Engine Operator (SO)

Engine Operator (SO) Position

The Engine Operator (SO) is responsible for assisting the Engine Crew Module Lead in the operational aspects of the County Type 6 wildland fire engine and crew. The Engine Operator (SO) manages the technical components and maintenance of the engine and assists the Engine Crew Module Lead in day-to-day tasks and wildfire operations. Serves as a trained and experienced member of a wildland fuels crew and provides guidance and mentoring to crew members in executing fire management activities in fire preparedness, fuels management and risk mitigation projects, wildfire prevention, fire suppression, monitoring, and post fire activities. The Engine Operator is engaged in fighting forest, range, and other wildland fires, participating in prescribed fire operations and completing a variety of wildfire risk mitigation project work.

Division : Sheriff Support Services Division

Management Level : Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours : 40

Benefit Eligibility : This position is eligible for Standard Benefits which includes dental, medical, and vision insurance, paid time off and holidays, retirement matching, wellness programs, and tuition reimbursement.

Starting Pay : $56,598 - $68,702

Top Out Pay After Years of Service $84,898.39

Please Apply by : July 23, 2025

The Engine Operator is a non-supervisory position and a key member of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office Wildland Fire Management Program team that will report directly to the Engine Crew Module Lead. This position is part of an engine crew and will be primarily responsible for the technical operations of the engine. This position will assist the Engine Crew Module Lead providing direction to crew members and ensuring the engine and crew maintains readiness for incident response and operations, implementing risk mitigation projects work, assisting with training and maintenance of a variety of hand and power tools. This is an in-person (not remote) hourly based position that will work a 4-10 schedule (either Sunday-Wednesday or Wednesday-Saturday) but also expected to be available outside the normal work week for incident support. During major incidents, this position is eligible for overtime outside the normal work week as well as opportunities for single resource and / or crew assignments outside the county or state based on county fire risk. The ideal candidate works well with moderate oversight or direction but is also self-motivated and shows initiative to achieve program goals.

Responsibilities include :

Hiking on rigorous terrain to scout fires, safety zones, escape routes, hazards and establish fire line locations. Implementing tactical directions on attacking, controlling, or mopping up fires, building or patrolling fire lines, cleaning up burned areas within fire lines, and suppressing spot fires. Using chainsaws and hand tools for establishing control lines. Identifying resource needs to accomplish incident objectives. Driving, inspecting, maintaining and troubleshooting vehicles, fire engines and other heavy equipment.

Hiking on rigorous terrain to establish project perimeters, marking trees and locating access points. Using chainsaws, log chokers, chains, ropes and a variety of hand tools to conduct fuels management operations. Moving, maintaining and troubleshooting machinery including, but not limited to skid steer, woodchipper and various equipment attachments. Providing guidance to sawyers, and other laborers during fuels projects, maintenance of equipment. Conducting Type 3 prescribed fire operations. May be required to operate light vehicles, 4X4's, UTV's and heavy equipment.

Drives and operates a wildland fire engine, positioning the engine for proper use and operation, and assist with the coordination of module or crew logistics and places caches of equipment and supplies at strategic points. Performs and conducts engine operations techniques, including tandem operations, mobile attack, pump and roll, firing and holding operations, stationary attack, engine protection, simple and progressive hose lays.

Ensures pump tests and daily engine preventative maintenance equipment checks are complete; and that the engine is kept in a full state of readiness for emergency fire dispatch. Ensures adequate supply of water and chemical agents are maintained to the fire, particularly on critical areas of the fire line; and locates water sources and checks for volume and cleanliness for engine resupply.

Manages inventory and accountable property, positions equipment and personnel for the most efficient response. Maintains and / or coordinates and ensures maintenance of equipment and various hand tools such as shovels, Pulaskis, McLeods, chainsaws, water pumps, water hose, and backpack pumps.

Gathers information on weather data, topography, fuel types, and fire behavior in performing risk mitigation project work and in responding to wildland fire incidents.

Recognizes potential hazardous situations and provides operational briefings for risk mitigation projects and wildfire incidents to crew members to mitigate actions and operate in a safe manner. Participates in or helps facilitate after action reviews and provides input into lessons learned for the Crew Module Leader to inform future actions.

Assists the Engine Crew Module Lead in managing day-to-day operations and provides oversight, including training and mentoring, to engine crew members. Assists in the development and implementation of training programs including fire management classes, equipment use and maintenance classes, general safety classes and other agency required training. Serves as the technical lead on the engine equipment (vehicle, pump, hose, fittings, tools, etc) to ensure effective engine operations.

Other duties as assigned.

100% Drug Free Workforce

Equal Opportunity Employer

Jefferson County is an equal opportunity employer, providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. The County affirms the rights of all employees and applicants for employment to be protected from discrimination, intimidation, physical harm and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, hairstyle associated with racial identity or any other status protected by Federal or State law.

The incumbent must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, etc. as necessary. Work may include all hazard and emergency response activities.

Required :

• National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) - FFT1, FAL3
• Ability to pass The Work Capacity Test (WCT-Pack Test) as a method for assessing an employee's fitness levels for fire qualifications. Arduous fitness (WCT-Pack Test) will consist of completing a three-mile hike, within 45 minutes, while carrying a 45-pound pack.

Required within one year of hire :

Required within three years of hire : NWCG- FAL2, ICT5

Preferred :

Education : GED, High School Diploma

Experience : Work Experience : Minimum two years

Certifications : Languages :

Category : Enforcement & Protective Services