The Fire Apparatus Operator (ENOP) for the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Department of Public Safety serves as the primary assistant to the Engine Captain, ensuring the high-readiness of fire suppression resources. The Operator is responsible for the safe maneuvering of heavy apparatus, the execution of complex pumping operations, and the maintenance of the engine fleet. In the absence of the Fire Captain, the Operator assumes the role of crew leader, providing tactical command on the fireline and overseeing the safety and welfare of personnel. This position requires a commitment to protecting Tribal lands and upholding the cultural values of the Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation.

All Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation employees must submit to a background check and abide by all Tribal, federal, and state laws. All employees must comply with Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation drug free workplace policy and will be subject to pre-employment, random, for-cause, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing. Qualified American Indian Preference applies.

This is a full-time position and subject to a seasonal layoff based on funding.

• Performs regular mechanical inspections and preventative maintenance on the engine fleet while ensuring all hand tools and power equipment are repaired and mission ready.
• Acts as the lead for the crew and engine module in the absence of the captain, managing all on-scene operations and crew welfare.
• Calculates engine pressures and manages complex water delivery systems, including long hose lays and drafting from natural water sources.
• Implements prescribed cultural burns and traditional fire applications to enhance ecological health and reduce hazardous fuel loads on Tribal lands.
• Sizes up new fire starts and determines the most effective tools and tactics to contain the fire quickly and safely.
• Operates the engine during "pump-and-roll" maneuvers, directing water application while driving alongside the fire's edge.
• Provides on-the-job training to junior firefighters in wildland fire behavior, radio communication, and navigation.
• Evaluates environmental hazards like weather changes and fuel types to maintain "Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones" (LCES).
• Directs fire suppression tactics that prioritize the preservation of sensitive cultural sites and natural resources.
• Manages the inventory of specialized wildland supplies, ensuring the engine is fully stocked for self-sufficient 24-hour operations.
• Communicates and collaborates effectively with federal, state, and local fire agencies during multi-jurisdictional incidents.
• Maintains accurate logs for engine run-time, pump hours, and incident records to meet both Tribal and national reporting standards.
• Ensures inspection, maintenance, and operational readiness of apparatus, pumps, tools, and personal protective equipment in accordance with departmental and NWCG standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Personal Traits:

All Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation employees are expected to consistently demonstrate the organization’s values: integrity, cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional values, continual learning and improving, compassion, teamwork and pride. Employees are expected to demonstrate integrity, professionalism, accountability, cooperation with and consideration of others.

Required Knowledge:

All Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation employees are expected to have general knowledge of typical office technologies such as computers, printers, copiers, fax machines, and typical office software.

Job Specific Required Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Tribal government operations, policies, and procedures, particularly as they relate to public safety and emergency services.
• Familiarity with local, state, and federal public safety partners, including USFS, BIA, CAL FIRE, and neighboring fire agencies.
• Understanding of S-290 concepts, including the influence of fuel types, local topography, and weather patterns on fire behavior to ensure effective tactical deployments and crew safety.
• Expertise in the "Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones" (LCES) system and interagency safety standards.
• Technical expertise in mobile attack techniques and water delivery systems, specifically the operation and maintenance of Type 3, 4, or 6 engines and portable pumps (S-211) in off-road and wildland urban interface environments.
• Proficiency in using interagency radio protocols and specialized GPS or mapping tools for navigation and incident reporting

Required Skills and Abilities:

All Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation employees are expected to have a broad range of skills and abilities centered around a strong citizen focus, efficient performance, and teamwork. All employees should have customer service skills, interpersonal skills, and good communication skills. All employees should have the ability to manage their time and organize their work to ensure efficient performance. In addition, all employees should have the ability to follow policy, procedures, and instructions, actively communicate with their supervisors to ensure understanding and manage their work accordingly. Finally, all employees should have the ability to understand and manage citizen confidentiality.

Job specific skills and abilities are listed below:

• Oral communication.
• Maintaining accurate inventory records.
• Complete and review incident documentation including ICS forms, after-action reports, training records, and operational logs.
• Managing time efficiently.
• Organizing work effectively.
• Problem solve and think critically.
• Remain calm under stress.

Required Qualifications:

• Qualified as an Engine Operator (ENOP) with a valid Incident Qualification Card (Red Card).
• Three seasons of wildland fire experience (18 months)
• Two seasons in a supervisory or lead capacity on an engine or hand crew.
• Certified in the following Incident Command System (“ICS”) courses: ICS 100, 200 and 700.
• Must obtain certification in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) within 90 days of hire.
• Valid state-issued driver’s license and/or the ability to obtain a California or Oregon driver’s license. Must be insurable on the Tribe’s insurance policy.

Physical Requirements:

• Must successfully pass a Wildland Firefighter Medical Qualification Program (MSP) exam prior to employment and maintain medical clearance through annual re-evaluations.
• Must pass and maintain the NWCG Arduous Pack Test (3 miles with a 45-pound pack in 45 minutes or less) within two weeks of medical clearance. Employees will be allowed up to three attempts during that period. Continued employment in this position is contingent upon meeting this requirement, subject to applicable law and personnel policy.
• Use hands and arms to operate office and field equipment and repetitive-motion tasks for more than one hour at a time.
• Sit for more than half a workday.
• Stand or walk for a complete workday.
• Bend, stretch, twist, crouch, and reach.
• View electronic monitors for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequently lift and/or move more than 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds.
• Push or pull, using up to moderate force.
• See and hear with normal acuity.

Working Conditions:

• Work is conducted in both the office and the field.
• Travel is required, up to 75 percent of the time.
• Work is occasionally required in confined spaces, in areas of high noise, and/or in high or low temperatures.