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The season about to go off!!! Eastern regions already prescribe burning.
Looks like the Southwest is gonna burn hard this spring/summer and I’m gonna say
some parts of Colorado unless it’s super snowy spring.
50KalThe season about to go off!!! Eastern regions already prescribe burning.
Looks like the Southwest is gonna burn hard this spring/summer and I’m gonna say
some parts of Colorado unless it’s super snowy spring.
I was thinking the same. I heard Western Colorado (like Animas basin and around there) has 50% of their usual snowpack right now. My buddy in the front range said they popped a few little ones a few weeks back too.
Dunno why I didn't find this thread till now! Hope I run into some of ya'll this season, hopefully not on the wrong end of my short haul hoist though!
_CC_I was thinking the same. I heard Western Colorado (like Animas basin and around there) has 50% of their usual snowpack right now. My buddy in the front range said they popped a few little ones a few weeks back too.
Dunno why I didn't find this thread till now! Hope I run into some of ya'll this season, hopefully not on the wrong end of my short haul hoist though!
I’m working Superior NF Helitack. What short haul crew you working?
_CC_Sweet! I love that forest, we go there to help burn in may usually. I'll be on Krassel helitack out of McCall.
We call a lot western workers when we start spring burns.
How long has your crew been short haul qualified? I didn’t realize there was a fed crew in Idaho that was short haul qualified.
50KalWe call a lot western workers when we start spring burns.
How long has your crew been short haul qualified? I didn’t realize there was a fed crew in Idaho that was short haul qualified.
It'll be my first year with them so I'm not sure how long theyve been qualifed, but I believe it's fairly new. I used to work on the Flathead and the San Isabel prior to this.
_CC_It'll be my first year with them so I'm not sure how long theyve been qualifed, but I believe it's fairly new. I used to work on the Flathead and the San Isabel prior to this.
Just applied for an aid position nearby as applications just opened up all throughout CA until the 19th. Wasn’t expecting to apply for any fire stuff since I had a crazy spring with school with no time to do certs/train. I guess I got too caught up with the idea of doing another summer of volunteer and learning more. Better late than never I guess and no harm in applying even though it’s unlikely I’ll get on this late with my experience only stretching to being a volunteer who responds to medicals and hasn’t gotten much wildland experience in yet.
Any one have any experience with applications opening this late in the season with the forest service? Seemed kind of off to me, but then again I’m not too familiar with the feds way of doing things. Guess it’s time to get educated on the way everybody does things and their differences though.
PataguccimaneJust applied for an aid position nearby as applications just opened up all throughout CA until the 19th. Wasn’t expecting to apply for any fire stuff since I had a crazy spring with school with no time to do certs/train. I guess I got too caught up with the idea of doing another summer of volunteer and learning more. Better late than never I guess and no harm in applying even though it’s unlikely I’ll get on this late with my experience only stretching to being a volunteer who responds to medicals and hasn’t gotten much wildland experience in yet.
Any one have any experience with applications opening this late in the season with the forest service? Seemed kind of off to me, but then again I’m not too familiar with the feds way of doing things. Guess it’s time to get educated on the way everybody does things and their differences though.
Not impossible. Wouldn’t say count on it though. Apply everywhere that’s still hiring and see if someone bites. If you’re willing to move anywhere I’m guarantee someone would pick you up.
If you have the basics and a red card maybe look at working for a contractor crew and get in with them. Working a season with a contractor crew is than not working a crew at all.
Or just say fuck this season go work some different type of job that’s cool. Like hospitality at National park or a cool summer resort gig.
50KalNot impossible. Wouldn’t say count on it though. Apply everywhere that’s still hiring and see if someone bites. If you’re willing to move anywhere I’m guarantee someone would pick you up.
If you have the basics and a red card maybe look at working for a contractor crew and get in with them. Working a season with a contractor crew is than not working a crew at all.
Or just say fuck this season go work some different type of job that’s cool. Like hospitality at National park or a cool summer resort gig.
Word thanks for the info 50!
Pretty much decided to keep my expectations real low and just explore my options for next season already since some of the locations are too far away for me to move to for this late in the season, but there are a couple I could for sure make the commute to and for those I'm sending my app in and we'll see if anything happens. So yeah not letting my expectations get the best of me so I'll just try to get organized and do all that I can to be prepared so when stuff opens up in the pre season I can just jump on things. In the meantime I've cranked out my nwcg courses (Except for 130) since I haven't been able to find a way to get that field component. Stopping by home within a week or so so I might drop in and talk to one of the guys at the station I volunteered at to see what I need to do to get that red card.
