Handcrew Firefighter; Summer Seasonal

Job  - Seasonal Handcrew Firefighter

Agency:
Department of Public Safety - Wildland Fire

Location:

Rapid City

Minimum Salary: $21.14 Hourly

The duties of this position will be assisting a handcrew in wildland fire management activities: suppressing wildland fires in the Black Hills area, pre-suppression activities (equipment maintenance, fuel reduction projects, fire prevention), participating in fire training and prescribed burning projects and facilities maintenance for the 2026 fire season.

Ability to perform strenuous physical labor, maintain equipment, operate 4x4 vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions. Use chainsaws to clear brush and fell trees. Night and weekend work required as well as being available for occasional out-of-state fire assignments for up to 21 days.

Applicants must be age 18 by date of hire. A valid driver's license is required. Housing is the responsibility of the employee, unless otherwise noted. Transportation to and from work and associated costs is the responsibility of the employee. Wildland fire boots with a minimum of 8 inches high top, leather lace-type with skid resistant soles are the responsibility of the employee.

Positions require employees to work holidays, weekends, and irregular or rotating shifts. These positions are considered Public Safety Sensitive Positions and are subject to a pre-hire drug screening before hire. Some positions require specific licenses or certification as listed below.

Required to pass the arduous work capacity test (pack test) for wildland firefighters. The arduous pack test consists of completing a 3-mile walk while carrying a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less.

Knowledge of wildfire suppression tactics, wildfire mitigation and hazardous fuels reduction techniques.

Ability to communicate effectively. Preferred candidate will have NWCG training - S130/S190/L180, IS100, and IS700.

Be specific in completing the application form. List any relevant licenses or certificates (e.g., driver's license, CDL, CPR, EMT certification, etc.) as well as any equipment or office equipment you are able to operate. An additional pay of $.60/hr. is available for EMT or CDL certification for firefighter positions. Please include both the beginning and ending dates you are available for employment.

It is essential that your mailing address be complete including Apartment Number, Box Number, Lot Number; as well as Street, Lane, Avenue, etc., if applicable.

Supervisors will contact those applicants they wish to interview. Not all applicants will receive an interview, but all applicants will be notified in writing of the outcome of their application.

Applicants requiring application materials in an alternate format or assistance with the application process may contact the Bureau of Human Resources at  (VOICE/TTY).

Program notes:
This is a temporary or seasonal, non-benefited position, exempt from civil service.

Applicants have the option to fill out the online application: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-stateofsout

Or

The State of South Dakota Seasonal/Temporary Application form and email or mail it to the address listed below.

Email to: dewey.arnold.us

Or mail to:

SD Wildland Fire
3305 W South St
Rapid City, SD 57702

Seasonal positions can be filled prior to the closing date.

An Equal Opportunity Employer