Employment Opportunities

Why Work for the Wildland Fire Operations Center

The Wildland Fire Operations Center currently employs approximately 60 benefited career employees and 100 non-benefited seasonal firefighters, providing a diverse and experienced workforce capable of supporting both emergency wildfire operations and natural resource management projects.

UWOC provides employees with opportunities to develop a broad range of skills and operational experience throughout their careers. Crew members and leadership personnel have opportunities to work across multiple resource types, including Type 2 & Type 2 Initial Attack Crews, Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews, and engines. This mobility allows employees to gain experience in different operational environments, pursue additional qualifications, and develop the skills necessary to advance within the wildland fire profession.

Career development opportunities also extend beyond the Wildland Fire Operations Center. Employees can pursue a variety of career paths throughout the Division of Forestry, Fire & State Lands (FFSL), allowing experienced firefighters and fire managers to continue advancing their careers while remaining within Utah’s broader state fire management organization.

Career opportunities within FFSL include positions such as:

Helitack Crew Members
Helicopter Managers
Area Fire Management Officers (FMO)
County Fire Wardens
Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Coordinators
WUI Technicians

This career-ladder approach provides employees with opportunities to gain experience, pursue advanced qualifications, and transition into increasingly specialized, technical, and supervisory roles. The ability to build a career within UWOC and advance into positions throughout FFSL supports employee retention, professional development, and succession planning while strengthening the state’s overall wildland fire workforce.

Ultimately, UWOC serves not only as a highly capable wildfire response organization, but also as a pipeline for developing the next generation of Utah’s fire and resource management professionals.

Current Openings

Frequently Asked Questions

Fighting wildland fire for the state of Utah can be a very rewarding career. The state offers seasonal positions annually as a part of its wildland fire resources. To see open position visit our employment page, and to learn more, check out our frequently asked questions below.

Nope. While a degree in fire science or forestry is nice on a resume, most entry-level seasonal positions are open to anyone who is physically fit and willing to learn. Basic wildland firefighting qualifications, known as a red card, are required to work as a wildland firefighter for the state. Much of the specialized training you'll need to be successful is provided by the state once you are hired.

The Red Card (Incident Qualification Card) is your passport to the fireline. To get it, you must complete a series of courses (usually S-130, S-190, L-180, ICS-100, and IS-700) and pass the physical "Pack Test."

Individuals interested in obtaining a Red Card should contact their local fire warden or volunteer fire department and ask how to get a Red Card. A second option is to attend a postsecondary education program or fire school that specifically certifies wildland firefighters such as the Utah Fire and Rescue Academy in Orem, Utah.

Absolutely! Utah is one of the few states that sponsors its own Interagency Hotshot Crews. We might be biased but we believe the Lone Peak and Alta Hotshots are some of the best). To join them, the Pack Test is just the warmup. You’ll be expected to hit higher benchmarks:

1.5-mile run: Under 10:35.
Pull-ups: 4 to 7+ (depending on body weight).
Push-ups: 25+ in a minute.
Sit-ups: 40+ in a minute.

Hotshots are expected to exceed the bare minimum. Applicants should strive to be in the best shape they can.

Pay: As you earn NWCG certifications and complete task books, your compensation will increase incrementally. In other words, your work experience AND “time in grade” is taken into consideration regarding wage. Also, our organization’s pay scale is formulated based on the state of Utah’s economic performance which is typically robust and ranks near the top of the nation. Though not guaranteed, a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) can be an annual occurrence.

Location of Duty Station: Utah Wildland Fire Operations Center is based in South Salt Lake City. Various housing options, outdoor recreation, and urban entertainment are all conveniently accessible. Lone Peak does not offer subsidized housing or barracks to crewmembers.

Citizenship: You do not have to be a U.S. citizen to work with the State of Utah. We have employed several people who are citizens of other countries.

Per Diem: The State of Utah covers all food and lodging expenses while out on assignment. There are no requirements to front money or wait for reimbursement.

Networking: The Wildland Fire Operations Center is home to two Hotshot crews, two IA crews, a fuels crew, and several Type 3 and 4 Engines. There are opportunities to cross-train between these resources. Stability: No need to worry about government shutdowns, hiring freezes, etc., the state is always open for business.

Position Descriptions

Positions Include: Seasonal Firefighter

Job Description:
The seasonal firefighter serves as the most basic yet important member of a wildfire crew at Lone Peak Wildfire Resources. They are assigned to suppress the full range of wildland fires and complete fuel mitigation projects. Individuals will develop a working knowledge of fire suppression and fuels management techniques, practices and terminology.

Duties May Consist Of:

Constructing fireline, use of hand firing devices, holding and mop-up
Forming and managing hose lays
Working in and around aircraft such as helicopters and air tankers
Operating various hand tools, small engine equipment, and larger brush disposal equipment or machines
Following all safety protocol, and implementing basic fire behavior principles
Completing various fuel mitigation projects
Driving state-owned vehicles, crew carriers, and/or engines
Extensive travel and exposure to harsh environmental conditions
Performing physically demanding work assignments for long durations of time
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Hotshot Crew – Lead Crewmember
Initial Attack Crew – Squad Leader
Engine – Operator

Job Description:
The employee serves as an agency required mid-level supervisor assigned to complete a full range of wildland fire assignments and fuel mitigation projects. The position will receive specific instructions from supervisor and be required to make independent decisions based their knowledge and experience.