Pataguccimanewhat I need to do to get that red card.
You need 130,190, a pack test and some group that will sign your red card.
Just having that will get you jobs.
Might have to move but you will get offers.
50KalYou need 130,190, a pack test and some group that will sign your red card.
Just having that will get you jobs.
Might have to move but you will get offers.
Solid that’s what I’ve been seeing as I look into it. Thanks for the help man!
killa_treesI'll be in Willamette. Should be a fun road trip in these strange times
Yeah this whole season is gonna be weird.
I’ve already been told I won’t need to take a pack test because I took one last year and they are trying to find ways to reduce the amount of group trainings and gatherings as much as possible.
foolmetwiceYoo is it too late to get a job doing this for this summer? No experience but with the rona my summer plans r shot
uhh gonna be tough I think. I got in late with the feds and that was in March. But check usajobs.gov, job titles will be for forestry aid or technician. I've heard some state agencies might be hiring like WA DNR or calfire
I’ve already been told I won’t need to take a pack test because I took one last year and they are trying to find ways to reduce the amount of group trainings and gatherings as much as possible.
Everything is up in the air on my end. Really hoping not to be in quarantine for two weeks on arrival. What kind of crew are you on this season?
**This post was edited on Apr 15th 2020 at 8:56:33am
foolmetwiceYoo is it too late to get a job doing this for this summer? No experience but with the rona my summer plans r
Impossible, no. Do you have any landscaping experience or farm work?
It's not always necessary but every bit helps. Job hiring is dependent on how busy the season gets.
Your best bet would be get a resume together and send it out to private contractor crews. They would be your best bet. Scrounge the State forestry websites and usajobs (federal jobs) as well.
Also worth checking on private contractor facebook pages. I've never used them but I hear that they are utilized pretty strong in contractor world.
Its gonna be weird with the virus but the second things get hot and dry, people will get called up and asked to work.
If your really serious get yourself a pair of boots for fire work as that's always the thing you will need to get. But dropping $300.00 on a pair of boots is a hard sell without a job.
If your gonna buy a boot last minute buy a hiker style boot as it will be way easier to break in than a logger style boot.
killa_treesEverything is up in the air on my end. Really hoping not to be in quarantine for two weeks on arrival. What kind of crew are you on this season?
**This post was edited on Apr 15th 2020 at 8:56:33am
I'd talk to your boss for direction but I'm pretty sure you count as a essential worker so they won't unless your coughing or fever.
I'd plan out a detailed trip cause all campgrounds and rest areas are gonna be shut down going west.
I'm heading out to MT in a couple weeks and already have hotels lined up.
Gonna be on a helitack crew again. killa_trees what kind of crew you gonna be on?
50KalI'd talk to your boss for direction but I'm pretty sure you count as a essential worker so they won't unless your coughing or fever.
I'd plan out a detailed trip cause all campgrounds and rest areas are gonna be shut down going west.
I'm heading out to MT in a couple weeks and already have hotels lined up.
Gonna be on a helitack crew again. killa_trees what kind of crew you gonna be on?
fuel reduction... very stoked. First season in fire but I've farmed since I was a kid. Sounds like theres a lot of saw work to be done up there so hopefully there won't be a ton of down time. Still haven't been 'officially' hired but I've gotten a tentative offer and passed in my 306. They postponed the fingerprint requirement.
As for the road trip I think I'll be sleeping in my vehicle wherever I can find a spot. Hoping to bang out the drive through the plains then slow it down once I hit the mountains. I've heard of some workers printing out job offers to show anyone that might give them trouble for driving in from out of state
foolmetwiceYoo is it too late to get a job doing this for this summer? No experience but with the rona my summer plans r shot
Also call the offices of wherever you find openings posted and ask to talk to whoever does the hiring. You're much more likely to be hired for an entry level spot if they've talked to you and have a feel for what you're all about.. at least in my limited experience. Especially if you've got some kind of related experience (for me it was farming). Boots wise, I bought some la sportivas off of backcountry for a little over 200. Bad karma, maybe, but the price was right
killa_treesfuel reduction... very stoked. First season in fire but I've farmed since I was a kid. Sounds like theres a lot of saw work to be done up there so hopefully there won't be a ton of down time. Still haven't been 'officially' hired but I've gotten a tentative offer and passed in my 306. They postponed the fingerprint requirement.
