qualifications:
- S-200: Initial Attack Incident Commander
- S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use
- S-219: Firing Operations
- S-230: Crew Boss Single Resource
- S-231: Engine Boss, Single Resource
- S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management
- S-270: Basic Air Operations
- S-271: Helicopter Crewmember
- S-273: Single Engine Air Tanker Manager
- S-290 : Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior
- L-280: Followership to Leadership Course
Fuels Crew Boss:
- AAS in Environmental Science, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Fire Science, Fire Administration, Business Administration
- Sixty (60) months of experience in wildland fire suppression, hazardous fuels treatment, forestry/silviculture, or equivalent natural resource management work.
- The following NWCG Qualifications:
- S-200: Initial Attack Incident Commander
- S-211: Portable Pumps and Water Use
- S-219: Firing Operations
- S-230: Crew Boss (Single Resource)
- S-231: Engine Boss, Single Resource
- S-260: Interagency Incident Business Management
- S-270: Basic Air Operations
- S-271: Helicopter Crewmember
- S-273: Single Engine Air Tanker Manager
- L-280: Followership to Leadership Course
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