Grayback Forestry contracts with government agencies and private entities to perform all phases of forest restoration, hazardous fuels reduction, disaster relief, emergency equipment support, prescribed burning and wildfire suppression work throughout the United States.

Grayback’s reputation for quality work, experienced crews, and fire safety creates great opportunities for careers in the forestry and firefighting professions.

Requirements:

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicant selection is based on character and physical and mental ability to do the job. Applicants should DESIRE INTENSE HARD WORK, be a TEAM PLAYER, have a GOOD ATTITUDE, be able to travel out of the state and work in extremely rugged terrain under all kinds of environmental conditions. Expect to work long hours, 8-16 hours per day. Normal tours of duty are 14 days without a day off but can be longer depending on the incident. All applicants are subject to background checks and drug screening prior to employment. Experience is not required to apply.  However, all applicants must obtain the necessary wildland firefighting certification to become an entry-level firefighter 2.  There are several avenues to obtain certification.

Training:

To become an entry-level wildland firefighter (FF-2), a basic firefighting course that meets the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (PMS 310-1) standards is required. Basic training is a 5-day course comprising a fitness capacity test, classroom training and a field examination day (40 hours minimum). This class comprises the S-130, S-190, L-180, and Field Evaluation. There are two additional required online self-study courses that everyone needs to complete in order to become eligible to be a wildland firefighter.  The IS-700 and I-100 courses are required by FEMA for all emergency response workers, including wildland firefighters.

This Basic Firefighting Course can be obtained from any NWCG-certified training provider (federal and state agencies, universities and community colleges, NWSA-certified instructors, etc.) or free from Grayback Forestry. Upon completion of course, you will receive a certificate as a firefighter 2 that will be recognized by other private companies, State and Federal agencies, allowing you to be eligible to work for any of them. California agencies may have additional requirements.

In addition, individuals must pass an Agency required “Pack Test”, which consists of completing a three-mile, controlled course walk within 45 minutes while carrying 45 pounds on your back.  Grayback will administer and document pass or fail free of charge, or you can take the test from any NWCG-certified training provider (Federal and State Agencies, Universities and Community Colleges, NWSA-Certified Instructors, etc.) 

Grayback Forestry conducts several basic and refresher training sessions at each location in spring and early summer. Upon satisfactory completion, you will receive a certificate that registers you as a Firefighter 2 and is entered into the NWSA database. The certification meets Grayback’s requirements, or you may use it with another company or government agency. We also offer the RT-130 certification (refresher class) for those who have already had basic and have some experience; this class includes the pack test plus 8 hours of refresher training.

Compensation: Hourly rate of $17.20 up to $26.48 plus fringe benefits, as applicable, depending on the project and nature of the work and depending on experience.

Pay for FF-1/ICT5s, Crew Bosses, Engine Bosses, and other fire positions depends on qualifications and experience.

The above pay rates apply to work in wildfire suppression and do not include pay when engaged in fuel restoration work.

Grayback Forestry provides health insurance, dental, vision, 401K, sick leave, vacation, and holidays upon eligibility.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer: minority/female/disabled/veteran

All employees are subject to the state laws (either Oregon or Montana) in which they were hired.