As for the road trip I think I'll be sleeping in my vehicle wherever I can find a spot. Hoping to bang out the drive through the plains then slow it down once I hit the mountains. I've heard of some workers printing out job offers to show anyone that might give them trouble for driving in from out of state
I would say talk to your boss and make sure your start time is the same and nothings changed. If I had to guess anywhere is gonna be delayed starts I imagine places near the cities.
But your doing Federal work and already submitted your 306 so I'd say your good. If everything goes smooth they should be sending out eforms (direct deposit, w4, i9) about 2-3 weeks before you start. Usually that will have a form that give your start date so you print that off.
But everything is weird right now with the virus. I've already been told our housing situation is been modified, one person per room. That is really rare for Forest service work. I feel bad for the recreation or wilderness folks who might get the boot because they are not essential workers.
killa_treesBoots wise, I bought some la sportivas off of backcountry for a little over 200. Bad karma, maybe, but the price was right
I've heard good things about the la sportiva. Is it the WLF/ leather upper model?
Also if your working for the Forest Service, you might be able to get a boot stipend. Depends if they consider you primary fire or secondary on your paperwork.
50KalI would say talk to your boss and make sure your start time is the same and nothings changed. If I had to guess anywhere is gonna be delayed starts I imagine places near the cities.
But your doing Federal work and already submitted your 306 so I'd say your good. If everything goes smooth they should be sending out eforms (direct deposit, w4, i9) about 2-3 weeks before you start. Usually that will have a form that give your start date so you print that off.
But everything is weird right now with the virus. I've already been told our housing situation is been modified, one person per room. That is really rare for Forest service work. I feel bad for the recreation or wilderness folks who might get the boot because they are not essential workers.
I've heard good things about the la sportiva. Is it the WLF/ leather upper model?
Also if your working for the Forest Service, you might be able to get a boot stipend. Depends if they consider you primary fire or secondary on your paperwork.
Yup, I did get one email and it sounds like things are on track. Our housing is the same deal, one per room (not complaining about that). My boss said the boot stipend only available for boots purchased after start date, so I can use it for my next pair.
And yeah, its the WLF. So far they seem great. I've used a lower pair of the similar design before I knew they fit without trying them on, otherwise I might have gone with a missoula or fuego with the benefit of the stipend if I knew they fit
killa_treesYup, I did get one email and it sounds like things are on track. Our housing is the same deal, one per room (not complaining about that). My boss said the boot stipend only available for boots purchased after start date, so I can use it for my next pair.
And yeah, its the WLF. So far they seem great. I've used a lower pair of the similar design before I knew they fit without trying them on, otherwise I might have gone with a Missoula or fuego with the benefit of the stipend if I knew they fit
If your boss says you will get a boot stipend after you start, I'd say get another pair of boots. I've been in Northern MN Forest Service last few seasons and its a game changer to have a back up pair of boots. We also have a shit ton of lakes and water to step in so you probably won't run into that out west to much.
I haven't tired Missoula Haix but the Scarpa Fuego is like any other Scarpa boot. Stiff and narrow. Would make a great boot if your on a shot crew and consistently moving with a pack.
I have fat feet so no bueno.
I'm rocking a couple pairs of Lowa Baffin pro. Its almost zero break in period. Worth a test fit. Also they give a pro deal if your government worker.
50KalIf your boss says you will get a boot stipend after you start, I'd say get another pair of boots. I've been in Northern MN Forest Service last few seasons and its a game changer to have a back up pair of boots. We also have a shit ton of lakes and water to step in so you probably won't run into that out west to much.
I haven't tired Missoula Haix but the Scarpa Fuego is like any other Scarpa boot. Stiff and narrow. Would make a great boot if your on a shot crew and consistently moving with a pack.
I have fat feet so no bueno.
I'm rocking a couple pairs of Lowa Baffin pro. Its almost zero break in period. Worth a test fit. Also they give a pro deal if your government worker.
I was thinking of some cheap loggers to back em up with, especially since I've heard the WLF glue isn't great for frontline fire but awesome for management-type work. I had a pair of Scarpa ski boots that didn't fit my feet at all for the same reason. Knowing that the work boots fit the same I'll stay away
ucberzerkeleyi live in missoula and all my friends sell their boots and keep the stipend every year. or well, buy and return.
You can only get the boot stipend in the federal government (Forest service) once every 3 years of service. Not sure who your buddy’s work for but it’s not a every season thing.