Duties May Consist Of:

Fulfilling the role of an experienced firefighter, supervising a group of individuals
Instructing crewmembers in specific tasks and conducting on-the-job training
Distributing and controlling work assignments among employees and conducting follow-up evaluations
Conducting complex fire assignments such as line construction, backfiring and burnout, securing the control lines; hose lay and pump set-up
Supervising chainsaw operations, complex tree falling and chipper operations
Assuring timely accomplishment and quality assurance of assigned tasks
Completing reports on work accomplishments, ensuring that the work is carried out safely and handling performance problem and issues at the ground level
Responsible for assigned vehicle maintenance, inventory, and safe operation.
Ensuring all information and changing conditions are communicated
Following all safety protocol, and implementing advanced fire behavior principles.
Fiscal responsibilities relating to purchase cards and all appropriate paperwork
Reporting on subordinate work performance through employee evaluations and making recommendations if/when needed
Ensuring seasonal employees individual performance plan are complete, updated and referenced.
May also lead or work in tandem with additional fire technician II’s and/or other agency personnel. Also, if the candidate is not qualified to the Tech III level, this Tech II position may be used as an under-fill until the qualifications are met
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden – Assistant
Hotshot Crew – Squad Leader
Initial Attack Crew – Assistant Crew Supervisor
Engine – Assistant Engine Supervisor

Job Description:
The primary purpose of this position is the supervision and oversight of a highly organized and skilled wildland firefighting resource. Employees in this position are expected to sets goals, objectives, and standards while managing all technical/administrative work, fireline activities, and fuel mitigation based projects.

Duties May Consist Of:

Implement safe operational procedures for all fire and project applications
Maintain all inventories to manage state fixed assets and other equipment
Responsible for assigned state vehicles
Track all activity time and ensure reimbursement
Organize and plan work to be accomplished, set and adjust priorities
Prepare schedules for off-shift periods
Assign work to subordinates based on priorities, consideration on the requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees
Manage human resource and human services needs of assigned personnel
Recruit, interview, and assist administration in all aspects of the hiring process to fill out crew ranks
Reward or make recommendations for awards as needed
Discipline or terminate subordinates as needed
Develop performance standards and evaluates work of subordinate
Allow for and produce training opportunities for subordinates
Complete annual performance management contracts or evaluations for full-time and seasonal employees
Participates in and complete annual fire readiness review for agency endorsement and official availability notification
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden I
Hotshot Crew – Assistant Superintendent
Initial Attack Crew – Crew Supervisor
Engine – Captain
Fire Equipment Operator

Job Description:
This position is required to fulfill agency and interagency requirements for the establishment and delivery of wildland fighting resource services. Management of a complex fire resource program by integrating numerous employees to form a group or groups of independent resources is required. This is accomplished by serving in a key fire management position that requires extensive experience in wildland fire suppression and personnel management. The position will provide oversight and direction for second level supervisors and other subordinates while maintaining fiscal, personnel, and operational control.

Duties May Consist Of:

Administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised
Establishing guidelines and performance expectations for subordinate staff members; providing feedback and evaluating employee work performance
Provides advice, counsel, and/or instruction to staff members by recommending or approving appointments, selections, or reassignments to appropriate positions
Recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and terminating of permanent and seasonal employees
Technical or analytical work involving wildland fire suppression, prescribed burning operations, and natural resource-based projects
Determination of resources required for projects, pre-suppression and suppression activities
Plan and assign work to be accomplished; set and adjust priorities and prepare schedules
Ensure proper delivery of all assigned resource services through oversight, guidance, and fiscal accountability
Implementation of program objectives to complete the annual plan of work and delivery criteria
Update annually, the statewide annual operating plan to reflect program changes or updates; pre-season preparedness planning, including preparedness inspections of resources
Involved as an instructor available for local, geographic, and national training sessions
Ensure all assigned resources and personnel adhere to safety standards during all fire and project activities
Conduct staff ride visits with assigned resources to make certain resources are operating to national standards
Involved with budget issues and makes recommendations when necessary
Track and review all revenue documents to guarantee all activities are reimbursed
Develop written proposals for programs
Other duties as assigned

Positions Include:

Fire Warden I
Hotshot Crew – Assistant Superintendent
Initial Attack Crew – Crew Supervisor
Engine – Captain
Fire Equipment Operator

Administrative and human resource management functions relative to the staff supervised
Establishing guidelines and performance expectations for subordinate staff members; providing feedback and evaluating employee work performance
Provides advice, counsel, and/or instruction to staff members by recommending or approving appointments, selections, or reassignments to appropriate positions
Recruiting, interviewing, hiring, and terminating of permanent and seasonal employees
Technical or analytical work involving wildland fire suppression, prescribed burning operations, and natural resource-based projects
Determination of resources required for projects, pre-suppression and suppression activities
Plan and assign work to be accomplished; set and adjust priorities and prepare schedules
Ensure proper delivery of all assigned resource services through oversight, guidance, and fiscal accountability
Implementation of program objectives to complete the annual plan of work and delivery criteria
Update annually, the statewide annual operating plan to reflect program changes or updates; pre-season preparedness planning, including preparedness inspections of resources
Involved as an instructor available for local, geographic, and national training sessions
Ensure all assigned resources and personnel adhere to safety standards during all fire and project activities
Conduct staff ride visits with assigned resources to make certain resources are operating to national standards
Involved with budget issues and makes recommendations when necessary
Track and review all revenue documents to guarantee all activities are reimbursed
Develop written proposals for programs
Other duties as assigned