Sheriff

On-Call Firefighter Program

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The on-call firefighter program with the Larimer County Sheriff's Office is a temporary, part-time, on-call position under the direct supervision of the Emergency Services Unit. LCSO Wildland Firefighters are known throughout the United States for top-level training and dedication to safety on the fireline.

Our on-call firefighters assist our Initial Attack Module with wildland fire suppression, management, and control as firefighters on an engine or hand crew. Other duties may involve fire prevention, patrol, detection, or prescribed burning.

On-call firefighters can remain as active within the program as they choose. The program is set up to give on-calls every opportunity possible to respond to incidents and assist with grant-funded project work. The position is only paid when responding to an incident or project, and certain hours cannot be guaranteed because they are based on available work.

The Suppression Module (10-person crew) is increasingly available to receive out-of-county assignments to fight fire all over the country. This has greatly increased the work available to on-calls, although a longer time commitment provides invaluable on-the-job experience and training and the opportunity to make a decent amount of pay. This availability also provides back-fill opportunities on the IA-Module. When Crewmembers are out on dispatch, there is room to work back home to act as a crewmember for up to the duration of a dispatch, or for a few days, depending on module needs and availability of on-call firefighters.

If an on-call firefighter demonstrates competence, good work ethic, and physical fitness, they can be recommended for opportunities to detail with US Forest Service crews. These details can be for up to 60 days.

On-calls are welcome to drop into the cache to chat with the IA Module, with any questions or just want to be more involved and see the day-to-day activities that take place.

FAQs

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  1. What can I expect when joining the on-call firefighter program?

    On-call firefighters can remain as active within the program as they choose. The program is set up to give on-calls every opportunity possible to respond to incidents and assist with grant funded project work. The position is only paid when responding to an incident or project, and certain hours cannot be guaranteed, because they are based on available work. The Suppression Module (10 person crew) is increasingly available to receive out of county assignments to fight fire all over the country. This has greatly increased the work available to on-calls, although a longer time commitment provides invaluable on the job experience, training, and the opportunity for good pay. This availability also provides back-fill opportunities on the IA-Module. When crewmembers are out on dispatch, there is room to work back home to act as a crewmember for up to the duration of a dispatch, or for a few days, depending on module needs and availability of on-call firefighters. If an on-call firefighter demonstrates competence, good work ethic, and physical fitness, they can be recommended for opportunities to detail with US Forest Service crews. These details can be for up to 60 days.

    Dispatches, details, back-fill, and project work can provide numerous training opportunities and experience:

    • Felling trees (S-212 required)
    • Tree identification
    • Forest treatment/prescriptions
    • Chainsaw maintenance
    • Fireline construction, leadership, and burning operations
    • Prescribed burning operations
    • Fire weather and behavior
    • Pumps operations
    • Radio transmitting/programming
    • Medical training
    • ATV/UTV driving training

    The program also provides (in addition to monthly trainings) many NWCG wildland fire classes, at no cost. Certifications from these classes are recognized in every department that works in wildland fire. These classes include chainsaw, leadership, fire weather, pumps, and more. 

    On-calls are welcome to drop into the Cache to chat with the IA Module with questions or to see the day-to-day activities that take place. This is not something that an on-call can be compensated for, but you are always welcome to make a visit.

  2. Are there certain classes I have to take if I want to join the on-call firefighter program?

    New hires are expected to take the following classes before hire or have proof of enrollment:

    • NWCG or FEMA Introduction to ICS (I-100)
    • NWCG Human Factors in the Wildland Fire Service (L-180)
    • NWCG Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior (S-190)
    • NWCG Firefighter Training (S-130) with proof of required instructor led field exercise
    • National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) (IS-700)

    Most of these classes can be completed online except S-130.

     

  3. What is the time commitment when joining the on-call program?

    You are expected to attend an annual fire refresher training (RT-130) for 8 hours, held one weekend in April. You will also need to attend two monthly trainings, held the last Tuesday of every month from April - September. These generally last two hours.

    This is the minimum time commitment to stay active in the program. You can be as involved as you want, and employees are encouraged to attend as many trainings as possible. You will gain more experience the more time you put into the program, as opportunities arise. You are also encouraged to respond to as many incidents/projects as possible to get the most out of the program. For going on out of county fire dispatches, employees should expect to be gone for 16-18 days for an assignment.

  4. I'm ready! How do I join the On-Call Program?

    We are excited for you to join us! Our job posting is only open during certain times of the year. Click here to see all Larimer County Sheriff's Office postings- the on-call posting is listed under Forestry Technician Temp.