If you are not a firefighter, and are looking for General Labor or Kitchen employment, you may still inquire about employment by completing the CANDIDATE INTEREST FORM.
We are a nationally recognized company and have performed work for multiple government agencies all over the United States in wildland fire, emergency response and disaster recovery. We are a professional organization with experienced supervisors that will be looking out for your safety and well-being. We have a positive culture with an exceptional performance record.
We also provide many additional work opportunities outside of fire. We want to see you succeed in your career development. Your success is our success, and our people are our most important asset – period.
2024 Entry Level firefighters start out at $26.48 per hour. You will also receive a $4.57 fringe rate for your first 40 hours in a work week. Pay periods are bi-weekly.
Pay increases with experience, training, and qualifications. Typically, you will be working between 12-to-16-hour operational shifts. Overtime and commensurate pay accumulate quickly. We also provide fire boot and campsite equipment allowances each year.
New firefighters must successfully complete the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) required firefighter training and the arduous level Work Capacity Test (WCT, Pack-Test) to be issued an Incident Qualification Card (Red Card) and become qualified to work on engine and hand crew wildland fire assignments.
Training consists of five courses (3 NWCG fire courses, 2 FEMA courses) and includes S-190: Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior, S-130: Firefighter Training, and L-180: Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service. These ENTRY LEVEL courses are conducted over a five-day period (40 hours) which includes a hands-on Field Day component.
In addition to the NWCG fire courses, also required are two FEMA self-study courses. (IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System and IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100). These are federally required courses that are administered by FEMA and must be completed through their online independent study program. Click here for additional HELP on completing the required IS-700.B and IS-100.C FEMA courses.
To work on a hand-crew or engine you must complete and pass the WCT at the arduous level. The arduous guidelines require the successful completion of a 3-mile walk with a 45-pound pack in under 45 minutes. A quick internet search will provide useful information about preparing for your WCT and your instructor will provide site-specific WCT information during class.
GFP Enterprises does not charge any fee for our employee training. We also provide free training to employees interested in advancing to higher level ICS positions – once you gain the proper experience.
COMPLETE OUR CANDIDATE INTEREST FORM
Once you have completed this form, we will contact you. If GFP is the team for you, you will be invited to create a profile in our Operations database and register for your Company orientation and training session.
Our orientations and classes take place in Salem, Oregon, Sisters, Oregon and Redding, California.
Specific class dates and locations are indicated on our training schedule.
Peak fire season in the western United States typically runs from June to October. Your official start date is the date of your first dispatch. Work is dependent on the number of fires burning in a given period and the availability of resources.
Not all companies are equal. How much work you potentially get depends heavily on the quality of the agency/contractor you choose to work for. GFP has dispatched personnel as early as January and as late as December. So, prepare yourself to work after you have completed your training. You may receive an availability status call if we anticipate a dispatch. You can also browse for national fire information at NIFC.GOV.
Regarding base-camp and other work outside of fire season, these jobs are offered to our committed fire/incident response trained personnel before any other potential employees. Completing your fire training will increase your chances of other types of GFP employment exponentially.
Government regulations do not allow for more than 16 hours daily unless approved by the Incident Commander for very specific emergency circumstances. Based on historical data, the actual average number of hours worked will be somewhere around 14 hours per day.
This amounts to approximately 98+ hours per week – which amounts to a very substantial paycheck.
Simply provide us with the dates you are available, and we will accommodate you. Many of our employees are students that return to us each season – we encourage your educational commitment.
YES. Hiking steep terrain, hauling heavy fire gear, laying hose, and digging fireline can be grueling, but rewarding work. We strongly urge you to begin physical training now so that you may report to work prepared from Day 1. A fire crew is only as fast as its slowest member. Being well conditioned is critical in your ability to move quickly in the event an emergency arises. Let the fire environment – the steep terrain, extreme temperatures, altitude, and smoke – be the motivation for you to prepare. Let being accountable to yourself and your crew be your motivation. Commit to your physical fitness today. “Failing to prepare is preparing to fail” – John Wooden.
BE READY FOR THE CALL!
SECURE PERSONAL GEAR, KEEP US POSTED ON YOUR AVAILABILITY TO WORK, STAY FIRE FIT AND READY FOR ASSIGNMENT.
Generally, you will have 2 hours to safely travel from your location to one of our dispatch locations, where we will assemble and prepare for travel to the incident as a crew. Our dispatch locations are currently located in Sisters, OR, Salem, OR and Redding, CA. As part of the preparation at the dispatch location, we will provide you with all your required Personal Protective Equipment, line gear and personal gear bag. You are required to show up with at least the mandatory items identified on the Personal Gear List. You will receive a briefing regarding travel logistics, information about the incident and a variety of other dispatch specific topics prior to departing for the fire.
GFP is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer committed to an inclusive, multicultural workplace which values diversity and actively encourages members of diverse communities to apply.
We will happily answer any of your employment-related questions and provide assistance if you experience difficulties creating your user account, registering for class or a pack-test. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call our office at 541-967-8425.